Cost of Studying in Germany 2025: Complete guide for Indian students

Germany is one of the most affordable study destinations for international students. Most public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees, except for a small semester contribution of €250–€350 (INR 22,500–31,500). In contrast, private universities may charge between €10,000 and €20,000 (INR 9–18 lakh) per year, depending on the program. 

Apart from tuition, students must budget for living expenses. On average, the cost of living in Germany ranges from €8,700 to €10,680 (INR 7.8–9.5 lakh) annually, which covers accommodation, food, health insurance, and transport. 

Taking both tuition and living costs into account, the total annual cost of studying in Germany is about €11,000–€13,000 (INR 10–12 lakh). Even with gradual increases in expenses, Germany remains one of the lowest-cost countries for high-quality education. International students also benefit from excellent post-study work opportunities, making Germany a top choice for affordable overseas education. 

Planning to study in Germany? Check out the top universities here! 

What is the Average Cost of Studying in Germany? 

Germany is one of the most affordable study destinations in Europe, with tuition fees much lower compared to the USA or UK. Most public universities charge little to no tuition, while private universities can be more expensive. The cost of Germany also depends on the program you choose, such as MBA, MS, or undergraduate studies. 

What is the Cost of Studying an MBA in Germany? 

MBA programs in Germany are highly popular among international students due to the combination of world-class education and affordable fees. Public universities usually charge minimal tuition, but private institutions may have higher costs. The overall cost also varies based on full-time or executive MBA options. 

Here is the average cost of studying an MBA at top universities in Germany: 

University	Type	Average Tuition Fees (per year)	Fees in INR (Approx.)
University of Mannheim	Public	€3,000 – €6,000	₹2.7 – ₹5.4 lakh
Technical University of Munich (TUM)	Public	€2,500 – €5,000	₹2.2 – ₹4.5 lakh
ESMT Berlin	Private	€25,000 – €30,000	₹22.5 – ₹27 lakh
WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management	Private	€30,000 – €40,000	₹27 – ₹36 lakh
Frankfurt School of Finance & Management	Private (Executive MBA)	€40,000 – €50,000	₹36 – ₹45 lakh

Note: The fees mentioned above is approximate and may change with time and university policies 

What is the Cost of Studying MS in Germany? 

MS programs in Germany are especially attractive for students in fields such as Engineering, Computer Science, and Data Science. Most public universities offer tuition-free education, with only semester contributions required. Private universities, however, may charge higher tuition fees. 

Here is the average cost of studying MS at leading German universities: 

University	Type	Average Tuition Fees (per year)	Fees in INR (Approx.)
RWTH Aachen University	Public	€0 – €1,500 (semester fee only)	₹0 – ₹1.35 lakh
LMU Munich	Public	€0 – €1,200 (semester fee only)	₹0 – ₹1.08 lakh
Technical University of Berlin	Public	€0 – €1,000 (semester fee only)	₹0 – ₹90,000
Jacobs University Bremen	Private	€15,000 – €20,000	₹13.5 – ₹18 lakh
Munich Business School	Private	€12,000 – €18,000	₹10.8 – ₹16.2 lakh

Note: The fees mentioned above is approximate and may change with time and university policies 

What are the Popular intakes in Germany? 

German universities offer two main intakes for international students: Winter and Summer. The Winter intake is the primary one, while the Summer intake is secondary with fewer programs. Planning early is important, as deadlines close months before the semester begins. 

Intake	Application Deadline (Approx.)	Semester Start	Semester End
Summer 2025	Dec 1, 2024 – Jan 15, 2025	April 2025	September 2025
Winter 2025/26	May 15 – July 15, 2025	October 2025	March 2026
Summer 2026	Dec 1, 2025 – Jan 15, 2026	April 2026	September 2026
Winter 2026/27	May 15 – July 15, 2026	October 2026	March 2027

Note: Deadlines vary by university and program, with some (like TUM, RWTH Aachen, Cologne) allowing later submissions.

What is the Eligibility Criteria for Admission in Germany? 

Admission to German universities requires meeting both academic and language proficiency requirements. While each university has its own policies, the general eligibility criteria remain quite similar for most programs.  

Students must also demonstrate English or German language proficiency depending on the course medium. 

Here are the general eligibility requirements for international students:  

Level of Study	Academic Requirements	Additional Requirements
Bachelor’s Degree	12 years of schooling (equivalent to German Abitur)	IELTS (6.0+), TOEFL iBT (72+)
Master’s Degree	Recognized bachelor’s degree in relevant field	IELTS (6.5+), TOEFL iBT (80–90+)
MBA	Bachelor’s degree + 2–3 years of work experience	IELTS (6.5–7.0), TOEFL iBT (90–100+), GMAT/GRE (optional in some cases)
PhD	Master’s degree in relevant field	IELTS (6.5+), TOEFL iBT (90+), German proficiency (if program is in German)

What is the average cost of living costs in Germany for students? 

The average cost of living in Germany for international students depends on lifestyle, city, and type of accommodation. On average, students spend €850–€1,200 (₹76,000–₹1,08,000) per month on living expenses. This includes housing, food, transportation, health insurance, and other personal costs. Big cities like Munich, Frankfurt, and Hamburg are more expensive, while smaller towns offer lower rents and overall expenses. 

What are the monthly expenses for a student in Germany? 

For a single student, monthly living costs typically range between €850 and €1,200 (₹76,000–₹1,08,000). This includes rent, food, transportation, health insurance, and personal expenses. Larger cities like Munich and Frankfurt tend to be more expensive, while smaller towns are cheaper. 

Below is a table showing average monthly costs for a single student: 

Expense Category	Average Monthly Cost (€)	Average Monthly Cost (₹)
Rent	400–700	36,000–63,000
Food	150–250	13,500–22,500
Transport	70–100	6,300–9,000
Health Insurance	80–120	7,200–10,800
Personal & Leisure	150–200	13,500–18,000
Total	850–1,200	76,000–1,08,000

Note: These figures are approximate and can vary depending on the city, accommodation type, and lifestyle. Larger cities like Munich and Frankfurt are more expensive, while smaller towns are cheaper. 

Also read: Accommodation in Germany   

How much does housing and utilities cost in Germany? 

Housing is usually the largest monthly expense for students and professionals in Germany. Costs vary depending on the city, type of accommodation, and whether you live alone or share a flat. Utilities, internet, and other household services are additional costs that should be included in your budget.

What is the average rent in major German cities? 

Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center differs significantly between cities. Larger cities like Munich are the most expensive, while Berlin and Hamburg are slightly cheaper but still higher than smaller towns. 

Below is a table showing average rents in major cities: 

City	Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment (€)	Average Rent in INR (₹)
Munich	1,200–1,500	1,08,000–1,35,000
Berlin	900–1,200	81,000–1,08,000
Hamburg	1,000–1,300	90,000–1,17,000

Note: Rent varies depending on location within the city, apartment size, and amenities. Prices in city centers are usually higher than in suburban areas. 

How much does a shared apartment cost for students and young professionals? 

Shared apartments are very popular among students and young professionals as they reduce costs and provide social opportunities.   

Below is a table showing average costs in major cities: 

City/Area	Average Monthly Rent (€)	Average Rent in INR (₹)
Berlin	400–600	36,000–54,000
Munich	600–800	54,000–72,000
Other cities	350–500	31,500–45,000

Note: Shared apartments usually include basic utilities in the rent, but some services like internet or electricity might be separate. 

How much should I budget for utilities and internet? 

In addition to rent, utilities (electricity, heating, water, trash) cost €150–€250 (₹13,500–₹22,500) per month depending on apartment size and usage. Internet and mobile plans add an additional €30–€50 (₹2,700–₹4,500) per month. 

Below is a table showing average monthly utilities and internet costs: 

Expense Category	Average Monthly Cost (€)	Average Monthly Cost (₹)
Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, Trash)	150–250	13,500–22,500
Internet & Mobile	30–50	2,700–4,500
Total	180–300	16,200–27,000

Note: Costs vary by apartment size, city, and personal consumption. Choosing energy-efficient housing or plans can reduce expenses. 

How much does food and transportation cost in Germany? 

Food and commuting are major monthly expenses for students and residents in Germany. The costs vary depending on whether you cook at home or eat out frequently. Here’s a detailed overview to help plan your budget. 

How expensive are groceries in Germany? 

Groceries in Germany are relatively affordable, especially when shopping at discount supermarkets like Aldi, Lidl, and Penny. A single person can expect to spend between €200 and €300 per month on groceries, depending on dietary habits and shopping choices  

The following table provides a breakdown of common grocery items and their average prices in Germany: 

Grocery Item	Average Price (€)	Average Price (INR)
1 liter of Milk	€0.70	₹63
Loaf of Bread	€1.30	₹117
12 Eggs	€1.82	₹164
500g of Local Cheese	€4.45	₹401
1 kg Chicken Breast	€7.32	₹659
1 kg of Rice	€2.09	₹188
1 kg of Apples	€2.20	₹198
1 kg of Potatoes	€0.97	₹87
1 bottle of Mid-Range Wine	€4.99	₹449
0.5 liter of Local Beer	€0.76	₹68

Note: Prices may vary based on location and store. Shopping at discount supermarkets can help reduce costs. 

What is the cost of eating out in cafes and restaurants? 

Dining out in Germany can range from affordable to expensive, depending on the type of establishment. On average, a meal at an inexpensive restaurant cost between €10 and €15, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant can range from €50 to €70.  

The following table summarizes the average costs: 

Meal Type	Average Cost (€)	Average Cost (INR)
Inexpensive Restaurant (per meal)	€10–€15	₹900–₹1,350
Three-Course Meal for Two (Mid-Range)	€50–€70	₹4,500–₹6,300
Fast Food Meal	€6–€9	₹540–₹810

Note: Prices may vary based on location and type of cuisine. Larger cities tend to have higher dining costs. 

How much does public transportation cost in Germany? 

Germany offers various public transportation options, including buses, trams, and trains. The Deutschland-Ticket, introduced in 2023, allows unlimited travel on local and regional public transport for €58 per month. 

The following table outlines the costs associated with public transportation: 

Ticket Type	Cost (€)	Cost (INR)
Deutschland-Ticket (Monthly)	€58	₹5,220
Single Journey Ticket (Local)	€2–€3	₹180–₹270
Monthly Pass (City)	€70–€100	₹6,300–₹9,000

Note: The Deutschland-Ticket is valid throughout Germany on all local public transport. Single journey tickets and monthly passes vary by city and region. Student discounts may be available in certain areas. 

What are the Scholarship Options for Students in Germany? 

Studying in Germany can be made significantly more affordable through a wide range of scholarships offered by the government, foundations, universities, and international programs. These scholarships vary by eligibility, level of study, and benefits, ranging from tuition waivers to generous monthly stipends.  

Whether you're pursuing undergraduate, master’s, PhD, or postdoctoral studies, there are multiple options to help fund your education and living expenses. 

Below is a comparative table of major scholarship options available to international students in Germany: 

Scholarship Name	Provider / Type	Eligible Levels	Benefits (approx.)
DAAD Scholarships	Government (DAAD)	Master’s, PhD	Full tuition + €850–€1,200/month (₹75K–₹1.05L)
Deutschland stipendium	Govt + Universities	Bachelor’s, Master’s	€300/month (₹26K)
Heinrich Böll Scholarship	Heinrich Böll Foundation	Master’s, PhD	€934–€1,350/month (₹85K–₹1.2L)
Konrad-Adenauer Scholarship	Konrad-Adenauer Stiftung	Master’s, PhD	~€1,000/month (₹90K) + allowances
Friedrich Ebert Scholarship	Friedrich Ebert Stiftung	Master’s, PhD	Up to €1,000/month (₹90K)
SBW Berlin Scholarship	SBW Berlin (University)	Bachelor’s, Master’s	Tuition + stipend + housing

How do salaries compare to living costs in Germany? 

Understanding salaries relative to living costs is crucial for students, professionals, and families considering life in Germany. Average incomes differ by profession and city, and knowing these figures helps plan a comfortable lifestyle. Budgeting wisely can make even higher-cost cities manageable. 

What are the average salaries by profession and city? 

Salaries in Germany vary depending on profession, experience, and city. Major cities like Munich, Frankfurt, and Berlin often offer higher salaries to offset higher living costs. 

Here is an overview:  

Profession / Role	Average Salary (€)	Average Salary (INR)	Notes
Software Engineer	€50,000–€70,000	₹45,00,000–₹63,00,000	Salaries may increase with experience and specialization
Research Scientist	€45,000–€65,000	₹40,50,000–₹58,50,000	Varies by field and research institution
Teacher/Educator	€35,000–€50,000	₹31,50,000–₹45,00,000	Public school teachers generally earn less than university educators
Nurse / Healthcare Worker	€30,000–€45,000	₹27,00,000–₹40,50,000	Salaries vary by region and public/private institution
Business Analyst / Manager	€55,000–€80,000	₹49,50,000–₹72,00,000	Experienced professionals in finance or management can earn more

Note: Salaries are averages and can fluctuate based on experience, location, and sector. Big cities tend to pay more, but living costs are higher as well. 

What are some tips to save money while living in Germany? 

Saving money helps stretch your salary, especially in expensive cities. Simple strategies like using student discounts, shopping smart, and sharing accommodation can make a big difference. 

Below is a list of practical tips to save money while living in Germany: 

• Use Student Discounts : Many services in Germany offer reduced rates for students, including public transport, museums, cinemas, and events. Taking advantage of these discounts can save a significant amount each month. 
• Shop at Budget Supermarkets & Markets : Stores like Aldi, Lidl, and Penny, as well as local weekly markets, offer groceries at lower prices than premium supermarkets. Planning shopping trips and comparing prices helps cut monthly expenses. 
• Shared Apartments (WG) : Sharing an apartment with roommates reduces rent, utility bills, and other housing-related costs. This is a common and affordable way for students and young professionals to live in major German cities. 
• Cook at Home : Preparing meals at home instead of eating out frequently can save a lot of money. Buying ingredients in bulk and meal planning further reduces grocery expenses. 
• Plan Leisure Activities : Choose free or low-cost activities such as city events, parks, and cultural festivals. Budget-friendly entertainment options allow you to enjoy life without overspending. 

Note: Combining these strategies can significantly reduce monthly expenses and improve financial comfort while living in Germany. 

Conclusion

Living in Germany as an Indian student in 2025 can be affordable if you plan your finances carefully. Big cities like Munich and Frankfurt can be expensive, but costs can be managed with shared apartments, cooking at home, and using student discounts for transport, events, and shopping. Public universities in Germany are mostly tuition-free, which makes studying here even more attractive. 

By understanding the costs of housing, food, transportation, healthcare, and other daily expenses, you can create a realistic budget and avoid financial stress. Planning ahead helps you focus on studies and enjoy your time in Germany without worrying too much about money. With smart choices and proper budgeting, Germany can offer a comfortable and enriching student life abroad.