The DAAD has increased its monthly living stipend for master’s students to €992 for the 2024/25 academic year (up from €934).
Germany has increased the blocked account requirement to €11,904 per year (≈ ₹10.7 lakhs), up from €11,208.
The cost of study in Germany is one of the lowest among top study destinations, making it ideal for international students. Public universities in Germany offer tuition-free education, requiring only a semester contribution fee of €250–€350 (INR 22,500–31,500), while private universities may charge between €10,000 to €20,000 (INR 9–18 lakh) per year. Besides tuition, students need to consider living expenses, which average around €8,700–€10,680 (INR 7.8–9.5 lakh) annually, covering accommodation, food, and transport.
In total, students should plan a budget of €11,000–€13,000 (INR 10–12 lakh) per year. Despite rising costs, Germany continues to offer affordable, high-quality education with strong post-study work opportunities. Understanding the full cost of study in Germany helps Indian and international students plan better and make informed decisions.
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Total Cost of Study in Germany for Indian Students (2025)
Germany offers world-class education at a relatively affordable price, making it a top destination for Indian students. While many public universities offer tuition-free programs, students still need to plan for various other expenses, including semester fees, accommodation, food, health insurance, and more.
Tuition and Semester Fees
Most public universities in Germany charge no tuition fees. However, students are required to pay a semester contribution that typically covers administrative costs, public transport, and student services. Semester fees: €150 – €350 (₹13,400 – ₹31,300) per semester
Living Expenses
The cost of living in Germany varies depending on the city and lifestyle. Major cities like Munich or Frankfurt are costlier than smaller towns. On average: Monthly living cost: €700 – €1,200 (₹62,600 – ₹1,07,300) This includes rent, food, transportation, health insurance, and leisure activities.
Total Estimated Yearly Cost
Taking tuition, semester fees, and living expenses into account, the average yearly cost for Indian students in Germany is approximately:
€10,000 – €15,000 (₹8.9 – ₹13.4 lakhs) per year
Proper budgeting and planning can help Indian students make the most of Germany’s affordable education and high-quality academic environment.
Germany fees for International Students
Germany is budget-friendly for international students. You'll mainly pay low semester fees (about €150-€350). The fees cover student services and public transport. Even specialized Master's programs have reasonable fees, ranging from €1,500 to €3,000 annually. This affordability makes Germany a top choice for Indian students. They seek quality education without a hefty price tag.
Regular courses for bachelor’s or master's degrees are quite affordable, even at private universities. The cost of an MBA in Germany, the cost of an MS in Germany, cost of the medical degrees or other professional courses can be on the higher side. It also depends upon the university in which a student is getting enrolled.
Below is a brief idea of the cost of study in Germany –
Course
Annual Fees
Vocational or Diploma Courses
€300
Bachelor’s Courses
Up to €30,000
Master’s Course
Up to €40,000
PhD
Up to €3000
Cost of MBA in Germany for Indian Students
Pursuing an MBA degree in Germany is cheaper than in other European countries. State-funded universities have no tuition fees at all. Candidates have to pay administrative fees only at the beginning of the semester. A full-time MBA study program takes between 12 to 24 months.
MBA study programs are also available in which students can work with an organization while studying. They can study in the evening or at weekends. The duration of these courses is higher than that of full-time study programs.
Here is a brief idea of the cost of an MBA in Germany for Indian students at some popular business schools –
University/College
Course
Annual Tuition Fees
Duration
Munich Business School
MBA in General Management
€ 32,000
1 Year
(Approx. INR 29.07 lakhs)
Frankfurt School of Finance and Management
Master of Business Administration
€ 42,000
1 Year
(Approx. INR 38.15 lakhs)
University of Mannheim
Master in Management
€ 1,500
2 Years
(Approx. INR 1.36 lakhs)
Leipzig University
Master of Science in Business Administration
€ 1,000
2 Years
(Approx. INR 90.8 thousand)
EU Business School Germany
Master of Business Administration
€ 8,000
1 Year
(Approx. INR 7.38 lakhs)
Cost of MS in Germany for Indian Students
Germany includes globally ranked universities for Masters in Science that are valued across the world for the top-class quality education and an MS degree at an affordable cost.
Here are some of the top universities that offer Masters in Science degrees in Germany:
The cost of living covers accommodation costs, utilities, transportation, and food expenses. Though the cost of living in Germany depends on the city you want to live in, the average costs for each category are mentioned in the table below
Cost of Living in Germany : Highlights
Category
Monthly Costs
Accommodation Costs
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre – €920.97
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre- €694.75
Utility Costs
€200 to €300.06
Food Expenses
€2.44 to €13.00
Transportation Costs
€3.00 to €30.00
Source:Numbeo
Average Rent in Germany for students
The average rent for accommodation varies from one city to another. Some cities like Frankfurt, Berlin, and Cologne are cheaper, while Munich and Hamburg may be slightly costlier. Here’s taking a look at the average rentals that are easily available. It completely depends upon the size and the number of bedrooms in the apartment.
Here are some of the cities with minimal accommodation costs.
Average Rent in Germany for Students: Highlights
City
Average Cost
Berlin
€ 1,321
Munich
€ 1,398
Frankfurt Am Main
€ 1,156
Cologne
€ 929
Hamburg
€ 996
Food Cost in Germany: Highlights
Item
Average Price (€)
Milk (regular) (1 liter)
€ 1.04
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
€ 1.97
Rice (white) (1kg)
€ 2.75
Eggs (regular) (12)
€ 3.33
Local Cheese (1kg)
€ 12.59
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
€ 14.68
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
€ 16.14
Apples (1kg)
€ 2.62
Banana (1kg)
€ 1.32
Oranges (1kg)
€ 2.03
Tomato (1kg)
€ 3.03
Potato (1kg)
€ 1.49
Onion (1kg)
€ 1.60
Lettuce (1 head)
€ 1.86
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
€ 0.85
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
€ 5.99
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
€ 0.86
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
€ 1.44
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
€ 8.20
Transportation Cost
The cost of public transportation in Germany is arguably cheaper than running a car. Public transportation options include bicycles, public transport tickets, taxis, and personal cars. An average one-way ticket on local public transport costs around €3.00. A monthly public transport ticket averages around €60. Taxis typically have a starting fare of €4.40 and a cost per kilometer that can vary from €3.20 to €7.00. Owning a car can also be expensive, with gasoline prices between €1.71 and €1.90 per liter.
Basic Expenses
Expenses
Cost (Per Month)
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
€ 300.06
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
€ 28.60
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
€ 46.03
German Student Visa Cost
The German student visa is a long-term stay visa (90+ days) or the D visa. The application fee for an adult D visa is 75 EUR or INR 6,780.87. The visa fees should be paid at the end of the visa appointment. It is also important to note that they are non-refundable, meaning the amount will not be refunded even if the visa application is rejected.
Block Account Cost
The blocked account deposits the money required as proof of financial resources for living in Germany. The German blocked account amount is deposited while applying for a student visa to Germany. The blocked amount is €11,208 (INR 10 Lakhs) for a year. This amount is used to manage living expenses apart from the costs of studying in Germany, such as tuition fees. Banks may charge an additional amount to open the account.
Costs of Health Insurance in Germany for International Students
The cost of health insurance for Indian students in Germany adds to their overall living expenditure. These include:
Winter: This is the primary intake in Germany which is widely preferred by international students. It starts in September and ends in July
Mid-July
Summer: The summer intake is the second intake in Germany. Students who miss applying in the winter intake can go for this one. However, there are few courses available at the universities for this intake. It starts in April and ends in August
Mid-January
Eligibility for Admission into German Universities
Although some German universities offer English-taught courses, the dominant mode of instruction in German universities is the German language. Therefore, applicants applying for admission into German-taught universities must prove their German language proficiency.
On the other hand, applicants applying to English-taught German universities must prove their English language proficiency. The proficiency tests required for both languages are given in the table below
Although there are several ways of supporting your education in Germany, the most relevant of them are discussed below
1. Part-Time jobs:
To earn extra money while studying in Germany, you can take up several part-time jobs which you can find on-campus and off-campus. The job roles in each category are mentioned below:
Category
Job roles
On-Campus
Library Supervisor
Research Assistant
Peer Tutor
Tutorial Assistant
Off-Campus
Babysitter
Waiter
Bartender
Cashier
The wages for part-time jobs in Germany start from €467 per month.
2. Scholarships
a) Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarships
Students who have maintained an excellent academic record and have a keen interest in politics may apply for the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarship. The purpose of this scholarship is to attract graduate students from all over the world to Germany.
Eligibility
The students should hold a bachelor’s degree.
Applicants should not exceed the age limit of 30 years.
Must have German language proficiency at B2 level.
Any volunteer work done is an added advantage.
Stipend amount
Degree
Stipend Amount
Postgraduate
€850
Doctoral or PhD
€1,100
b) Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships
Heinrich Böll Foundation annually awards 1,200 scholarships to undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students enrolling in any course at a German university. However, it is imperative that aspirants must pursue their degrees at a state-recognized university in Germany.
Eligibility
Excellent academic performance
Demonstrate a keen interest in politics, democracy, sustainability, and human rights
For Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Requirements
German/Foreign students (schooled in Germany)
Non-EU nationals (not schooled in Germany)
Degree needed to get the scholarship
Bachelor’s, Diploma
Master’s degree (work experience proof is a must)
German proficiency proof
N/A
B2 level or DSH 2 certificate required
For Doctoral Students
Requirements
German/Foreign students (schooled in Germany)
Non-EU nationals (not schooled in Germany)
Doctoral study admission proof
Proof that you are enrolled for a doctoral study at a state or state-approved university must be submitted with the application
Proof that you are enrolled for a doctoral study at a state or state-approved university must be submitted with the application
German proficiency proof
N/A
B2 level or DSH 2 certificate required.
Stipend amount
Degree
Category
Stipend (Monthly)
Masters
Non- EU nationals
€850
PhD
Non- EU nationals
€1,200
c) DAAD Scholarship Programs
DAAD or German Academic Exchange Service Scholarship is a joint organization of Germany’s higher education institutions, responsible for promoting international academic relations. International students enrolling in full-time study programs in Germany are eligible for this scholarship.
Eligibility
Bachelor’s degree completed in the last six years
Two years of proven work experience
Stipend Amount
The scholarship program provides monthly allowances to students every month that covers their living and travel expenses.
Degree
Stipend Amount (Monthly)
Postgraduate
€850
Doctoral
€1,200
d) Erasmus+ Scholarship Programs
Erasmus+ Scholarship Programs offer an opportunity to international students already studying in a university in their home country for studying more than two semesters at a German university. The purpose of this scholarship is to provide financial support to students interested in studying in Germany.
Eligibility Criteria
Students are currently studying at a home university that is a member of the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education.
Willing to study in a German university which is also a member of the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education,
Want to become a subject of student exchange under a mutual agreement of both universities (sending and German hosting university) for specific mobility action.
English language proficiency test scores
Stipend Amount-
€49,000
Conclusion
In2025 the cost of studying in Germany for international students remains an attractive proposition, largely due to the country's policy of offering low to no tuition fees at public universities. This approach makes Germany one of the most cost-effective higher education destinations in Europe. So, if you are looking to study in Germany, connect with our experts.
The cost of living in Germany in 2025 for international students ranges between €850 to €1,200 per month (approx. ₹76,000 to ₹1,08,000). This includes accommodation, food, transportation, health insurance, and other personal expenses. Costs may vary depending on the city—larger cities like Munich or Frankfurt are more expensive than smaller towns.
What will the salary be in Germany in 2025?
In 2025, the average starting salary for graduates in Germany ranges from €40,000 to €55,000 per year (approx. ₹35 to ₹48 lakhs), depending on the field of study. STEM graduates and those in IT or engineering generally earn on the higher end.
How much will it cost to study in Germany?
Most public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees for international students. However, students are required to pay a semester contribution of about €250 to €350 (₹22,000 to ₹31,000). Living expenses bring the total cost to €10,200 to €14,400 per year (₹9 to ₹12.5 lakhs).
How much does it cost to study in Germany in Indian Rupees?
The annual cost of studying in Germany, including living expenses, semester fees, and insurance, is about ₹9 to ₹12.5 lakhs. Public universities are more affordable, while private universities can cost significantly more.
Is studying in Germany free for Indian students in 2025?
Yes, public universities in Germany continue to offer tuition-free education for international students, including Indians, in 2025. However, students still need to cover living expenses and a semester fee, making it not completely free but highly affordable compared to other countries.
How much bank balance is required for a German student visa in 2025?
To get a student visa in Germany in 2025, you must show proof of sufficient funds by maintaining a blocked account with €11,208 (approx. ₹9.8 lakhs). This ensures you can support yourself for the first year of your stay in Germany.
What are the part-time job opportunities for students in Germany?
International students in Germany are allowed to work 120 full days or 240 half days per year. Common part-time jobs include roles in cafes, supermarkets, and university assistantships. Students typically earn €10–€15 per hour, helping them manage their living costs.
What is the cheapest city in Germany for international students?
Cities like Leipzig, Dresden, and Aachen are considered some of the most affordable cities in Germany for students. Rent and daily expenses in these cities are lower, with monthly costs ranging from €700–€900 (₹62,000–₹80,000), making them ideal for budget-conscious students.
Is Germany expensive to study for Indian students?
Compared to other countries like the US or UK, Germany is relatively affordable, especially with free tuition at public universities. Students mainly pay for living costs and semester contributions. Scholarships, student discounts, and part-time work options also help manage expenses. It's a cost-effective choice for quality education.
Can I study in Germany with a budget of 10 lakhs INR?
Yes, studying in Germany with a budget of 10 lakhs is possible, particularly at public universities where tuition is free. However, your lifestyle, city choice, and housing type will influence your expenses. Proper budgeting and part-time work can make it manageable for a year.
Do Indian students need to show proof of funds for Germany?
Yes, Indian students must show financial proof, typically by depositing around €11,208 (approx. INR 9.9 lakh) into a blocked account. This ensures you can support yourself during your first year. Without this, getting a student visa is not possible.
Are there hidden or unexpected costs when studying in Germany?
Besides tuition and rent, students may face costs like health insurance, residence permit fees, and university administration charges. Occasional travel, course materials, and personal expenses also add up. Planning ahead prevents financial stress during your studies.
Is health insurance mandatory for students in Germany?
Yes, international students in Germany must have valid health insurance. Public insurance schemes cost around €110 (INR 9,800) per month. Without it, you can't enroll in university or get a residence permit, so it's a crucial part of your study budget.
Rakhee Talukdar is an edtech expert with five years of experience in the education technology sector, focusing on K-12 and higher education systems in various countries, including Canada, USA, Finland...
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