Cost of Doing Masters in Germany for Indian Students

Germany offers some of the lowest Masters in Germany Cost options globally, with public universities charging little to no tuition. Typically, Cost of doing Masters in Germany ranges from 11 Lakhs to 36 lakhs per year depending on whether the institution is public or private. 

Key facts about fees for doing Masters in Germany: 

• Public universities charge €0 tuition, with only a €150–€350 semester contribution (₹15,500–₹36,000). 
• Private university fees range between €7,000–€25,000 yearly (₹7.2–₹25.8 lakh). 
• Living expenses for Masters in Germany for Indian students average €900–€1,200 per month (₹93,000–₹1.24 lakh). 
• Cost of Doing Masters in Germany increases in cities like Munich, Frankfurt and Hamburg due to higher rent. 

This article explains the complete Masters in Germany Cost covering tuition, living expenses, accommodation, semester fees, scholarships and earning potential. This will help students, especially Indian applicants, estimate realistic budgeting before applying for a German master’s program. 

Study in Germany to experience world-class education, affordable living and unmatched career exposure

 

Total Estimated Cost of Studying Masters in Germany

Understanding the total expenditure is crucial for planning the complete Masters in Germany Cost. While tuition at public universities is minimal, living expenses, accommodation, insurance, and academic charges form the major share of the budget for international students. 

Total Estimated Annual Cost for Masters in Germany 

Cost Component	Annual Cost (EUR)	INR Equivalent
Tuition Fees (Public/Private)	€0–€25,000	₹0–₹25.8 lakh
Living Expenses	€10,800–€14,400	₹11.1–₹14.8 lakh
Health Insurance	€1,320–€1,440	₹1.36–₹1.49 lakh

For Masters in Germany for Indian students, the Cost of Doing Masters in Germany typically ranges between: 

• €11,000–€16,000/year (₹11.4–₹16.5 lakh) at public universities and  
• €20,000–€35,000/year (₹20.6–₹36.1 lakh) at private institutions,  

depending on the city, lifestyle and housing choices. This overall estimate helps students create a realistic financial plan covering tuition, accommodation, transport, insurance, food, and all associated Masters in Germany fees, ensuring a smooth academic experience in Germany.

Tuition Fees for Masters in Germany

Germany offers two major fee structures: public and private universities, creating a wide cost range for master’s programs. The table below shows the standard tuition fees students can expect, with INR conversions. 

Overall Tuition Fee Range for Masters in Germany 

University Type	Annual Tuition Fees (EUR)	INR Equivalent
Public Universities	€0–€1,500	₹0–₹1.55 lakh
Private Universities	€7,000–€25,000	₹7.2–₹25.8 lakh
Non-Consecutive Master’s (Public)	€3,000–€6,000	₹3.1–₹6.2 lakh

These differences arise based on program structure (consecutive vs non-consecutive), institution type, and specialization. 

Tuition Fees at Public vs Private Universities

Public universities usually follow a tuition-free model, while private institutions charge full tuition. The comparison below helps students understand typical cost expectations based on program type. 

Public vs Private Masters Fee Comparison 

Program Type	Typical Fee Range (EUR)	INR Equivalent
Consecutive Master’s (Public)	€0 tuition + €150–€350 semester fee	₹15,500–₹36,000
Non-Consecutive Master’s (Public)	€3,000–€6,000 yearly	₹3.1–₹6.2 lakh
Private University Master’s	€7,000–€25,000 yearly	₹7.2–₹25.8 lakh

Students applying for Masters in Germany for Indian students should note that public universities remain the most affordable option, while private universities provide more English-taught and industry-focused programs. 

 

Additional Academic Expenses

Along with tuition fees, students pursuing a master’s degree in Germany must account for several academic-related costs that add to the overall Masters in Germany Cost. These expenses vary by university, program type and city but remain an essential part of budgeting for international students - especially Masters in Germany for Indian students. 

Below are the common academic expenses that influence the total Cost of Doing Masters in Germany: 

• Semester Contribution: €150–€350 per semester (₹15,500–₹36,000) covering administration, student union, and public transport. 
• Learning Materials: €200–€400 per year (₹20,600–₹41,300) for books, software, journals, and printing. 
• Lab or Workshop Fees: €50–€200 per semester (₹5,100–₹20,600) depending on STEM or research-heavy programs. 
• Examination Fees: €50–€150 (₹5,100–₹15,500), applicable for certain courses and re-exams. 
• Thesis & Project Costs: €100–€300 (₹10,300–₹30,900) for printing, binding, and research materials. 

These additional expenses, although smaller compared to tuition or accommodation, significantly influence total Masters in Germany fees. Proper planning ensures students don’t encounter unexpected academic charges during their stay.

Living Costs for International Students in Germany

Living expenses make up the major portion of the Cost of Doing Masters in Germany, especially for Indian students. Costs vary by city and lifestyle, but the monthly range generally stays predictable across most student locations. 

Below is a breakdown of common student expenses with INR conversions. 

Average Monthly Living Costs for Students in Germany 

Expense Category	Monthly Cost (EUR)	Approx. INR Equivalent
Accommodation	€400–€700	₹41,300–₹72,400
Food & Groceries	€150–€250	₹15,500–₹25,900
Health Insurance	€110–€120	₹11,400–₹12,400

These figures may increase in cities like Munich, Hamburg and Frankfurt. For Masters in Germany for Indian students, budgeting €900–€1,200 (₹93,000–₹1.24 lakh) per month ensures comfortable living, covering additional costs like transport, utilities, and leisure. 

 

Cost of Student Accommodation Options

Accommodation forms one of the largest components of the overall Masters in Germany Cost, and prices vary based on location and housing type. Students should understand the differences between dormitories, shared flats, and private apartments to estimate the real Cost of Doing Masters in Germany. 

Below are the common accommodation costs in Germany for Indian students, along with typical monthly costs: 

• Student Dormitories (On-Campus): €250–€400 (₹25,900–₹41,300) 
• Shared Flats (WG): €350–€550 (₹36,200–₹56,900) 
• Private Apartments: €600–€900 (₹62,000–₹93,000) 
• Homestays / Private Rooms: €300–€500 (₹31,000–₹51,700) 

These costs depend heavily on the city. Larger metropolitan cities like Munich or Frankfurt have noticeably higher rent than smaller student towns. 

On-Campus vs Off-Campus Housing Costs

On-campus housing is the most affordable, but availability is limited. Off-campus shared flats and private apartments offer more flexibility but contribute significantly to total Masters in Germany fees. 

Comparison of On-Campus vs Off-Campus Housing 

Housing Type	Monthly Cost (EUR)	INR Equivalent
On-Campus Dormitory	€250–€400	₹25,900–₹41,300
Off-Campus Shared Flat (WG)	€350–€550	₹36,200–₹56,900
Private Apartment	€600–€900	₹62,000–₹93,000

Students should apply early for dormitories since demand far exceeds supply, especially in popular cities. 

City-Wise Accommodation Costs

Accommodation prices change significantly based on the city. Below is a simple overview comparing costs in major student hubs to help plan the overall Masters in Germany Cost. 

Monthly Student Housing Costs in Top German Cities 

City	Average Cost (EUR)	Approx. INR
Berlin	€400–€650	₹41,300–₹67,200
Munich	€650–€900	₹67,200–₹93,000
Frankfurt	€550–€800	₹56,900–₹82,700

Students choosing Munich should budget higher due to premium housing rates, while Berlin and Frankfurt offer moderately priced options with good public transport connectivity. 

 

Part-Time Work and Earning Potential for Students

Part-time work plays a major role in reducing the overall Masters in Germany Cost, especially for international applicants. Germany allows students to work legally while studying, helping them manage living expenses without relying entirely on savings. 

Below are the key details students should know about part-time work while pursuing Masters in Germany for Indian students: 

• Work Hours: 20 hours/week during semesters and full-time during breaks. 
• Minimum Wage: €12.41 per hour (₹1,282 per hour). 
• Typical Earnings: €450–€900 per month (₹46,500–₹93,000). 
• Common Jobs: Retail, cafés, university assistantships, warehouse jobs, tutoring. 
• Tax-Free Limit: €538/month; earnings above this may require tax registration. 

Part-time work significantly lowers the Cost of Doing Masters in Germany by covering groceries, transportation, or even partial rent depending on the city and job type. 

 

Scholarships and Funding Options for Masters in Germany

Scholarships significantly lower the overall Masters in Germany Cost, especially for students who want to reduce monthly living expenses or cover partial tuition. Germany offers government, EU, and university-funded scholarships that support both academic and living costs. 

Top Scholarships for Masters in Germany 

Scholarship Name	Funding Amount (EUR)	INR Equivalent
DAAD Scholarship	€934–€1,300/month + travel + insurance	₹96,500–₹1.34 lakh/month
Deutschlandstipendium	€300/month	₹31,000/month
Erasmus+ Grant	Variable based on university exchange	Varies (typically ₹40,000–₹80,000/month)
University-Specific Scholarships (TUM, RWTH, Heidelberg, etc.)	€500–€5,000/year (varies by program)	₹51,700–₹5.17 lakh/year

These funding options make Masters in Germany for Indian students more financially accessible. University scholarships, in particular, help reduce partial tuition (mainly in private universities) or support high-performing students with annual study grants, easing the overall Cost of Doing Masters in Germany. 

Explore the top Scholarships for Indian Students in Germany

 

Tips to Reduce the Cost of Studying Masters in Germany

Managing expenses smartly can significantly reduce the overall Masters in Germany Cost, especially for students living in bigger cities. Planning ahead and choosing cost-efficient options helps lower both academic and daily living expenses. 

Practical Ways to Reduce the Cost of Doing Masters in Germany 

• Choose Public Universities: They charge €0 tuition, keeping overall fees extremely low. 
• Apply Early for Student Dormitories: On-campus housing is the cheapest option and can save €150–€300/month (₹15,500–₹31,000). 
• Use Semester Ticket for Travel: It reduces transportation expenses by providing unlimited regional travel at no extra cost. 
• Work Part-Time Within Allowed Limits: Earning €450–€900/month (₹46,500–₹93,000) helps cover rent and groceries. 
• Target DAAD & University Scholarships: These can cover living costs, travel, insurance, or partial tuition. 
• Live in Smaller Cities: Cities like Leipzig, Bonn, and Hannover are far cheaper than Munich or Frankfurt. 
• Cook at Home & Shop Smart: Avoiding frequent eating out can save €100–€150/month (₹10,300–₹15,500). 
• Buy Used Books or Digital Versions: Cuts learning material costs significantly. 
• Share Accommodation (WG): Shared flats are cheaper and reduce utilities cost. 
• Avoid Unnecessary Subscriptions: Save money on gyms, streaming, or mobile plans by choosing student deals. 

These strategies are especially helpful for Masters in Germany for Indian students, enabling them to control expenses while maintaining a good quality of life during their studies. 

 

Conclusion

Pursuing a master’s degree in Germany is highly affordable, especially with low tuition and multiple funding options. While living expenses form the major share of the Masters in Germany Cost, smart budgeting, scholarships, and part-time work help reduce overall Masters in Germany fees. For Masters in Germany for Indian students, understanding real expenses, accommodation choices, and city-wise variations ensures better financial planning. 

With the right approach, the Cost of Doing Masters in Germany remains manageable, making Germany one of the best value-for-money destinations for quality higher education.

Connect with our experts for a 1:1 session with you for any query.