Germany ranks among the top 3 most popular destinations for international students, after the USA and the UK.
MBA programs are offered in Germany with very low tuition fees even for international students.
Studying for an MBA in Germany is no longer a distant dream for Indian students. It is now a reality that is affordable and high-quality. With mostly free or affordable tuition fees from public universities and internationally recognized degrees, the benefits really add up in Germany as you are not sacrificing anything in terms of quality education.
Whether you are enrolled in an affordable public university or an expensive private business school, with motives of industry driven curriculum, the overall cost of an MBA in Germany is considerably lower than your dreams of the overwhelming costs of American or UK universities. There is quality faculty, post-study work options and a student life that is vast.
So, when you take into account your career prospects alongside your bank balance you really have a destination that is an exceptional return on your investment. In this guide we breakdown everything you need to know about studying for an MBA in Germany cost.
MBA in Germany Cost: Top Universities & Tuition Fee
Germany has some of the highly ranked but low-cost MBA programs in Europe. Whether you are applying to less prestigious but still elite business schools like WHU, ESMT Berlin, or highly ranked public universities like TUM, and RWTH Aachen, you will find that the costs of your MBA are significantly less than in the US or UK.
Here is a summary of the tuition fees of the top 10 universities for MBA programs in Germany.
*Note-The costs can be different based on the INR conversions and specific course.
MBA in Germany Cost: Public vs Private Universities
Opting for an MBA in Germany provides a unique mix of quality education at low-cost especially at public universities.
University Type
Tuition Fee (EUR)
Fee in INR (₹)
Public
€300–€1,500 per semester
₹25,200–₹1.26 lakhs per semester
Private
€15,000–€50,000 total
₹12.6–₹42 lakhs total
*Note-The costs can be different based on the INR conversions and specific course.
Public MBAs are relatively inexpensive: you will only have to pay a semester fee like admin, student union, transit and no tuition. Private MBAs will provide better industry connections and career services but the price for that is significantly higher.
Germany has various scholarship opportunities for international students to assist with reducing the costs of an MBA. Regardless of whether you are applying to a public university with low fees or a private business school, these scholarships can greatly lessen tuition costs and at least partially subsidize living expenses.
Best Scholarships for MBA in Germany
Here are mentioned some of the best scholarships for MBA in Germany for students:
Germany's primary public funding body for higher education
Can offer full/partial tuition + €934 (₹78,456)/month for living expenses
You will need solid academic history, and a well-defined study proposal
2. Deutschlandstipendium (Germany Scholarship)
Merit-based: €300 (₹25,200)/month for 1 year.
Open to any nationality and any university.
Co-funded by the German state and private sponsors.
3. Erasmus+ Program
Available for MBA students at partnered EU universities.
Includes tuition waivers, plus a monthly stipend to cover travel/mobility expenses.
4. The Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships
Tuition and living cost support, and completion of good academic and living standards, for socially engaged students.
Students eligible for the scholarships must be proficient in German and English (which probably helps).
5. Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Scholarships
For international students who demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities.
Financially supports the student with a monthly EUR 850.00 (₹71,400)+ Subsides; requires a political interest, as well as a strong academic record.
6. Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) Scholarships
For socially motivated students.
May subsidize a student's living costs up to EUR 934.00 (₹78,456)/month + health insurance + family benefit and required development assistance.
7. University-based Scholarships
ESMT Berlin: various MBA scholarships: Full and partial merit-based scholarships.
WHU – Otto Beisheim: Excellence Scholarship + Diversity Scholarship.
Mannheim Business School: Early Bird Discounts, Women in Business Scholarship.
Cost of Living in Germany
Though German university tuition may be low or cost-free, living expenses constitute much of your overall MBA cost. Knowing the monthly costs will help you plan effectively as a student while avoiding surprises.
Approximate Monthly Living Expenses in Germany (2025)
Here’s a table of approximate monthly living expenses in Germany for students
Expense
Monthly Cost (EUR)
INR (Approx.)
Accommodation (shared)
€300 – €500
₹25,200 –₹42,000
Food & Groceries
€150 – €250
₹12,600 –₹21,000
Health Insurance
€100 – €120
₹8,400 – ₹10,080
Transport (Public)
€50 – €80
₹4,200 – ₹6,720
Phone & Internet
€30 – €50
₹2,520 – ₹4,200
Miscellaneous
€50 – €100
₹4,200 – ₹8,400
*Note- INR conversions are indicative, please check the current exchange rate for precise values.
Total Monthly Cost of Living in Germany while doing MBA will be approximately €700 – €1,100
By studying an MBA in Germany, you will receive world class education with significantly lower tuition costs in comparison to the US and UK countries. However, while the tuition costs are typically the most publicized costs of studying abroad, all students need to consider the overall cost of living in Germany. One of those costs, which is legally required for all international students, is health insurance.
Health Insurance for MBA Students in Germany
Required for Visa Approval: All students must have health insurance in order to approve their student visa.
Two options:
1. Public Health Insurance for students under 30 years old or students in a state-recognized institution.
Providers: TK (Techniker Krankenkasse), AOK, Barmer, etc.
Price: €120 per month (INR 10,800)
2. Private Health Insurance for students over 30 years old, accredited on special MBA programs.
Let us have a look on the other mandatory costs for studying MBA in Germany:
Expense
Estimated Cost (EUR/month)
Cost in INR/month
Health Insurance
€35 – €120
₹3,100 – ₹10,800
Semester Contribution
€100 – €350 (per semester)
₹9,000 – ₹31,500
Blocked Account Requirement
€11,208/year (as of 2025)
₹10 – ₹10.5 lakhs/year
Rent (shared apartment)
€250 – €450
₹22,500 – ₹40,500
Food & Groceries
€150 – €250
₹13,500 – ₹22,500
Transport (student discounts)
~€30 – €60
₹2,700 – ₹5,400
Study Materials
€20 – €50
₹1,800 – ₹4,500
Miscellaneous (phone, leisure)
€50 – €100
₹4,500 – ₹9,000
Note- INR conversions are approximate and may vary based on currency exchange rates.
Tips for saving Cost of Living in Germany
Strategies to Reduce Costs While Pursuing MBA Study in Germany
By managing costs intelligently, you can make a significant dent in the overall price tag of studying in Germany. Here are some cost-cutting tips that students can use to save money:
Use hostels or Shared Flats (WG):
This will save your rent up to a great extent because rent is always an expensive factor.
Use a Semester Ticket:
Most universities offer a subsidized public transportation pass for a single semester or academic year. Depending on the city, you could save up to €500 a year using your Semester Ticket.
Make Your Meals at Home:
Dining out and eating fast food on a regular basis can quickly add up. So, cooking at home could lead to food savings of 50% or more.
Use Discounted Supermarkets:
Discount supermarkets in Germany offer good-quality groceries at prices lower than usual.
Buy Second-Hand Books or Utilize the Library:
Do not buy a new textbook. Use your university's library, digital PDF files, or try second-hand auctions or markets.
Use Student Discounts:
From software tools to movie tickets and travel, students receive discounts everywhere in Germany.
Work Part-Time Legally:
International students can work 120 full days per year or 240 half days per year. Most part-time, casual work will support your living costs up to €1,200 month of earnings.
Access a Free Student Bank Account:
Banks like N26 or DKB provide FREE banking accounts for international students.
An MBA in Germany provides learners with cost-effective education and excellent career opportunities. With Germany's increasing economy, multinational companies, and post-study work rights, students gain value for their education.
Career Options After MBA in Germany
Here are some important aspects which can help you to make a decision with your career options after MBA in Germany:
Post-Study Work Visa: Students can stay in the country for up to 18 months after graduation in order to obtain work that aligns with their qualifications.
Major Hiring Sectors: The consulting, engineering, IT, finance, and automotive sectors are the most common industries hiring MBA graduates.
Top Employers: Top employers of international MBA graduates include BMW, SAP, Deutsche Bank, Bosch, Siemens, and PwC.
Salary Range: The average starting salary for MBA graduates in Germany is €55,000-€90,000/year (₹46-₹75 lakh) depending on area of expertise and industry.
Career Services: Most of the top universities for MBA provide support in the area of career services, often offering corporate tie-ups and networking opportunities to assist in employability.
Conclusion
Studying for an MBA in Germany is one of the most sensible options for students who value both affordable, quality education.
Public universities have low or no tuition fees, and there are also many scholarships available, and with cheap living costs, the MBA in Germany cost is lower compared to other top study destinations like the US or UK.
FAQs
Do German universities with MBA programs accept Indian Bachelor's degrees?
Yes, the majority of German universities will accept Indian degrees if they are from UGC-recognized institutions. Some universities, however, will require that your degree is equivalent to a German Bachelor's of 3 or 4 years.
Can I pay MBA tuition fees in installments?
Many German universities—private ones, especially—can offer semester-wise or monthly installment options. Make sure to check with your targeted school for flexibility.
Is getting an MBA in Germany cheaper than in the US or UK?
Yes, it is much cheaper (approx. 50% - 70% cheaper than both the US and UK) to get an MBA in Germany, especially at a public university, with post-study work eligibility similarly granted.
Are there any extra costs outside of tuition and living?
Yes, other costs could come into play such as visa fees, blocked account deposits (€11,208), semester tickets, travel, and set up costs such as accommodation deposits or insurance premiums.
Do Indian students need to pay a visa deposit/blocked account deposit?
Yes, students would need to deposit around € 11,208 (approx ₹ 9.4 lakh) into a blocked account to show applicants have enough finances to support themselves while studying there.
Do MBA students get help from universities for housing?
Yes, some universities provide student housing or help find it, especially if it is a public university. However, there is limited housing so you must apply early.
Am I allowed to work part-time while studying for an MBA in Germany?
Yes, international students can work 120 full days or 240 half days per year, which will help cover living costs by earning about €1,200 per month.
Are costs for health insurance included in the total cost of study?
No, health insurance cost is separate and is approximately €100 per month (₹8,400 approx.) and it is a requirement for all students in Germany.
Do private universities in Germany have a better ROI?
Many private universities can offer greater connections to industry, better placement assistance, and higher initial salaries, which can make the greater financial investment worthwhile.
What other one-time costs should MBA aspirants budget for?
Students should also budget for the cost of a visa, travel costs (₹60,000–₹1 lakh), accommodation deposit (€1,000), and first settlement costs.
What total budget should Indian students prepare for a MBA in Germany?
The total budget for an MBA including tuition, living costs, insurance, and visa cost would vary from ₹10 lakh (public) to ₹35–₹45 lakh (private MBA).
Bulbul is a self-driven professional and an expert writer & editor. She has been a part of the ed-tech industry for the past 2 years now and is motivated to provide study abroad aspirants with factual...
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