Cost of Studying in Germany: Fees, Living Costs and Education Loan

Germany University Fee Structure: Tuition and Semester Contribution

At most public universities a regular bachelor's or consecutive master's is tuition-free. There are exceptions: the state of Baden-Württemberg charges tuition to most non-EU students, and some non-consecutive or executive master's programs have fees. Private universities always charge tuition.

Every enrolled student pays a semester contribution. It covers student services and, at many universities, a public transport ticket. The amount differs by university and is set each year, so always check the university's own fee page. Shortlisting only public options? Read our guide to tuition-free public universities.

Living Cost in Germany for Students

Living costs depend mostly on the city. Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg and Berlin are expensive; smaller university towns in the east and centre of Germany are much cheaper. A typical monthly budget includes:

• Rent: the largest item; a shared flat or student dorm is far cheaper than a single apartment.
• Health insurance: compulsory for all students; public student insurance is a fixed monthly rate set each year.
• Food, phone, internet and study material.
• Transport: often partly covered by the semester ticket.

Use the official monthly figure required for the visa as your minimum budget, and add a buffer if you choose a big city.

Blocked Account: Proof of Funds for the Visa

For a German student visa you must prove you can pay for one year of living costs. Most Indian students do this with a blocked account, from which you can withdraw only a fixed amount each month after arriving. The required yearly amount is set by the German government and is usually updated every year, so check the latest figure on the German Missions in India website before you transfer money.

Alternatives such as a formal obligation letter from a sponsor in Germany or a full scholarship can also be accepted as proof of funds.

Education Loan for Germany: Secured, Unsecured and What Banks Check

An education loan for Germany can cover the blocked account, travel, the semester contribution and tuition at private universities. Indian public and private banks and NBFCs offer two main types:

• Secured loans backed by property or a fixed deposit, usually with lower interest rates and higher limits.
• Unsecured loans without collateral, which depend more on your admission, course, university and co-applicant's income, and usually cost more.

Lenders typically ask for the admission letter, academic records, a cost sheet and the co-applicant's income proof. Interest paid on an education loan may be deductible under Section 80E of the Indian Income Tax Act; confirm the details with your bank or a tax adviser.

• Your total cost in INR for your city and course
• Which loan type you may qualify for
• Scholarships that can cut your loan amount

Total Cost of a Master's in Germany in INR: How to Calculate It

To estimate the total cost of a master's in Germany in INR, add up: application costs (APS, uni-assist, language tests), visa fee, flight, the blocked account amount for year one, four semester contributions, any tuition, and living costs for the second year. Convert at the current euro rate and add 10–15% for exchange-rate changes.

Scholarships reduce this a lot. See our list of scholarships for Indian students in Germany.

Frequently Asked Questions