- Most public universities in Germany are tuition-free for international students.
- Only a few German lands (states) charge a special tuition.
- Living costs vary a lot depending on the city, lifestyle, and whether you share accommodation.
German universities are popular among international students, as they offer high-quality education and various Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes taught in English. University fees in Germany are known for their affordability, with free public universities only charging a semester fee.
Below you will find all the information you need to calculate your budget for studying in Germany. Check out details about tuition fees, living costs, and scholarship opportunities.
University fees in Germany
Germany has both public and private universities with different tuition fee structures.
Tuition fees at public universities in Germany
You’ll be happy to know that public universities in Germany don’t charge tuition fees for Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes. If you plan to pursue a Master's degree that focuses on a different subject than the one you studied as a Bachelor’s student, there may be some additional fees.
The German free tuition system is available for all foreign students, regardless of their country of origin.
The only exception is the Federal State of Baden-Württemberg. At the end of 2017, it reintroduced tuition fees in its public universities for non-EU/EEA students, who have to pay €1,500 per semester, plus the regular semester fee. There are exemptions (for example, for EU/EEA students, some refugees, and scholarship holders).
While there aren’t tuition fees in most public German universities, there are some other fees, including:
- Semester fees covering administrative costs (usually between 100 and 400 EUR per semester, depending on the university)
- Student union (Studierendenwerk) fees, which support cafeterias, housing services, counselling, and campus facilities
- Health insurance (If you have proof of health insurance, you may be exempt)
For university-specific examples, let’s take a look at the public universities below:
University name | State | Fees for international | Fees for EU |
Baden-Württemberg | 1,500 EUR per semester + semester fee | Semester fee between 150-200 EUR | |
North Rhine-Westphalia | Semester fee between 300-350 EUR | Semester fee between 300-350 EUR | |
Hamburg | Semester fee between 300-400 EUR | Semester fee between 300-400 EUR | |
Berlin | Semester fee between 300-400 EUR | Semester fee between 300-400 EUR | |
Bavaria | Semester fee between 85-150 EUR | Semester fee between 85-150 EUR |
Tuition fees at private universities in Germany
In private German universities, tuition costs typically range between 5,000 and 25,000 EUR per year for a Bachelor’s degree and between 10,000 and 40,000 EUR per year for a Master’s. While public universities are more popular for their affordability, private universities can be worth considering for their smaller class sizes, facilities, and industry-focused programmes.
Here are some examples of private universities and their tuition fees. Keep in mind that the fees may depend on the programme:
University name | State | Fees for Bachelor’s | Fees for Master’s |
Multiple locations in Germany | Around 7,000 per year | Around 10,000 per year | |
Berlin | Around 10,000 per year | Around 15,000 per year | |
Brandenburg | Around 14,000 per year | Around 20,000 per year | |
Multiple locations in Germany | Starting from 1,000 EUR per month | Starting from 1,000 EUR per month | |
Berlin | Around 8,000 EUR per year | Around 9,000 per year |
Cost of living in Germany for students
Germany is considered affordable compared to other European countries. The average monthly living expenses for students are estimated at around 850-1,200 EUR.
Keep in mind that larger cities such as Berlin, Frankfurt, or Düsseldorf will be on the higher end of the range, and will require a higher budget. Smaller cities like Freiburg, Leipzig, or Hannover are more affordable.
Student accommodation costs in Germany
According to the German Academic Exchange Service, over 40% of international students live in halls of residence. These are your most affordable options, as they’re publicly funded. Other options include sharing a flat or living alone in a studio. Here’s what you can expect to pay for each:
- Halls of residence: 250-300 EUR per month
- Sharing a flat with others: 250-800 EUR per month for a room, depending on the city you’re in
- Living alone: 450-1,000 EUR per month (Keep in mind that most flats in Germany are rented unfurnished)
Depending on your accommodation type, you may also have to add monthly utilities like electricity, gas, heating, and internet to your expenses, which usually cost between 100 and 250 per month.
Food costs for international students in Germany
On average, students spend around 200-250 EUR per month on food. Budget supermarkets like Aldi, Lidl, and Netto are the most affordable options.
Students can also eat at Mensas, which are university cafeterias in Germany. It typically costs between 2 and 4 EUR per meal, and there is a wide range of options available.
Restaurant prices will depend on the city you’re based in. You can expect to pay between 10 and 15 EUR for a meal in an inexpensive restaurant.
Transportation costs
Many German universities include a semester ticket as part of their semester fees. Known in German as Deutschlandsemesterticket, this is a discounted public transportation pass you can use throughout the country.
Cycling remains a popular way to get around. Many cities have bike rental systems, with short-term rates starting at 1-2 EUR/hour and monthly passes available for 10-20 EUR.
For longer trips, Germany’s Deutsche Bahn train network connects cities in Germany and elsewhere in Europe. It offers discounts for everyone under the age of 27.
Student visa fees in Germany
Students from most countries outside the EU/EEA need a visa to study in Germany. As part of the visa process, you must provide proof that you can cover your living expenses. As of 2026, this amounts to 992 EUR per month (or 11,904 EUR per year). The most common way to do this is by depositing the money in a blocked account.
The non-refundable application fee for the visa is 75 EUR.
Planning your budget as a student in Germany
Here are some tips on budgeting and saving money while studying in Germany:
- Check out the Studyportals Scholarship, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), and Deutschlandstipendium to see if you’re eligible.
- Alternatively, you can use Mastersportal to browse multiple scholarships in Germany at the same time.
- Apply early for student housing, as halls of residence are limited.
- Shop from discount supermarkets like Aldi, Netto, and Lidl.
- Cook your own meals or eat at the Mensa instead of eating out in restaurants.
- Use your semester ticket to save on public transport costs.
- Look for student discounts in museums, events, and shops.
- Work a part-time student job to help cover living expenses. Many international students can work 140 full days or 280 half days per year in Germany.
Find your university in Germany
Especially if you study in a public institution in Germany, your university fees will be very low. That said, consider these factors when calculating the cost of studying in Germany:
- Tuition and semester fees
- Health insurance
- Accommodation
- Food
- Social life
- Transportation
- Visa application costs and proof of finances (if required)
Germany is considered an affordable study destination in Europe, and it’s home to many high-quality universities. Check out the best universities in Germany here and start planning!
