What is the Cost of Studying In Germany? Scholarship Opportunities

Germany is renowned for its free education and well-established funding system. DAAD, the German Academic Exchange Service, runs one of the largest scholarship networks for international students. Germany offers students scholarships for bachelor’s, master’s, PhD and short-term courses. It also offers funding especially designed for specific countries. Despite having all the information available on their websites, many students struggle to identify the right programs because they are either unaware of what to look for, find the websites difficult to navigate, or get discouraged by the competition.

However, even if you are not able to secure any funding to support your studies in Germany, students still have options like part-time work or choosing low-fee institutions. We want to make it easier for you to plan your studies in Germany by following these steps and know about these opportunities.

Cost of Studying in Germany for an International student

These are the things you will be spending your money on to study in Germany. According to your country’s requirements, you may skip a few things or if you are able to get funding, then some of these will be transferred to your scholarship provider. Overall, for self-funded students, the list is below,

English Language Proficiency Exams (IELTS/TOEFL) / German Language Proficiency Exams (TestDaF/DSH)
APS Certificate (for select nationalities including India, China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Mongolia )
University Application Fees (Uni-Assist, direct application)
Entrance Exam (TestAS for undergraduates)
Visa Application Fee
Flight to Germany (one-way)
Blocked Account Deposit (living expenses proof)
Travel Health Insurance (short-term)
Public Health Insurance (monthly after enrollment)
Semester Contribution (student union, services, transport)
Tuition Fees (in specific universities or states)
Monthly Rent and Housing Costs
Food and Grocery Expenses
Transportation (public transit, student pass top-ups)
Phone and Internet Plans
Utilities (electricity, heating, etc.)
Miscellaneous Expenses (books, clothing, leisure)
Initial Setup Costs (deposits, bedding, city registration)
Residence Permit Fees (after arrival)

Language Proficiency Exam

German universities offer courses both in English and German Language. If you are a non-European student, English Language Proficiency is mandatory for you. Native countries are usually exempt from English Proficiency Certificate. Most institutions accept IELTS and TOEFL iBT. Now the charges will vary from country to country depending on whether you take paper based or computer-based exams. In some countries, paper-based exams are more expensive. The British Council, IDP Education and Cambridge Assessment take these exams.

Remember, both TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for two years. You need them to apply for scholarships like DAAD as well.

For German courses, you need to take exams like TestDAFor DSH through Goethe-Institut, and TestDaF Institute. Plan your exams according to admission dates.

APS (Academic Evaluation Center ) Certificate

Only applicants from India, China, and Vietnam are currently required to obtain an APS certificate to apply to German universities and apply for a student visa. You can check all the details regarding the APS Certificate application process here.

The cost could possibly include translation charges, courier charges and travel cost if you were called for an interview along the fee. These fees are set by each local APS center in coordination with the German embassy. These charges are non-refundable.

University Application Fee

German Public universities do not charge an application fee for direct applications through the university portal. However, if you apply via Uni-Assist (centralized service for applications), you will have to pay handling fee of €75 for first course, and for additional courses they charge

€30 each. You might be lucky to find a university that covers your Uni-Assit fee, as some universities do.

However, we advise you to familiarize yourself with the application process, and apply by yourself. If you find it difficult to navigate through websites for the admission process, you can watch videos on how to apply for a specific university. Besides, you can always check Uni-assit for your admissions.

Entrance Exam (TestAS for undergraduates)

For most master’s programs in Germany, there is no entrance test (apart from language test). If you are applying for an undergraduate program, you might have to take TestAS-which is an aptitude exam for international applicants.

Also, not all universities require TestAS but some of the universities access your bachelor’s degree through the entrance exam. The cost of the TestAS fee depends on your country. Usually, it’s around 80 -150 euro. If it is your requirement, keep a budget for the entrance test as well.

Note: Some German universities may require the TestAS exam for admission.However, it is not mandatory for all universities in Germany.

Visa Application fee

The cost of applying for a German visa depends on your country of origin. Germany maintains the same visa cost standard for almost all countries. The cost of the visa is €75 for adults. The embassy will charge you this amount; therefore, you may also want to check with your country’s embassy for any additional charges. Usually, when you ask to send your passport through courier, they may charge you some extra money.

Since the visa fee is non-refundable, it is advised to make sure your documents are complete, including (admission letter, blocked account, etc ) before you apply.

Flight to Germany (one-way)

Flight tick cost depends on when you book, which airline and from where you are flying. Let’s suppose you are flying from India to Germany, the cost is roughly €330–€660). Whereas, from Pakistan it is almost €250 to €485. Remember, this is a rough estimate, it depends on the season and other factors. Also, this is a one-way ticket from Pakistan to Germany.

Blocked Account Deposit (living expenses proof)

Now this is one of the most important documents that is required for studying Germany. It is proof that you have enough financial resources to cover your expenses during your stay in Germany. Blocked Account means you can not take out the money at once, once you arrive in Germany you get a monthly allowance out of your blocked account, ensuring you always have money to live on.

For Winter 2025 applicants, you need to show €11,904 for one year. This works out to €992 per month that you’re allowed to withdraw.

Travel Health Insurance (short-term)

Health insurance is mandatory in Germany. You will not be allowed to enroll at university without it, and you also need at least a travel health insurance to get your visa approved. Remember two phases for your insurance;

Travel Health Insurance for Visa: Many students get a three month travel health insurance to cover the period before enrollment in Germany. Providers like Expatrio, Fintiba, or other international insurers often include this in their packages. The cost is relatively low, around €30–€60 for three months. Some blocked account providers add it automatically for visa purposes.

Student Health Insurance (Public): Once you are enrolled, you will switch to a German public student health insurance, or private if you prefer. Public health insurance is highly recommended for students under the age of 30. In 2025, the cost is around €130–€150 per month. For example, Techniker Krankenkasse (TK), one of the largest insurers, charges about €132 per month, which includes health and nursing care insurance. Students under 23 years of age pay a little less, about €120–€130 monthly, because a small surcharge is waived. Students above 30 years of age pay much higher premiums, so starting your studies before 30 is financially smarter.

Remember: Budget around €130 per month for health insurance during your studies. Over a two year master’s program, that is about €3,000 in total. The good part is that German health insurance is comprehensive. It covers doctor visits, basic dental care, and many medications.

(Pro tip: Pay a semester’s worth of insurance upfront, around €600, so you do not have to worry about monthly deductions. Some universities also ask for insurance confirmation at enrollment.

Semester Contribution

Public universities in Germany do not charge tuition for most programs. However, students pay a semester contribution known as Semesterbeitrag. This is not tuition. It covers administrative costs, student services, and often a public transport ticket.

The semester contribution usually ranges from €100 to €400 per semester. It depends on the university and location. Smaller towns may charge closer to €150, while universities in larger cities often charge around €300–€350. The national average is around €250 per semester.

Examples:

Technical University of Munich (TUM): about €147 per semester (basic transport ticket).
Universität Hamburg: about €282 per semester (includes transport).
TU Berlin: roughly €307 per semester.
University of Heidelberg: around €171 (transport ticket is separate).

You will pay this fee at enrollment and again each semester before classes begin. For one year, plan for around €500 in total, for two semesters. This fee also helps fund cafeterias, student unions, and other campus services.

Tuition Fees (Public Universities and Exceptions)

Germany’s biggest advantage is that most public universities charge no tuition fees for Bachelor’s and consecutive Master’s programs. However, there are important exceptions:

No Tuition (majority of universities): Most public universities such as TU Berlin, University of Cologne, and many others do not charge tuition. You only pay the semester contribution.

Baden-Württemberg: Since 2017, the state of Baden-Württemberg, home to Stuttgart, Karlsruhe KIT, Freiburg, Heidelberg, and others, charges €1,500 per semester for non-EU students. That is €3,000 per year in addition to the semester contribution.

Bavaria (new tuition): From Winter 2024/25 onward, the Technical University of Munich (TUM) introduced tuition fees for new international students. Depending on the program, fees range between €2,000–€3,000 per semester for Bachelor’s degrees and €4,000–€6,000 per semester for Master’s degrees. This is a major change because TUM was tuition-free until 2023. Other Bavarian universities may follow, but as of now TUM is the main one charging these higher fees.

Private Universities: Private institutions in Germany always charge tuition, usually €5,000 or more per semester. Most students apply to public universities, but it is good to be aware of this.

Summary: Most public universities remain tuition-free, except in Baden-Württemberg, where it is €1,500 per semester, and now TUM in Bavaria, where fees can be up to €6,000 per semester. Always confirm on your university’s website whether tuition applies, because some specialized Master’s programs also have their own fees.

Monthly Living Expenses in Germany

Even without tuition, students must plan for living costs. The official requirement is €11,904 per year, which is €992 per month. Here is a breakdown of what typical monthly expenses look like:

Rent: €300–€500 depending on the city. The average is €350 in smaller towns, much higher in Munich or Frankfurt.
Food: €150–€200 if you cook at home and eat occasionally at the Mensa (canteen).
Health Insurance: around €130.
Transport: Often included in the semester contribution. If not, budget €30–€50 monthly.
Phone and Internet: Around €10–€20 for SIM plans, and €10–€15 for shared home internet.
Utilities: Around €50, unless included in rent.
Miscellaneous (books, leisure, clothing): €50–€100 depending on lifestyle.

Adding this up, most students spend between €850–€1,000 per month. This matches the blocked account requirement of €992 per month.

Initial Setup Costs: When you first arrive, you will need extra for a room deposit (two to three months’ rent), residence permit fee (€100), winter clothes, and basic furniture or bedding. Expect an additional €500–€800 in the first month.

Final Tips:

Always double-check official university and DAAD websites for the latest costs.
Keep a buffer for currency exchange fluctuations.
Look into scholarships or part-time jobs, up to 20 hours per week allowed, to ease costs once in Germany.
Start saving early. The biggest hurdle is showing proof of finances for the visa.

Studying in Germany remains a great opportunity. The education is world-class with relatively affordable costs compared to other countries. Just plan carefully, and you will be ready.

Estimated Cost Table (For International Students in General)

Expense Category	Estimated Cost (€)	Notes
IELTS / TOEFL Exam	€200	Fees vary slightly by country due to local testing center costs, but generally ~€200 everywhere. Required for English-taught programs
TestAS (Undergrad Entrance Test)	€80–€150	For undergrad applicants, it depends on local test providers.
Uni-Assist Application Fee	€75 + €30 per extra	First app €75, each additional €30
Direct Application Fee	€0–€50	Varies by university; many charge nothing
Visa Application Fee	€75	Paid at consulate/VFS
One-Way Flight	€330–€660	Varies by origin, airline, and season
Blocked Account (Annual)	€11,904	Required financial proof for visa
Travel Health Insurance	€30–€60 (3 months)	Required before enrollment
Public Health Insurance	€130/month	Covers medical, dental, nursing care
Semester Contribution	€100–€400 per semester	Includes student union and transit pass
Tuition Fees (if applicable)	€0–€6,000 per semester	Varies: Free in most cases; exceptions in Bavaria/Baden-Württemberg
Rent	€300–€500/month	Depends on city and accommodation type
Food	€150–€200/month	Cheaper with home cooking + student canteens
Transportation	€30–€50/month	Included in semester fee in many cases
Phone + Internet	€20–€30/month	Prepaid SIM + shared Wi-Fi
Utilities	€0–€50/month	Sometimes included in rent
Miscellaneous	€50–€100/month	Books, clothing, entertainment, etc.
Initial Setup Costs	€500–€800 (one-time)	Room deposit, permit fee, basic home items
Residence Permit	~€110	After arrival, mandatory for staying >90 days

If you are an international student from any non-EU country, this is pretty much the price tag. There’s no secret “Platinum Passport Discount Club.”You are all equally broken in the eyes of the German bureaucracy.

This was all about the cost of studying in Germany. Now let’s talk about a few scholarships that you must know if you plan to study in Germany.

DAAD German Academic Exchange Service

The DAAD provides scholarships to study at the undergraduate, postgraduate, PhD, and research levels, and sometimes offers funding for short courses. It is also engaged in supporting students for internships in Germany. You can use the official DAAD Scholarship Database and filter by your country, status, and field of study. Additionally, there are country-specific pages where you can find out which programs are specifically designed for your country.

Few of the popular programs includes:

Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS)
Scholarships for Postgraduate Studies in the Field of Architecture
Art, music, and performing arts scholarships
Helmut-Schmidt-Programme (Public Policy and Good Governance)
Research and doctoral scholarships

You can check out

For more click here.

Other scholarships for Germany

Tuition Free Universities in Germany

For any changes in the tuition fee policy, you must check the university website. Few of the universities that offer tuition free education.

Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU Munich)
Technical University of Munich (TUM)
Humboldt University of Berlin
Free University of Berlin (Freie Universität Berlin)
RWTH Aachen University
University of Bonn
University of Hamburg
University of Freiburg
University of Cologne
University of Göttingen (Georg-August-Universität)

We will keep updating the information. Do not forget to revisit for the latest updates. If there is anything you want to know, let us know in the comments.