
Cost of Living in Germany for Indian Students
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With a 26% increase in the student population reaching 42,997 in the winter semester of 2023 Germany has become a top study destination for Indian students because of its affordable cost of living ranging from EUR 10,200 to 12,000 per year. Essential costs such as accommodation, food, transportation, utilities, and bills are manageable based on students’ lifestyle choices. Germany is a country that attracts the most students for master’s, bachelor’s, and post-graduate job opportunities. Comparatively, Germany’s student living costs are much more reasonable than other European countries like the UK or France.
Tuition Fees in Germany for International Students
- Germany offers diverse university options for international students, with Public and Private Universities having different tuition fee structures.
- Public Universities, funded by the government, provide free education for both undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) programs.
- On the other hand, Top Universities in Germany charge tuition fees for their programs which range from EUR 10,000 to 20,000, varying based on the degree and course selected. (Some private universities may even exceed EUR 20,000, with fees reaching EUR 30,000 for UG programs and EUR 40,000 for PG programs.)
- The cost of living for students in Germany is influenced by the university type. Public universities follow German regulations, offering international students a zero tuition fee policy (0-3,000 EUR per annum). This significantly impacts the overall student cost of living in Germany, making public universities a more affordable option for both postgraduate and undergraduate studies.
University Type
|
Tuition Fees
|
Additional costs
|
Additional notes
|
---|---|---|---|
Public University
|
€0 - €3,000
|
Semester fees (€250-€500)
|
Free education for UG & PG programs, low administration fees
|
Private University
|
€10,000 - €20,000
|
Varies depending on the program
|
Can reach up to €30,000 (UG) & €40,000 (PG)
|
Types of expenses for Indian students
Living and study abroad in Germany as an international student can be an exciting adventure, but it’s crucial to understand the various expenses you’ll encounter. There are major categories of student living costs in Germany, helping you budget effectively.
Accommodation:
- Cost: This varies greatly depending on the city and type of accommodation.
- Examples:
- Rented apartment: €500-€1200 per month
- Student dormitory: €250-€400 per month.
- Shared apartment: €300-€500 per month.
- Choose a city and accommodation type that fits your budget. Consider the Best Education Consultant for affordability and social connections.
Food and Outings:
- Cost: This can be managed through cooking and budgeting.
- Examples:
- Groceries: €100-€200 per month.
- Restaurant meals: €10-€20 per meal.
- Coffee/snacks: €2-€5 per item.
- Cook at home frequently, and take advantage of student discounts.

Transportation:
- Cost: Affordable and convenient with public transportation options.
- Examples:
- Monthly bus pass: €70.
- Train tickets: €19-€50 (depending on distance).
- Bicycle: One-time purchase (variable cost).
- Use public transportation for daily commutes. Consider cycling for short distances and cost-effectiveness.
Health Insurance:
- Cost: Mandatory for student visas.
- Types:
- Public health insurance: €70-€80 per month.
- Private health insurance: €400-€500 per month.
- Compare public and private options based on your needs and budget. Public insurance is generally enough for most students.
Other Expenses:
- Cost: Varies depending on individual interests and activities.
- Examples:
- Phone bills: €20-€50 per month.
- Internet: €20-€50 per month.
- Recreation: €50-€100+ per month (variable).
5 tips to save money in Germany
- There are a plethora of discounts on various items like clothes and gadgets in Germany, especially for students. So you can easily utilize these discounts and make your living cost-effective.
- If you are a regular in Germany like a student or doing the job you can invest in transportation cards which is a smart card used to cut down your expenses. These cards are so convenient for your daily use.
- Securing student scholarships is a significant means to offset living costs in Germany. Students should actively explore and apply for Overseas Education Consultant for available scholarship opportunities, reducing financial burdens.
- In Germany, you can easily enjoy seasonal sales where you can shop things at discounted prices which allows you to shop without taking any financial burden.
- To manage finances effectively, consider taking up a part-time job which also helps in saving for future expenses, ensuring financial security in the later years of study.
Conclusion
Germany’s affordable student cost of living (EUR 10,200-12,000/year) attracts Indian students. MS in germany Consultant offers Public universities which provide free tuition, making living costs even lower. Accommodation, food, transportation, and health insurance are major expenses. To save, choose cost-effective accommodation, cook at home, use public transport, compare health insurance, and utilize student discounts. Scholarships and part-time jobs can further ease financial burdens.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
€800 to €1000 per month is the cost of living of an international student including their accommodation, food, transportation, and other expenses. Tuition fees of public universities are mostly minimal to no tuition fees.
Bielefeld is considered one of the cheapest cities to live in Germany, offering a lower cost of living compared to other major cities like Munich and Frankfurt.
Yes, students can apply for permanent Residency PR in Germany after completing their studies but they have to meet certain eligibility criteria.
The earnings of international students in Germany depend on their courses and the type of jobs they are doing but students can easily earn up to 522.50 euros per month.
Living in Germany can be affordable for Indian students due to low or no tuition fees at public universities, but expenses vary based on lifestyle and location.
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As the days pass by Germany is increasingly becoming the go-to dream destination for students aspiring to pursue their higher education abroad.

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