Conditions and Costs of Studying in Germany

Although Germany is one of the most developed countries, the cost of studying there is very reasonable. Every year, many students from around the world prepare themselves to pursue their education at international universities. German universities, equipped with the best educational facilities and modern equipment, are a popular destination for many international students. It is well-known that Germany is one of the leading countries in the world in terms of industry, technology, and medicine. Consequently, German universities are among the best and most prestigious institutions globally.
Despite the high academic, scientific, and educational standards, the tuition fees at public universities in Germany only cover administrative costs each semester. Another factor to consider is the cost of living for students in Germany, which depends on the city of study and the student’s lifestyle. In this article from Elm Vira’s migration series, we will review the conditions and costs of studying in Germany.

Advantages of Studying in Germany

German universities are among the best in the world and offer high-quality academic standards and excellent facilities. On the other hand, the cost of studying in Germany is very reasonable and affordable. This is one of the greatest advantages of studying in Germany, as studying in a highly developed and renowned country with excellent career prospects is an attractive and favorable option. The advantages of studying in Germany include:

• Studying in one of the most advanced countries with free tuition (at public universities)
• Excellent academic and educational facilities in an academic environment
• Low tuition fees at private universities in comparison to those in the UK and the USA
• The possibility of working while studying
• Affordable living costs for students in Germany
• The option of obtaining a dependent visa for family members and full-time employment for them
• Receiving a work permit in Germany after graduation
• The possibility of obtaining a scholarship to study in Germany

Cost of Studying in Germany

One of the most important aspects of studying abroad is tuition fees and university costs. The cost of studying in Germany varies depending on the type of university, the program, and the level of education. For instance, tuition at public universities in Germany is nearly free, and the only fees that students are required to pay are administrative and student insurance fees. These fees vary by public university and are typically less than 1000 euros per semester.

At private universities, tuition fees start at 3,000 euros and can rise depending on the field of study and degree level. In some cases, tuition at private universities can reach up to 40,000 euros. However, there is an exception for universities in the Baden-Württemberg state, where international students must pay tuition fees if they wish to study there. It’s important to note that, similar to other countries, the cost of studying in Germany is not limited to tuition fees, and living expenses should also be considered.

Conditions for Studying in Germany

German universities, ranked among the best in the world, are a popular destination for many international students. Those wishing to study in Germany should consider not only the cost of education but also the specific conditions for studying there. While most public universities in Germany offer almost free education, it’s important to note that private universities have set tuition fees.

One of the key requirements for studying in Germany, especially at public universities, is proficiency in the German language, with a minimum B1 level certification. For studying in English, applicants need an IELTS score of at least 6. Students at the undergraduate level typically do not have entrance exams; a high school diploma with good grades is sufficient.

Graduate applicants (Master’s) and doctoral programs must pass entrance exams to be admitted to German universities. One of the common exams is the GRE. Other essential requirements include obtaining admission, acquiring a student visa, and proving financial stability.

Universities in Baden-Württemberg State

As mentioned, the cost of studying in Germany is generally free and includes only administrative registration fees each semester. However, there is an exception for universities in the state of Baden-Württemberg. Since 2017, a law has been passed requiring non-EU students to pay tuition fees at universities in this state. These universities include:

• University of Freiburg
• Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)
• Heidelberg University
• University of Konstanz
• University of Mannheim
• University of Tübingen
• University of Stuttgart
• University of Ulm
• University of Hohenheim

The tuition fee for each semester at these universities is typically around 1,500 euros, with an additional 650 euros per semester for a second degree.

Tuition Fees for German Universities

As mentioned earlier, the cost of studying in Germany includes both university tuition fees and living expenses. Therefore, to estimate the total cost of studying in Germany, you must consider both the tuition fees and the cost of living.

For public universities in Germany, students only need to pay administrative fees each semester, making education almost free. However, exceptions exist, with some public universities, such as the University of Freiburg and the Technical University of Munich, charging tuition fees for Master’s programs ranging from 700 to 1,500 euros.

The tuition fees for private universities depend on the program, degree level, and institution. Below are the semester fees for some of the most prominent public universities in Germany, as well as tuition fees for private institutions:

Public Universities in Germany (Administrative and Registration Fees per Semester)

UniversitySemester Fee

University of Heidelberg 152 euros

University of Göttingen 345 euros

University of Bonn 323 euros

University of Leipzig 350-500 euros

University of Würzburg 130 euros

Private Universities in Germany

University / InstitutionAverage Tuition Fee

Bard College Berlin 28,700 euros

CODE University of Applied Sciences 9,800 euros

Adventist University of Friedensau 1,200-4,900 euros

EBC Hochschule 10,000 euros

SRH Hochschule Berlin 10,000 euros

EBS Business School 15,000 euros

GISMA Business School 3,000-30,000 euros

Hertie School of Governance 32,000 euros

EU Business School 1,400-3,000 euros

Munich Business School 24,000 euros

Tuition Fees for Popular Majors in Germany

Some academic fields tend to attract more applicants than others. Therefore, it is important to have information about tuition fees for popular majors at German universities. As previously mentioned, for certain public universities in Germany, students are required to pay tuition fees in addition to administrative fees. Below are the tuition fees for popular fields of study:

MajorPublic University TuitionPrivate University Tuition

Medicine and Dentistry 300-2,000 euros 15,000-28,000 euros

Engineering 500-3,000 euros 9,000-20,000 euros

Architecture 350-3,000 euros 5,000-20,000 euros

Law 350-3,500 euros 10,000-20,000 euros

Business Administration 300-3,000 euros 10,000-25,000 euros

MBA 500-5,000 euros 10,000-30,000 euros

Scholarships for Studying in Germany

One of the advantages of studying in Germany is the availability of scholarships. Scholarships in Germany are divided into two groups: government-funded and non-government-funded. These scholarships cover part or all of the tuition fees and living expenses. The most important scholarships in Germany include:

• Erasmus Scholarship
• DAAD Scholarship
• Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship
• Konrad Adenauer Foundation Scholarship
• Deutschland Stipendium Scholarship

Cost of Living for Students in Germany

In addition to tuition fees, it is essential to consider the cost of living as part of the overall cost of studying in Germany. The cost of living depends on your lifestyle and the city where you live.

While it is difficult to provide an exact figure for student living costs in Germany, a general estimate for living expenses (excluding accommodation) is approximately 850-1,200 euros per month. The rent also varies depending on the city, with larger cities like Munich, Cologne, Hamburg, and Frankfurt having higher rent prices.

Here is an estimate of the main living expenses for students in Germany:

ExpenseAverage Cost

Rent 290-830 euros per month

Food 50-170 euros per month

Clothing 42 euros per month

Stationery 20 euros per semester

Transport 30-90 euros per month

Health Insurance 80 euros per month

Bills (Phone, Electricity, etc.) 35 euros per month

Sports and Leisure 34-61 euros per month

Student Jobs in Germany

One of the advantages of studying at German universities is the opportunity to work while studying. According to German regulations, international students are allowed to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week. This allows students to cover some of their living expenses and gain valuable work experience.

Summary

German universities are among the best in the world, and many international students aspire to pursue their education in this advanced country. Compared to many other European and American countries, the cost of studying in Germany is quite affordable.

Tuition fees at public universities in Germany are almost free, with most universities only charging administrative fees per semester. However, some public universities, such as those in the Baden-Württemberg state, do require tuition fees. In addition to tuition fees, students must also account for living expenses in Germany, which can vary depending on the city and lifestyle.

The cost of living for students depends on factors such as the city, accommodation, and lifestyle. Some of the benefits of studying in Germany include affordable tuition fees, the opportunity to study at one of the world’s best universities, the availability of scholarships, and the option to work while studying.

Additionally, there are post-graduation job opportunities in Germany. Students can also apply for a visa to bring family members, who will have full-time work permits in Germany. German universities provide excellent educational and scientific facilities, offering a highly conducive environment for talented students from around the world.

Elm Vira Migration Institute has an excellent track record of successful immigration cases and provides the latest information on studying at top universities worldwide. By filling out the free consultation form, you can connect with our experts.