Have you ever wondered why there are so many international students in Germany? With over 450,000 students from abroad studying in Germany, there are many reasons why the number of international students in Germany rises every year. One of the main reasons is the low cost of studying in Germany, attracting students from around the world to access a high-quality education at a low cost.
So, how expensive is it to study in Germany? Here’s a guide for international students considering studying in Germany in 2024 and how much it will cost.
Cost of studying in Germany: The figures
As mentioned, the low cost of studying in Germany is one of the major incentives that attracts international students every year. So, how much are international students in Germany actually required to pay?
Visa –To study in Germany, you must first obtain a student visa. To do this, you must be able to show proof of €11,208 per year to cover living costs.
Tuition / administrative fees – Most public universities have no tuition fees and only require payment of administrative fees, also known as semester fees, of around €100 – €300. Tuition fees at private universities start from around €5,000 and can rise upwards of €20,000. Private universities offer specialised programmes in a variety of fields from business to technology.
Scholarship and funding options for international students in Germany
To combat the cost of studying in Germany, international students can explore a variety of scholarships that may be available to them. International students in Germany should be aware of the different kinds of scholarships including Government and privately funded scholarships, specific scholarships offered by German universities, Federal German state-specific scholarships and a variety of MBA scholarships for international students.
DAAD Scholarship programmes, funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) are an example of fully funded scholarships and are popular among international students in Germany. Likewise, German universities offer scholarships to promote diversity, individual achievements, creative talents, academic excellence and more. For example, the University of Europe for Applied Sciences offers a range of scholarships including the Digital Pioneers Scholarship and the Sherryl Kintu Scholarship scheme.
Cost of Living in Germany for international students
As well as the cost of studying in Germany, it is important to get an understanding of how much it will cost you day-to-day living in Germany. Widely regarded as an affordable destination for students, the cost of living in Germany is relatively low compared to other European study hot spots.
Accommodation – This is the most significant expense for international students and takes careful consideration of all the options available. According to Study in Germany, on average students spend around €410 per month on accommodation with most students choosing to stay in student dormitories. Other options for international students include shared apartments and private accommodation.
Transport costs – Fortunately for international students in Germany, the country is known for its efficient public transport system. International students can take advantage of schemes such as the student semesterticket and the D-Ticket monthly pass which gives you unlimited public transport for €49 per month.
Food and dining – Food prices in Germany are seen as reasonable and international students can expect fair prices for groceries including meat, fruit and vegetables and dairy products. As expected, dining costs at restaurants are more expensive but a good alternative to home cooking is student cafeterias which provide affordable meals.
Health Insurance – One of the requirements for international students in Germany is health insurance. It is important to explore public and private providers of health insurance to get the coverage that suits you best. This will roughly cost you roughly €100 – €150 per month.
Why do international students choose to study in Germany?
From the affordable cost of living in Germany to the world-renowned higher education system, Germany is a very attractive option for international students. Here are the top five reasons why international students choose to pursue an education in Germany.
- Cost of studying in Germany
After abolishing tuition fees 10 years ago for domestic and international students in 16 states, Germany has seen a huge influx of international students at public universities in the country. Students are just required to pay a small administrative fee, making the low cost of studying in Germany a key attraction for many international students.
Germany is one of very few European countries that offers free access to higher education. The main reasons for the low cost of studying in Germany are the widespread view in the country that education should not be a commercial product and the wider benefits to the country in terms of economic growth and immigration.
While public universities offer no tuition fees, private universities offering specialised programmes still require tuition fees. Every private university sets its fees, and the cost of programmes at each university can differ. As a rough guide, to pursue a master’s degree at the University of Europe for Applied Sciences, tuition fees start from €9,840 per year for EU students and €10,938 per year for non-EU students.
- Cost of living in Germany
The low cost of studying in Germany is matched by the affordable living costs in the country. Compared to other popular European study destinations, the cost of living in Germany is not considered expensive. According to Study in Germany, as a single person, you will need a minimum of €934 per month to cover your living expenses in Germany in 2024. While the south of Germany has the highest living costs, Berlin remains more affordable than other European capitals including London, Paris and Amsterdam.
Considering all living costs, including rent, utilities, food, transport and insurance, Germany offers an affordable option for international students in Germany. Whether it is a semester or the entirety of an undergraduate or postgraduate degree, international students can take advantage of the low cost of living in Germany. - High-quality education
With a global reputation for its exceptional education system and home to some of the best universities in the world, Germany is an attractive place to study for international students looking to access a high-quality education. Regularly featuring in the top 100 universities in the world, many German institutions guarantee an education that will be looked upon favourably by global employers.
The high standard of education and research opportunities are appealing to international students around the world. Combined with no tuition fees, German universities are thriving with a constant influx of international talent and ambition. - Employment opportunities
The opportunity to work in Germany during and after studying significantly appeals to international students. After completing a degree in Germany, job opportunities are plentiful due to the country’s global reputation for academic excellence. Germany places a lot of value on graduates and offers career opportunities to international students graduating from German universities to further their careers across various industries.
While EU students can seek employment in Germany upon graduation without the need to obtain a work permit, international students from countries outside of the EU can also take advantage of the opportunity to extend their residence permit for up to 18 months after graduation. During these 18 months, international students in Germany can pursue full-time employment in any field. - Attractive country
Another reason why Germany is a popular destination for international students is the country itself. As a cosmopolitan country with a diverse population, Germany is an attractive place to study for any international student.
Whether it’s the food and drink, history, film and arts scene, innovation and technology or the country’s natural beauty that draws you in, Germany offers something for everyone. As an international student in Germany, there are many opportunities to explore your interests and discover new things that could shape your studies and life beyond education.
Pursue an education in Germany today
Now you know how much it costs to study and live in Germany, what are you waiting for? Join the thousands of international students in Germany and invest in yourself today by pursuing a high-quality education at a German university.
If you are considering pursuing a degree in Germany, check out the University of Europe for Applied Sciences (UE). With four campuses across Germany in Berlin, Potsdam, Iserlohn and Hamburg, UE offers a variety of specialised, accredited programmes designed to take your career to the next level. Explore UE’s programme list here.