Having the right budget in mind when heading to study abroad is important for your study abroad experience.
Though, Germany is a relatively affordable European destination for students to study abroad. There are several ways to decrease your costs abroad, incorporating searching for student travel passes, museum tickets, finding cheap but good student accommodation, and much more.
It can be overwhelming trying to plan budget months in advance, especially if you’re a student and haven’t studied abroad yet, but taking the time to set out a budget and avoid any surprise costs down the road is crucial both for your peace of mind, and bank account.
So here is a complete guide for the cost of studying in Germany
Average Cost of Studying in Germany
You might be aware of Germany’s free tuition. While not necessarily always free as you may have some fees depending on your country of origin, and you still have to pay student union and semester fees.
On the other hand, some German universities charge non-EU students a fee of around $1,800) to enroll. Even with the added cost, German tuition can still be very affordable compared to many universities in other countries. For bachelors, the average tuition fees at German universities may cost around $24,000-36,000 per year.
Scholarships in Germany
While the cost of studying and living in Germany is quite affordable, the variety of available scholarships make it a perfect location to study in. There are various scholarships offered to international students in Germany. Different types of scholarships include partial scholarships, merit-based scholarships, or state-specific scholarships. These scholarships are either funded by government or non-governmental organizations.
In addition, universities also provide several scholarships to outstanding international students. It is recommended that you seriously consider one as it can help you a lot to deal with your living costs in Germany. Based on your personal circumstances, you can easily be eligible for one of them.
Average Cost of living in Germany
Germany is a great city to live in, with some larger cities, like its metropolis capital Berlin, having a surprisingly affordable cost of living. Munich and Hamburg, tend to be a bit more expensive, and smaller cities like Aachen and Oldenburg are more affordable comparatively.
Here’s a breakdown of some average costs in Germany. Remember to budget more if you plan on eating out a lot, and don’t forget to ask if you can get a student discount.
- Cost of Meals in Germany
$11 for an inexpensive restaurant meal
$25 for dinner at a mid-range restaurant
$40 for weekly grocery
- Accommodation
$330 – $734 for a dorm room or a room in a shared apartment in the city center.
$495 – $1,212 for a one-bedroom apartment in a big city.
About $290 per month for utilities such as heater, electricity, cooling, water, internet.
About $16.50 per month for cell phone bills.
Also, some of the colleges provide on-campus student accommodation that includes food, utility bills, laundry as well. You can also go for private student accommodation near your University
If you need to take care of the food by yourself it is advised to get groceries and cook food at home instead of eating out which will help you save money.
Travel Costs While in Germany
Once you’ve reached Germany, domestic travel is quite feasible, with German cities having well-developed transit systems that interlink. Germany’s train system is an especially beautiful and efficient way to get from city to city within the country.
You can also receive good deals with ‘Youth’ tickets if you’re a student or under 27 years old. You can usually find deals for around $250 that let you travel for seven consecutive days on the railways within the country. Doesn’t this sound like a perfect opportunity to plan a trip at the end of your semester?
Entertainment Costs
Coming to the interesting stuff, the amount you spend on entertainment and personal purchases depends on your preferences. It is recommended to keep track of all your spending for a couple of months at home to discover your spending habits such as Netflix subscriptions, money spent on clothes, Eating out, Gym memberships, etc.
The costs depend if you are happy with local draft beer, or prefer artisan pints. How often do you shop for clothes and how frequently you plan to take a weekend getaway? How much money do you need to spend on traveling to University? Consider your spending habits and try to come up with a reasonable budget to sample new experiences without running out of money before the end of the semester.
You should not be relying on any extra income while you’re there. It’s better to prepare funds before you go, then any extra income you find while there is a bonus. So knowing how to plan a perfect budget will help you save up money for your extra expenses and will allow you to have more fun days!
Other Costs to Keep in Mind While Studying in Germany
Even if your university doesn’t make it mandatory, medical insurance is essential for every student. We’re trying all kinds of new experiences and adventures while we’re abroad so with the right medical insurance you’ll be taken care of if anything happens. Some universities will also offer students the option to buy insurance while they’re there so make sure to ask your university. You should not forget to include the medical insurance costs in your cost of studying in Germany.
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