Study costs in Germany are very important for international students. Germany is considered as one of affordable countries for studying in Europe. You do not need to pay any tuition fee for studying in German universities and you just need to pay a small semester fee. However, there also other costs like accommodation, health insurance and transportation that you need to pay and consider as an international student.
In the Comments section, you can also ask your questions and answer them in a short time.
Topics reviewed in this article:
Cost of attending boarding schools in Germany
Just like other countries, private schools in Germany charge tuition fees from students. Compared to other countries such as France or the United Kingdom, the cost of attending international schools in Germany is significantly lower. On average tuition fees for children attending school from grade 1 to 8 is € 15,000 per academic year, and for students attending classes in grades 9 to 12 you have to pay an average of € 20,000 annually.
- The best international schools in Germany
Below is a list of the best German international schools and the fees they currently receive so you can make informed decisions about your child’s future. Several factors have been taken into account in preparing the lists, including reputation, tuition fees, extracurricular activities, and parental satisfaction. Here is a list of some of the best international schools in Germany and their average costs:
| Gymnasium Stift Neuzelle
Middle classes (11 to 15 years) is 37,000 euros High school course/ Abitur (16 to 19 years) 37,000 euros |
Schule Schloss Salem International College
Middle classes (10 to 14 years) € 42,840 IB Diploma course (16 to 18 years) is € 47,496 High school course/Abitur (16 to 18 years) € 47,496 German language course (14 to 16 years) 2750 Euros |
| The boarding school Landheim Schondorf
Primary classes (6 to 10 years) € 39,660 Middle classes (10 to 14 years) € 39,660 High school/Abitur (15 to 18 years) € 39,660 |
Max-Rill-Schule Schloss Reichersbeuern Private school
High school/Abitur(16 to 19 years) € 33,600 |
| Louisenlund Boarding school
Middle school (11 to 14 years) € 20,790 High school/Abitur (16 to 18 years) € 21,990 IB program (16 to 18 years) is € 21,990 |
Zinzendorfschulen Königsfeld
Middle class (10 to 14 years) is 32,400 euros High school/Abitur(15 to 19 years) € 32,400 |
University tuition fees in Germany for international students
- The cost of studying for a bachelor’s degree in Germany
You can study for free at public German universities, but students have to pay a fee per semester for enrolment, confirmation and administration. This amount is around 240 to 270 euros, but this amount is different for each university. Most German universities are public and free, but there are tuition fees for private universities because they dependent on tuition fees for their funding and set their own fees. These costs are around 19,000 to 20,000 euros (US $ 24,400), which varies depending on the student’s field of study.
- The cost of studying for a bachelor’s degree in Germany
Master’s degrees at German universities and higher-educational institutions is free if the student applies for a postgraduate degree directly. If there is an educational gap between obtaining a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree, tuition fees for “non-consecutive” master’s degrees vary between universities and may be around €20,000 per year at public institutions and up to €30,000 at private German universities. At PhD level, tuition is free for students in the first 3 years of study. Studying at German public universities is free for those who have not had any educational gaps between degrees, but students have to pay between 240 and 270 euros for enrollment which varies depending on the university.
- Scholarships to study in Germany
In Germany there is an institution called DAAD, which stands for Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst, this institution provides support for German and international students to gain funding to live and study in Germany at a more affordable cost or even for free. There are DAAD scholarships for all of the academic degree levels and for all students and researchers. There is a website called BMBF which provides information about scholarships.
Costs of living in Germany for international students
In addition to having tuition-free universities, Germany also has low and affordable living expenses. The cost of living in Germany varies for students, but on average for one month it can be between 700 euros to 1000 euros.
- Student accommodation costs in Germany
When it comes to costs of living in Germany for international students, housing is the highest expense you will have. Students can live in dormitories (residence halls) or share a privately rented apartment. There are also more affordable options such as renting suites where students can stay.
Below you will find the average accommodation costs for a student in Germany:
Monthly costs in dormitories: approximately 250 to 270 euros
The cost of living in a suite is about 400 euros per month
Most of the students, around 40 % of international students in Germany, choose to live in student residences (dormitories). About 30 percent of students share a privately rented apartment, and 30 percent of students live in suites. In addition to accommodation costs there are some additional costs such as costs of utilities like water, electricity and… for students who do not live in a dormitory. These costs are approximately between 100 to 200 euros.
- Food costs for international students in Germany
As a student in Germany you will pay about 150 to 170 euros per month on food. Cheap restaurant meals cost about 10 euros. There are stores that are always on sale, such as netto or lidl…, where food prices are lower, and students can buy their own food in these stores.
- transportation costs
Transportation in Germany also has fees for students and a student can receive Semesterticket(the student ticket for transport) at the time of enrollment, which costs between € 25 to € 200 per month. Students can also use trains and subways for intercity transportation, which costs between € 20 to € 70. Bicycles are another means of transportation for students and cost around 15 to 20 euros per day. In total, transportation costs make up about 10 percent of a student’s total costs.
Comparison of the cost of living in different cities of Germany
According to the Expat Insider survey, since 2019, Munich is the 67th most expensive city in the world, Frankfurt is the 74th and Berlin is 81st. Fortunately, the cost of living in Berlin could be set to fall or at least stabilize as a new rent freeze measure comes into effect until 2025. Although prices are constantly rising, Germany is still one of the most affordable European countries to live in.
- Cost of living in Germany at a glance
Immigrants can expect to spend about 40% of their salary on rent.
Cologne, Frankfurt and Munich are some of the most expensive cities in Germany.
Housing prices in Munich are the most expensive in the entire country.
Despite being the capital and most popular city, Berlin remains quite affordable when compared to other metropolises in Europe.
Germany has invested heavily in agriculture, which is why food prices are so cheap compared to neighboring countries.
- Is it Expensive to Live in Germany?
Despite rising prices in Berlin, Frankfurt and Munich in average living costs in recent years, no city in Germany ranks among the 50 most expensive immigration destinations in the world. In general, living in Germany is cheaper than in Austria, Italy, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. According to a recent survey by Germany’s federal statistical office, Statistisches Bundesamt, the average living expenses of a household in Germany is € 850 (US $ 960) per month. Of this expense, 36% is spent on housing, water and electricity.
- The most expensive and cheapest cities in Germany
Munich, Stuttgart, Frankfurt, Cologne and Hamburg are the five most expensive cities in Germany. Munich ranks first when it comes to expensive rent prices. Currently, a one-bedroom apartment in Munich can cost up to 1,200 euros (US $ 1,400). The most suitable cities for living in Germany are Leipzig, Berlin, Dresden and Bonn. In the last few years, property prices have risen sharply in Berlin.
- Monthly cost of living in the most expensive cities in Germany
Munich and Frankfurt are the most expensive cities in Germany to live in. They are the headquarters of Fortune 500 companies and the biggest European banks. With such an attractive job landscape, many immigrants and Germans move there to get ahead in their careers. If you earn an average income (approximately 2,300 euros (US $ 2,700) per month), these cities are not a good place to save money.
Below you can see the table of cost of living (without rent) in the most expensive cities in Germany:
| City | Single Person | Family of Four |
| Munich | 860 EUR (1000 USD) | 2,900 EUR (4,000 USD) |
| Frankfurt | 860 EUR (1000 USD) | 2,900 EUR (4,000 USD) |
| Hamburg | 820 EUR (960 USD) | 820 EUR (960 USD) |
| Cologne | 820 EUR (960 USD) | 820 EUR (960 USD) |
| Stuttgart | 800 EUR (930 USD) | 2700 EUR (3200 USD) |
Scholarships in Germany
Here is a list of the top scholarships in Germany for international students:
- DAAD Scholarship Programs
The DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst), or The German Academic Exchange Service, is a joint organization of German higher education institutions which is responsible for promoting international academic relations.
The focus of this organization is on awarding scholarships and grants to students and scientists studying in Germany.
The DAAD Scholarships are awarded to students who want to complete a full-time course of study. The students who want to get this scholarship should have completed their bachelor’s degree not more than in the last 6 years. The student must also have 2 years of work experience. DAAD scholarships usually consist of a monthly scholarship payment which is paid to international students and is € 850 per month for undergraduate and graduate students, and € 1,200 per month for PhD/doctoral students.
- Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarships in Germany
The Heinrich Boll Foundation grants scholarships to approximately 1,200 1,200 undergraduates, graduates, and doctoral students of all subjects and nationalities per year. These students must pursue their degree at prestigious public universities in Germany. Scholarship recipients are expected to have outstanding academic backgrounds and to be socially and politically engaged. While showing interest in values such as ecology, sustainability, democracy, human rights, self-determination as well as justice. Non-EU students in their Masters studies will receive 850€ per month in addition to personal allowances (tuition fees may be possible). EU students of the same level of study will receive 649€ plus 300€ book money per month. PhD students who are from outside the EU, on the other hand, will receive 1,200€ per month, in addition to 100€ mobility allowance per month and other individual allowances (excluding tuition fees). PhD students coming from the EU, will receive 1,350€ per month, plus 100€ research costs allowance (excluding tuition fees). This scholarship is awarded for two years with the possibility of renewal twice.
- DEUTSCHLANDSTIPENDIUM NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
This scholarship is awarded to all students who are scientifically and academically outstanding in all parts of the world. This program supports students at all participating universities in Germany without taking into consideration someone’s nationality, personal or parent income. This scholarship is awarded by the universities, which means that applicants must meet the requirements of individual institutions. The scholarship is awarded for two semesters but it may also be valid for the time which covers the standard period of study. The university re-evaluates the student’s condition after 1 year to see if the student is still eligible for the scholarship. If the student still has the right conditions, the funding will be continued. Mentoring programs, networking events as well as internships will also be available through this scholarship.
- KONRAD-ADENAUER-STIFTUNG Scholarships in Germany for international students
This scholarship is awarded to doctoral and postgraduate students who are interested in politics. To receive this scholarship, applicants must apply from developing countries or countries that are going through political transformation. Postgraduate students will receive an amount of € 850 per month. PhD/Doctoral students will receive an amount of € 1,100. These scholarships are to promote international networks in order to develop international relations with other countries.
- Erasmus Scholarship Programs in Germany
Erasmus is also a wise choice for international students who are planning to participate in a full-time study program in Germany. The Erasmus Scholarship is a grant which will be awarded to international students studying in EU countries. In order for you to qualify for a German scholarship, you must be enrolled in a higher education institution, and both your home university and the German university must have signed the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education.
Most of the major EU universities participate in the Erasmus scheme, with German universities participating in numerous study programs funded by the Erasmus Mundus and Erasmus Scholarships. These grants will cover the enrollment, travel and basic living expenses. You can find the complete list of Erasmus Mundus Master’s courses on the Erasmus list.
- Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarship
Another option is the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Scholarship, which promotes social democracy through academic financial assistance. The scholarship is available for foreign applicants who are studying or doing their doctorate in Germany at a state or state-recognized university of applied sciences. These students are expected to have above-average academic achievements. This is a good option for those in the fields of social sciences, politics, or humanities. To be eligible for this scholarship you must demonstrate exceptional German language skills even if the course you are taking is in English. The places are limited since only 40 people per year, coming from Africa, Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe, will be taking this funding program. Scholarship holders in undergraduate courses will receive a monthly amount of 830€. Those in master degree programs will receive 850€ per month as well as health insurance costs.
Jobs in Germany for international students
International students see Germany as an ideal destination for education, especially because of the quality of education, affordability, and opportunities to advance. Being able to work while studying in Germany is a very important experience for international students. About two-thirds of students in Germany work during their studies, something that provides them with extra income and an opportunity to enhance their skills and knowledge. The cost of living in Germany is more affordable than in other EU countries. However, international students often find themselves in need of an extra income that they get through part-time jobs, which are plentiful in Germany. As of January 1, 2021, an international student will need around € 861 per month to cover his or her living expenses, which is around € 10,332 per year.
Answers to common questions about The cost of studying in germany
What rules apply to international students?
Part-time work rules and regulations in Germany do not treat every student the same. All students who come from the European Union and Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, will receive the same amount of salary as native German students. In case these students want to work more than 20 hours per week, however, they are eligible for certain insurance contributions, just like German nationals.
- Students from different countries
Students who come from countries other than EU member states, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, will have to abide by a few special restrictions.
If you belong in this category, here’s what you should keep in mind:
Limited working hours: You are only allowed to work 120 full days or 240 half days a year.
Limited employment: You are not allowed to undertake self-employment or freelancing.
Special permission: People who want to work more than the hours allowed, you must get the relevant permission. Language students. International students who are undertaking a language course or preparatory course are only allowed to work (during recess periods) with permission from the Federal Employment Agency and the Immigration Office.
- How to find a job as international students
Employers and recruiters post job offerings in numerous spots, including university bulletin boards and online job portals, depending on the type of employee they want to hire.
Some of the places you can look for a student job include:
University bulletin board
University Job Centers
Online job portals
What job opportunities are available for international students?
In Germany, international students may decide to work part-time in a wide range of industries. From working in cafes or filing documents in offices to working at the university as academic assistants, there are numerous options available. A suitable part-time job would be the one that is somehow related to their field of study.
Some of the most common part-time jobs for international students in Germany are:
Academic Assistants
- Library supervisor
- Literature researcher
- Tutorial Assistant
Off-campus jobs
- Waiter
- Trade Fairs
- Courier
- Baby sitter
- Bartender
- Cashier
- Filling office documents
- Media (journalism students)
- Tutoring (students in teacher training)
Note that if you work too much in a job that is not related to your qualifications, you will prolong your study period.
How Much Do Student Jobs Pay in Germany?
Student jobs in Germany pay enough for a student to earn an extra income. The minimum wage for students in Germany since 2019 was € 9.19. The amount of salary will increase every 2 years. In addition to that, several other factors are important. The pay largely depends on the students’ skills as well as the industry they are employed in. There are jobs that pay higher amounts while other industries might pay less. This also depends on the regional labor market. This means that in large German cities you may find a job that pays more than the same job in a smaller German city. In industries like production, academic institutions, as well as trade fairs, the pay per hour is typically higher than the minimum wage.
Do international students pay taxes for part-time jobs?
Students who have student jobs can earn up to € 450 a month without the need to pay taxes. If you are earning more than that amount on a monthly basis, regularly, you will be required to obtain a tax number. This way, a certain amount will be deducted from your wage every month, but you will be able to get it back at the end of the year if you submit a tax return.
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!