Studying in Germany 2023: Tuition fee along with the cost of living is the primary factor that one looks upon when is pondering about overseas education in a particular foreign country. It is not always feasible to choose a course that is pocket friendly as well.
Germany, also known as the land of poets and thinkers has been an example to several countries as it provides free education. Since 2014, The Government of Germany has been providing free education to all the students without comprising the quality of academic programs across all its public universities. Its main aim is to offer and provide quality education to all the children belonging to the varied background across the continents.
In this article, you will get to know more about the cost and expenses to study at both public and private institutions in Germany.
Cost of studying in Public Universities in Germany
Germany believes that education is a virtue that everyone deserves and education should not be commercialized hence, the cost of studying is zero when it comes to public universities in Germany. Initially, the academic programs were offered at the minimal tuition fees in the country however, In the year 2014, the German government declared that education is completely free at the public institutions.
Germany believes to offer equal educational opportunities for everyone by availing free basic and higher education.
It also ensures the economic and commercial growth of the country. The immigration procedures for foreign students are quite simplified. The academic programs of the country do not charge any tuition fee from its International students as well.
Cost of studying at Private Universities in Germany
Private universities of Germany just like other world-famous universities spread globally charge tuition fees from both local as well as international students. Private universities in the country are known for their specialized programs in order to pose competitions against those offering free education potentially. However, the cost of studying in Germany varies from one university to another for a particular course. The average cost of programs offered by private institutions is around INR 16,00,000 and the cost of accommodation is approximated around INR 1,00,000.
Living Costs
Although the public institutions in Germany are offering the cost of studying free from the tuition fee, living expenses in Germany are still there which one needs to look upon. Institution accommodation costs might vary from one university to another. However, if you are planning to stay on your own, depending upon whether you are living within the city center or outside, the monthly rent of an apartment can range from 722.37 Euros i.e. INR 16,000 to 235.57 Euros i.e. INR 21,000.
This table shows the monthly expenditure of a student, irrespective of the cost of studying.
| Expense Type | Expense Cost |
| Food | INR 14,021 (168 Euros) |
| Transport | INR 7,851 (94 Euros) |
| Clothes | INR 3,509 (42 Euros) |
| Study Materials | INR 1,667 (20 Euros) |
| Telephone and Internet | INR 2,589 (31 Euros) |
| Others | INR 5,012 (60 Euros ) |
Key Points to remember while Studying in Germany
The admission process in universities in Germany is quite rigid and complex as the country is offering free and quality education to all the students at both basic and higher level. Candidates who want to study in Germany must clear the exams like GRE, GMAT, IELTS, TOEFL, etc., and must check the eligibility criteria of their chosen courses.
German Universities have set particular qualifying bands for each exam which the students need to qualify to apply for the any public university in Germany. However, the eligibility requirements are quite simplified in private universities as compared to the public ones.
Cost of Studying for Undergraduate Courses
Top Universities in Germany charge students for the registration , confirmation, and administrative fee from the students which is about 250 Euros that is INR 20,000 approximately. However, these universities do not charge any tuition fee from the candidates to make higher education affordable for international students. Students who want to study abroad also need to get a hold of a Semesterticket which is a public transport ticket valid for 6 months.
Cost of Studying for Postgraduate Courses
In Germany, Postgraduate or Mater’s courses are completely free of cost only if the student opts for consecutive programs, where they continue Masters in Germany after completing a Bachelor’s degree from Germany itself. However, the students who have pursued undergraduate courses from any other country or have a gap in their education do not get free education for their masters. For non-consecutive programs, the cost of the study is about 20,000 Euros (INR 1670760.00) in public and 30,000 Euros (INR 2506140.00) in Private colleges.
German Universities offering Free Education
Students who want to study in Germany don’t have to worry much about the cost of studying as there are several universities in Germany which are offering a perfect combination of both free and quality education.
These are some of the universities in Germany that charge no tuition fees from the students
- Karlsruher
- Ludwig Maximilians University
- Institute of Technology
- Technical University of Munich
- University of Stuttgart
- Goethe University
- Georg-Augusta University of Gottingen
- University of Hamburg
- Heidelberg University
- Albert Ludwig University
- Free University of Berlin
- Humboldt University of Berlin
- Humbolt University of Berlin
- RWTH University
- University of Tubingen
Answer to some FAQ’s
- How much does it cost for International students to study in Germany?
International Students need to pay around 250 Euros, every semester to the university. Along with this, students also need to pay about 50 Euros as an administrative fee to the authorities. This makes an overall cost of about 300 Euros i.e. INR 25,000 (approx.) to study in Germany.
- Are Universities in Germany free for their International students?
Universities in Germany do not collect any tuition fee from International Students.The students only have to pay the administrative fee per semester which is approximately 100 – 300 Euros i.e. INR 8000 – 25000
- Is studying in Germany worth it?
Studying in Germany is an excellent decision. Germany is a great destination for students who want to study affordably in abroad. Universities in Germany offer great exposure to their international students and also provide free and quality education especially for the Stem Courses.
- Is studying in Germany worth for Indian Students?
Yes, Germany is an excellent study destination for Indian students. There are many free universities in Germany that offers great programs at a very affordable cost of studying.
