- At most public universities you pay no tuition, only a semester contribution.
- The blocked account of €11,904 a year (€992 a month) is the official minimum to live on.
- Rent is the biggest cost and differs hugely between cities; Munich is the most expensive.
- Budget for costs before you fly: APS, uni-assist, tests, visa and flights.
"Germany is free" is the most common thing I hear, and also the most misleading. Tuition can be free. Living is not. Here is a realistic first year budget.
Costs before you fly
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| APS certificate | About ₹18,000 |
| uni-assist | €75 for the first programme, €30 for each additional one |
| IELTS or TOEFL, German courses | Varies |
| Student visa fee | €75 |
| Blocked account (deposit, not a cost) | €11,904 for the first year |
| Flights and the first month's deposit | Varies, plan extra for a rental deposit |
Tuition and semester fees
Most states€0Baden-Württemberg€1,500TUM bachelor'sup to €3,000TUM master'sup to €6,000Sources: Baden-Württemberg rules, TUM. TUM bachelor's fees are €2,000 or €3,000, master's €4,000 or €6,000, depending on the programme.
On top, every student pays a semester contribution, often around €70 to €430, which often includes a regional or Germany-wide transport ticket.
Living costs
The blocked account amount, €992 a month, is the minimum the German government expects you to live on. In reality:
- Rent is the biggest cost. A room in a shared flat or student hall can cost far more in Munich, Frankfurt or Hamburg than in Leipzig, Dresden or smaller university towns.
- Health insurance is mandatory. Public student insurance costs roughly €140 to €150 a month in 2026, including long-term care insurance, depending on the insurer and your age.
- Food, phone and transport depend on your habits; cooking at home makes a big difference.
Working while you study
International students can work up to 140 full days or 280 half days a year. A Werkstudent job in your field helps with money and, more importantly, with your first job after graduating. Read jobs after a master's in Germany.
Want to check whether your plan and budget add up? Message me.
STUDENT to @swapnil_in_germany on Instagram.Sources
I moved to Germany for my master's, collected more than 1,000 rejections, and then got multiple job offers within six months. I work in digital marketing in Germany and help international professionals get hired in Europe. Read my story.