Cost of Study in Germany
Saurav Anand
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January 17, 2022
Why to choose study in Germany?
Almost all overseas courses are cheap to study in Germany. The cost of education in Germany is very affordable for Indian students. Here are a few reasons why Germany is one of the most popular study-abroad destinations
1. Excellent education, infrastructure, and personnel
Because the majority of German public universities date from the Middle Ages, they continue to provide high-quality education. Even newer colleges preserve the same tradition, and the course material adheres to current international norms. Learners gain important and quality experience thanks to modern facilities, veteran lecturers, and well-trained personnel.
2. Degrees that are internationally known
German universities, which follow the Bologna revolution, ensure that students receive internationally recognized degrees for all courses, from undergraduate to doctoral and beyond. There are over 14,500 bachelor’s and master’s degree programs to choose from. For the most part, the semester system is used.
a) 6 semesters for a bachelor’s degree in arts or science
b) 2-4 semesters for a master’s degree in the arts or sciences
c) Doctorate – 4-6 semesters
3. The cost of studying in Germany is inexpensive.
In Germany, 11 of the 16 states do not impose any tuition fees. Other countries impose a yearly fee of little more than 500 euros. In addition, the German government offers a variety of financial aid programs for international students.
4. The use of English as a first language
There is no language barrier for international students here. The majority of colleges do not need overseas students to be fluent in German. English is the initial language unless a student enrolls in a German language requirement course.
5. There are a lot of job prospects.
Germany, being a developed country, provides international students with several work prospects. Students can work up to 180 full days or 220 half days per year with a work permit. Students with the appropriate qualifications and skills can receive a slew of attractive job offers. After completing their education, international students are allowed to stay in the country for a year to look for work.
Undergraduate costs to study in Germany
Although undergraduate studies at public German institutions are free, there is a fee for enrolment, confirmation, and administration each semester. Typically, this is little more than €250 (US$290) per semester, however, it varies by university.
Purchase of a “Semesterticket,” which covers public transportation expenses for six months, may incur an extra charge – the price varies depending on which Semesterticket option you select. If you study for more than four semesters, you may be subject to a long-term cost of up to €500 (US$540) every semester.
In Germany, the majority of universities are public. Tuition fees are usually the only source of income for private institutions (though some may receive funding from foundations), and they establish their own costs, which can range from €20,000 to €24,400 per year.
The Federal Student Financial Aid Program (BAföG: Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz) is available to German and EU students, as well as to international students under certain circumstances. This help is typically reserved for those under the age of 30 (under 35 if pursuing a master’s degree), however, exceptions can be made based on the circumstances. The BAföG is normally split in half, with half coming in the form of a state grant and the other half coming in the form of an interest-free loan that must be repaid in installments once the maximum time of support has passed.
Master’s and postgraduate cost to study in Germany
If a master’s degree is classified as “consecutive” – that is, if it follows directly after a relevant bachelor’s degree earned in Germany – it is usually free. Enrolment, confirmation, and administration, as well as a Semesterticket, are all subject to a nominal fee per semester. Tuition rates for “non-consecutive” master’s degrees, for individuals who have earned their bachelor’s degree abroad in the world, vary by university and can range from €20,000 (US$24,400) per year at public institutions to €30,000 (US$36,600) per year at private German universities.
Fees for non-consecutive master’s degrees at Germany’s top-ranked institution, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, range from €2,500 (US$3,050) each semester for a Master of Arts in American Studies to €5,000 (US$6,100) per semester for a Master of Medical Education (MME).
At the doctoral level, tuition is once again free at all German universities — at least for the first six semesters. Ph.D. students, like students at other levels of study, are expected to contribute a semester contribution of no more than €250 for administration and other fees.
Average Tuition Fees in Germany
If you are fortunate enough to find a place in a public university, you will be amazed to learn that it is nearly zero. Yes, the German system of free education is widely used here. In 2014, the government announced a plan to eliminate tuition costs for all students enrolled in public colleges, including overseas students. Around 380K international students choose Germany as their destination place for higher education because of the nearly $0 tuition charge. Even states that are not part of the abolishment push, such as Bremen, Saarland, Saxony, Lower Saxony, Thuringia, or Saxony-Anhalt, charge lower fees for their university courses.
You would, however, be responsible for paying the semester contribution fee, which covers the student union, public transportation, and administrative expenses. All of this, however, is maintained to a bare minimum, costing around 300 euros every semester. It will cost you roughly 30,000 Euros each year to enroll in a private institution. Courses in the humanities and sciences will be less expensive, whilst MBA and engineering courses will be more expensive.
Top private universities in Germany and their fees
The following is a list of some of Germany’s most well-known private institutions, together with their average annual tuition prices
| University/College | Average Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
| CODE University of Applied Sciences | €9,800 |
| Bard College Berlin | €28,700 |
| Friedensau Adventist University | €3,500 (with a range from €1,200 to €4,900) |
| GISMA Business School | €20,000 (with a range from €3,000 to €33,000) |
| EBC Hochschule | €10,000 |
| Munich Business School | €24,000 |
| Hertie School of Governance | €32,500 (it offers only postgraduate courses) |
| WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management | €15,000 |
| University of Applied Sciences Europe | €1,400 |
| SRH Hochschule Berlin | €10,000 |
Public universities in Germany and their fees
The majority of German public institutions are tuition-free, which implies that all students, local and international, are exempt from paying tuition. The following are some of the most well-known colleges that do not charge tuition
1. University of Stuttgart
2. University of Mannheim
3. University of Bremen
4. University of Cologne
5. University of Hamburg
Germany’s finest colleges tuition fees
| University/College | Fees |
|---|---|
| Heidelberg University | Average €20,000 per year |
| Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich | Average €258 per year |
| Humboldt University of Berlin | No Tuition Fees |
| Technical University of Munich | Average €258 per year |
Cost of MS in Germany for Indian Students
Germany has globally recognized universities for Masters in Science, which are renowned for providing world-class education and an MS degree at a reasonable cost. MS treatment in Germany is less expensive than in any other European country. Top academic members, state-of-the-art infrastructure and facilities, top research programs, different financing possibilities, varied populations, and friendly hospitality are all features of the country’s renowned institutions.
Master of science courses in Germany
1. Masters of Computing
2. MS in Information Technology
3. MS Information Technology
4. MS in Civil & Structural Engineering
5. MS in Computer Science
6. MS in Computer Science
7. MS in Mechanical Engineering
8. MS in Mechanical Engineering
top universities that offer Masters in Science degrees in Germany
| University/College | Course | Cost | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technical University of Munich | Master in Science | €145 for the first year | 2 Years |
| Charite Universitätsmedizin Berlin | Master in Science | €2500 for the first year | 2 Years |
| University of Heidelberg | Master in Science | €1500 for the first year | 2 Years |
| Humboldt University Berlin | Masters in science | Free | 2 years |
| University of Freiburg | Masters in Science | €2,886 | 2 years |
Average rent in Germany for students
The typical rent for a room varies depending on the city. Some cities, such as Frankfurt, Berlin, and Cologne, are less expensive, while Munich and Hamburg are slightly more expensive. Here’s a look at some of the most common rentals in the area. It is entirely dependent on the apartment’s size and the number of bedrooms you select.
cheap cities in Germany for international students
| City | Cost |
|---|---|
| Berlin | €739 |
| Munich | €1, 030 |
| Frankfurt Am Main | €900 |
| Cologne | €800 |
| Hamburg | €900 |
Free Education in Germany for international students
Why does Germany provide free education to both European and non-European students? The fact that Germans do not view education as a business product is the rationale for free education for Indian and other international students in Germany. Germany is one of the few European nations where public institutions offer free education to students from Asia and other non-EU countries. The country believes that free higher education would help the economy grow quicker and flourish for the greater good. A law was approved previously that allowed public German institutions to levy a modest annual tuition fee of 1,000 Euros. However, in 2014, the charge was repealed once more.
This implies that public universities in Germany offer tuition-free education with a few restrictions. In recent years, governments throughout the world have recognized the social and economic benefits of migration. Germany has long welcomed the best and brightest international talent, encouraging them to stay and explore job possibilities after graduation. Another reason for the absence of tuition fees for overseas students at prominent public colleges is this. The country’s institutions are among the greatest in the world, and international students can anticipate high-quality instruction there. Many of the larger public universities are consistently ranked in the top 100 worldwide institutions.
Top universities offering free courses in Germany
1. University of Cologne
2. RWTH Aachen University
3. Goethe University Frankfurt
4. Humboldt University of Berlin
5. University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE)
6. University of Hamburg
7. University of Münster
8. Ruhr University Bochum
9. Ludwig Maximilian University Munich (LMU)
10. University of Erlangen-Nuremberg
11. Technical University of Munich (TUM)
12. University of Bonn
13. University of Würzburg
Student Visa for Germany for Indian students: Documents
- A valid passport is one of the most important prerequisites for Indian students seeking a student visa in Germany.
- Application form.
- A4-sized copy of the passport information page
- A personal declaration declaring that the information you are providing is completely true and complete.
- Cover letter describing the main goals of the application. This document may require a German translation.
- Mark sheets and degree certificates are examples of university transcripts and certifications.
- Admission letter from a German university or educational institution.
- Three passport photos that meet biometric requirements and are less than six months old.
- Language proficiency certification (test scores in the German language). Ph.D. candidates and holders of Erasmus Mundus scholarships are exempted.
- Evidence of funds.
- Demand drafts for German student visa fees.
German study visa cost
A student visa for Germany from India has special expenses. Visas normally cost around €75. (Rs 6,486.85). If you have all of your documentation available, processing time might take up to 25 days. In rare situations, this might be extended to 12 weeks, and applicants who want to apply for a residence visa when they arrive would have to pay €110. (Rs 9,511.92). It takes 8-12 weeks, or around 3 months, for this to be granted. As a result, students should apply ahead of time.
Expenses for studying in Germany
Despite the fact that education in Germany is free, there are a number of extra expenditures to consider. Despite the fact that most public colleges do not charge tuition, you may still be required to pay a semester or administrative fee. Semesterbeitrag is the local term for this. It is a one-time fee of around 300-400 Euros for the whole semester. Another perk is that it includes public transit tickets for the city and its neighboring areas. Every year, each university demands that each student receives a monthly stipend to help with living expenses and other expenses.
Rent and other utilities may cost between €300 and €500 per month, while food and drink may cost between €200 and €250 per month. Monthly health insurance will set you back €100, while phone and internet expenses would set you back around €30. Miscellaneous expenses, such as hobbies and leisure activities, may need a monthly budget of €50-100. Depending on the city of study, €850 is a reasonable amount to manage comfortably per month. Larger cities in Germany, such as Munich, Hamburg, and Frankfurt, are more expensive than smaller cities and villages. Students save a lot of money on tuition costs since major public institutions offer free education. As a result, people may follow their academic and professional ambitions without breaking the bank.
Scholarships to study in Germany
The German Academic Exchange Service, or DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst), assists German and international students in obtaining funds to live and study in Germany for free or at a reduced cost.
German and international students of all levels, as well as professors and researchers, can apply for DAAD scholarships to study in Germany. You can use keywords, study level, place of origin, and subject to locate relevant scholarships to study in Germany.
Another important resource is the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, or BMBF (Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung), which maintains a website dedicated to scholarship opportunities in Germany.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the total cost of living for international students in Germany?
Ans. International students will have to pay an average of EUR 588-799 per month on living expenses in Germany. Fortunately, Germany is inexpensive in terms of lodging, food, insurance, and transportation.
Q. Which are the free universities in Germany?
Ans. Germany is a well-known location for higher education. It has several renowned free universities for aspiring and outstanding international students to help eradicate illiteracy. The Humboldt University of Berlin, Technical University of Munich, Ludwig Maximilians University, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, University of Hamburg, Heidelberg University, Free University of Berlin, and the Technical University of Berlin are just a few examples.
Q. Can you do a part-time job in Germany while studying?
Ans. A significant number of students go to Germany each year to pursue higher education. Part-time jobs are available for overseas students to help them adjust and pay for their living expenses. Without paying taxes, a student can make up to 450 EUR per month. University research assistants, office assistants, language tutors, childcare, and contact center assistants are among the highest-paying jobs.
Q. Which are the best cities to study in Germany?
Ans. International students will have a fantastic time studying in Germany. Munich, Berlin, Stuttgart, Frankfurt, Dresden, Aachen, Bonn, Hamburg, and Cologne are among the top cities.
Q. What is the IELTS score requirement required by the top universities in Germany?
Ans. Graduate and master’s programs at German institutions are currently offered in two languages: German and English. In reality, several colleges do not need students to take any English language competence tests in order to be admitted. A Language of Instruction Certificate from your bachelor’s degree college may be required by several universities. Some colleges require the following IELTS score
- Ludwig Maximilians University Munich needs – 5.5
- University of Heidelberg- 6.5
- Humboldt University of Berlin- 6.5
- University of Freiburg- 6