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Germany has now become a top choice among international students worldwide. Germany’s outstanding education system, low tuition costs, and diverse culture have made many international students interested in studying there. Over 400 universities offer English-taught programs, making it a haven for global learners. It has also maintained a reputation as an inexpensive nation relative to other Western countries.
Let's dive deep into the living cost in Germany for international students. From rent to food and much more, in this blog, we will take a look at it all.
Here is a quick look at the average living cost of an International student per month.
| Expense Category | Average Monthly Cost (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Rent | €300 - €1,000 |
| Food and Groceries | €150 - €250 |
| Health Insurance | €110 - €125 |
| Transport | €30 - €60 |
| Mobile and Internet | €20 - €35 |
| Entertainment and Miscellaneous | €100 - €200 |
| Total Estimated Cost | €710 - €1,220 |
The Average Living expense will vary from city to city, so here is a general living cost across some cities in Germany:
In Germany, people can study at two types of universities: public and private universities. Public Universities don’t charge tuition fees for most of their programs. Private Universities range anywhere from €5,000 to €20,000 annually.
Public universities don’t charge tuition fees but aren’t totally free, as they charge a minimal semester contribution fee ranging from €150 to €350. This fee includes administrative and student union fees and usually a semester transport ticket.
The most expensive thing during your stay in Germany will be your accommodation cost. Here are the general student housing options for international students:
| City | Student Dormitory | Shared Flat | Private Apartment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berlin | €280 – €350 | €450 | €750 – €1,000 |
| Munich | €350 – €400 | €650 | €850 – €1,200 |
| Hamburg | €320 – €380 | €600 | €800 – €1,100 |
| Leipzig | €220 – €280 | €320 | €500 – €750 |
| Dresden | €230 – €290 | €350 | €520 – €780 |
Students spent about €150 to €250 per month, depending on their diet. Germany sits on the affordable side for grocery shopping compared to other countries in Europe.
Eating at a restaurant can cost you up to €15 per meal. Fast food places are relatively cheaper, as they can set you back between €3 and €6. Students can access the campus cafeteria, cafes, and bars. They can also enjoy discounts in cafeterias and cafes. Students should look for happy hour specials or go to restaurants during lunch hours, as those times are always less expensive.
International students under the age of 30 are required to take statutory health insurance. The public insurance premium is about €110–€125 per month. Public insurance provides full coverage for doctors, hospitals, and emergency care.
It is usually only applicable for students above 30 years old. If you choose private insurance, then it will cost around €33–€50 monthly. Private insurance has only limited coverage. The coverage varies by provider and plan.
Most universities include a Semesterticket that will allow you to access public transport within a region. A one-way ticket on local public transport will cost around €3. You can get the monthly Deutschland Ticket for €58 if you use public transport daily. Taxis charge around €1.80 to €3 per kilometer.
International students are advised to get a bicycle for daily transport, as it is easier to navigate through the crowded cities. You can buy one or even rent it from someone at the starting fee of €5.90 a month.
Most students don’t require cars, but it might be useful for students in rural areas. But cars come with a hefty and recurring cost. Used cars are available for around €2,000 to €10,000. The monthly expenses on cars can be around €200 to €400, including fuel, insurance, tax, and maintenance.
Non-EU/EEA countries international students are allowed to work 120 full days or 240 half days per year. Working more than 4 hours is assumed to be a full day, and up to 4 hours is considered a half-day. During the semester, students can work for a max of 20 hours per week, and during holidays, they can work full-time.
EU/EEA citizens can work 20 hours a week; they don’t have any annual day limits. They have an advantage in this part, as they are treated as German students in terms of employment rights.
Understanding the living cost in Germany among foreign students is paramount for effective learning planning and avoiding financial stress. Although Germany offers a great opportunity at a higher education level at just a fraction of the cost elsewhere in other Western countries, smart budgeting is the secret.
Start by choosing your city well, opt for dormitory lodging if available, and take advantage of student discounts wherever possible. Take advantage of part-time job schemes and always look out for available scholarships.
Getting more information about your future study destination is always a wise decision to make. The better you know, the better equipped you're most likely to be. At Student Connect, we enable students to make the most of their study abroad academically, financially, and culturally. Therefore, if you are thinking about continuing your studies in Germany and need expert support along the way, contact us and start with confidence.
