Germany has the most desirable education systems, with low tuition and career opportunities, which have made it the best place where international students can obtain education.Thousands of students decide to pursue studies in Germany every year mainly due to the fact that low or even free tuition is being offered by many of the public universities.
Nonetheless, tuition can be minimal but before students relocate to a foreign country, they must thoroughly consider their monthly living costs.
Being aware of the cost of living will assist the student to develop a realistic financial budget to avoid untold financial costs in the course of studies.
Accommodation, food, transport and health insurance are some of the factors that contribute significantly to the total cost of living as a student in Germany. Call StudyLead Consultants now and begin the process of studying abroad without any hesitation.
Average Monthly Cost of Living in Germany
Depending on the city and lifestyle Germany students spends between EUR850 and EUR1200 per month. Big metropolises are also costly to reside in as compared to smaller towns.
Expense Category | Monthly Cost |
Accommodation | €300 – €700 |
Food & Groceries | €150 – €250 |
Health Insurance | €110 – €130 |
Transportation | €50 – €100 |
Internet & Mobile | €30 – €50 |
Personal Expenses | €100 – €200 |
Total Estimated Cost | €850 – €1,200 |
Estimated Monthly Living Expenses
Besides this, students should also demonstrate evidence of funds needed when they are seeking a German student visa. This is mostly accomplished by a blocked account that is presently necessitating approximately EUR11, 208 annually.
Students must pay accommodation costs. In Germany, accommodation is generally the most expensive cost to students. The price will be different based on your residence in a student dorm, shared flat or an individual flat.
Accommodation Costs for Students
Students spend the most on accommodation in Germany. It will depend on the cost that you pay either in a student dormitory, shared apartment or private flats.
Accommodation Options
Type of Accommodation | Monthly Rent/month |
Student Dormitory | €250 – €400 |
Shared Apartment (WG) | €350 – €600 |
Private Apartment | €600 – €900 |
Tips to Save on Accommodation
- Early application of student dormitories is necessary since they are restricted.
- Sharing an apartment with other students will help to save money on rent.
- Become part of smaller cities, where the houses are less expensive.
Food and Grocery Expenses
In Germany, food expenses are relatively low as compared with most of the other European nations. Learners that prepare their own food can save a lot of money in a month.
Average Food Costs
Item | Approximate Cost |
Monthly Groceries | €150 – €200 |
Student Cafeteria Meal | €3 – €5 |
Restaurant Meal | €10 – €15 |
Ways to Save Money
- Try to Cook at home instead of eating outside food.
- Dine in campuses (Mensa) of universities.
- Buy in low street supermarkets, including Aldi or Lidl.
Transportation Costs
Germany boasts of an effective transport system in the form of buses, trams and trains. A semester ticket is available in many universities which gives the students the freedom to travel as much as they want in the city or region.
Student Transportation Costs
Transport Type | Average Cost |
Semester Ticket | €150 to €300 per semester |
Monthly Transport (without ticket) | €50 to €100 |
Bicycle (one-time purchase) | €100 to €300 |
International Students Health Insurance
It is obligatory for students in Germany to have health insurance. Students would be unable to join universities and get a residence permit without having sufficient health insurance.
Health Insurance Cost Comparison
Insurance Type | Monthly Cost |
Public Student Insurance for health | €110 to €130 |
Private Insurance (some cases) | €90 to €150 |
Cost of Living in Major German Cities
Cities are very different in terms of living costs. Big cities such as Munich are far more higher than minor student towns.
Monthly Living Cost Comparison
City | Average Month Cost/ month |
Munich | €1,200 to €1,500 |
Berlin | €1,000 to €1,300 |
Hamburg | €1,000 to €1,250 |
Leipzig | €850 to €1,000 |
Dresden | €850 to €1,050 |
Can Students Work in Germany?
The international students in Germany are allowed 120 full days or 240 half days during which they are allowed to work in a year. Many students take up part time jobs so that they can afford their living expenses.
Common Student Jobs
- Employment in cafes or restaurants.
- Research helper in a university.
- Retail store jobs
- Delivery services
Average students receive EUR10 – EUR15 an hour and this can greatly assist in meeting the monthly bills.
Final Thoughts
Germany is considered to be one of the best places to study in because there are internationally recognized universities and their system of education is a low cost one. Although the tuition is low or even free in the state universities, students have to live, dine, insure and take care of other personal expenditures.
There is an average of around EUR850 to EUR1,200/ month that international students need to spend basing on their lifestyle and city. It is always good to plan your finances before you go out there so that you will have a hassle free student life in any country.
When you are not sure which university to attend, how to prepare your application or even the visa financial requirements, get in touch with StudyLead Consultants now and get the ball rolling towards studying in Germany.