Germany's tuition is low at public universities, but living costs are real, and they vary a lot between a dormitory in a small town and a flat in Munich. Indian students need a figure they can plan around. This guide sets out the main costs in euros and rupees, using university pages and guides, because we could not reach official DAAD or student-union pages. Figures were checked on 23 October 2026, and rupee amounts use about 110 rupees to the euro.
- The visa minimum for proof of funds is 992 euros a month, according to guides citing the German rules
- One university page quotes a national student average of about 842 euros a month, and guides suggest budgeting 950 to 1,250 euros in a mid-sized city and 1,100 to 1,400 euros in Munich or Frankfurt
- Most public universities charge no tuition, but Baden-Wuerttemberg charges non-EU students 1,500 euros a semester.
How Much Does It Cost to Live in Germany as a Student?
A university page quoting DAAD gives a national average of about 842 euros a month, while the visa proof-of-funds figure is 992 euros. Guides suggest budgeting 950 to 1,250 euros in a mid-sized city, and 1,100 to 1,400 euros in Munich or Frankfurt. Your own cost depends on housing and lifestyle.
| Germany student costs 2026 | Euros | About rupees |
|---|---|---|
| National average, per month | 842 | 93,000 |
| Visa proof-of-funds minimum, per month | 992 | 1,09,000 |
| Mid-sized city budget, per month | 950 to 1,250 | 1,05,000 to 1,38,000 |
| Munich or Frankfurt, per month | 1,100 to 1,400 | 1,21,000 to 1,54,000 |
Treat the visa figure as a floor for the visa, not as a comfortable budget. In a city like Munich, rent alone can take a large part of it. Rupee amounts use about 110 rupees to the euro, so check the live rate.
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Guides give about 266 euros a month for a student dormitory room, 300 to 650 euros for a room in a shared flat, and 450 to 750 euros for a shared flat room in popular parts of Berlin. A private flat in a big city can cost 500 to 1,200 euros. Dorm places are limited, so apply early.
| Germany rent 2026 | Euros per month | About rupees |
|---|---|---|
| Student dormitory | 266 | 29,000 |
| Room in a shared flat | 300 to 650 | 33,000 to 72,000 |
| Shared flat room, popular Berlin areas | 450 to 750 | 50,000 to 83,000 |
| Private flat, big city | 500 to 1,200 | 55,000 to 1,32,000 |
Dorm rent is the cheapest, but waiting lists can be long, and international students often apply before they arrive. Shared flats are the usual alternative, and many students find them through student groups and housing sites. Never pay a deposit to someone you have not been able to verify.
What Do Health Insurance and Semester Fees Cost?
Guides give about 120 to 150 euros a month for student health insurance. The semester contribution is usually 100 to 400 euros per semester, depending on the university, and often includes a transit ticket. One university lists 188 euros for winter 2026-27. Check your university's page for the exact figure.
Health insurance is compulsory for students in Germany, and you need proof of it to enrol. The semester contribution pays for student services and, at many universities, local public transport. It is separate from tuition. Budget for it twice a year.
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Most German public universities charge no tuition for international students. A guide notes that Baden-Wuerttemberg is an exception and charges non-EU students 1,500 euros per semester, and some Bavarian universities such as TUM also charge non-EEA students. Private universities charge fees. Check the programme page before you apply.
The exceptions can change, so check the fee page of each university you apply to. Even in states without tuition, you pay the semester contribution. If you plan to study in a state that charges, add the tuition to your budget before you decide.
Can You Work Part Time to Cover Costs?
International students from outside the EU can work in Germany with limits, usually 120 full days or 240 half days a year. That is a cap, not a guaranteed income. Many students use it to cover part of their living costs, not all. Do not plan to fund your whole stay with part-time work.
Rules and pay vary by job and city. Student jobs on campus can have different rules, so ask your university's international office. Our part-time jobs guide covers typical roles and what students report.
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Apply early for a dormitory place, consider a shared flat instead of a private one, use the semester ticket if it is included, and cook at home. Choose a smaller university town if your course allows it. Compare housing costs before you accept an offer, because rent is the biggest item in your budget.
Student discounts on transport, food and entertainment help, and many universities run second-hand sales and housing boards. Look at city costs as well as the course. A course in a mid-sized city can cost much less each month than the same course in Munich.
Avoid paying large deposits or fees to people you have not met. Use the housing service of your university or the student union, and ask the international office for advice on scams, which are common when students look for rooms from abroad.
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Add health insurance, the semester contribution, a phone plan, books, a local transport ticket if it is not included, and a buffer for setting up your first flat. Our coach also lists APS and dMAT costs before you arrive. A buffer of at least one month of costs helps with deposits and delays.
In your first weeks you pay a deposit, buy bedding and kitchen items, and may wait for your first monthly release from a blocked account. Plan for these costs separately, and keep part of your funds accessible.