Germany has one of the strongest economies in the world. Its gross domestic product is worth 2.8 crore INR as of 2019. This value represents 3.17% of the world economy. Hence, it inarguably has the highest potential for study abroad applicants who want to study, gain more experience through internship and research opportunities. In this blog, we have elaborated on expenses likely to occur and the cost of study in Germany.
Apart from this, Germany has top-ranking universities which provide many courses in many programs. Degrees from these top universities hold tremendous value in the student’s life. Hence, many international students struggle to receive education from German universities.
When Indian students decide to study in Germany, they consider many financial factors like tuition fee, living cost, transportation and other expenses.
Cost of MS in Germany for Indian Students – Get Insights Here!
Tuition fee
You must be interested to know that most of the state-funded universities are free of the hefty tuition fee. They do not charge any such massive amount for any program at their universities.
However, one must pay only a small amount as an administrative fee each semester of the program you have chosen.
Some of the best German state-funded universities are:
- RWTH Aachen University
- University of Mannheim
- University of Cologne
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)
- University of Bremen
Tuition fees of private universities also depend upon the field of study and the university.
Thus, Indian students may have to pay anything between €3000-€20,000 per year.
Accommodation Expense
Accommodation in Germany for Indian students is comfortable. Each university also provides a hostel or a paying guest system of residence. However, it is the choice of the student which option to choose.
Further, most students rent apartments with two or three people and live. For this, the student requires a permit of residence, which is compulsory by the German government.
Residence expenses are as given below:
- Private Flat: €360 per month
- Shared Flat: € 200 per month
- Residence Halls: €150 per month
- Food expenses
Besides, Germany has a rich food culture. A variety of food is also made available to outsiders, which they love.
Further, Indian students in Germany spend about €170 per month on food. Students can also buy groceries from supermarkets like Aldi, Lidl, and Netto for a lower price.
Dinner at a cheap restaurant cost €10 while a three-course meal in Germany can cost around €45. Students can have supplementary drinks for €3.
Study in Germany for Indian Students
Transportation cost
Transportation cost takes up around 10% of the total budget. Indian students can buy a monthly pass for €30-€60 for cheap transport. Germany’s Deutsche Bahn train system allows you to visit German cities for €20-€70. You can also rent a bicycle for €15-€20 a day and travel around.
These were some of the essential expenses that ought to occur when studying in Germany. Now let us have a look at the educational costs that incur before and after moving to Germany.
Pre-arrival Costs
Below are some pre-arrival costs that students have to bear.
Cost of entrance exams
For admission into the top universities in Germany, a score of a recognised entrance exam is required. In the below table, we have further mentioned the cost of these exams which German universities accept.
| Test | Registration Fee (INR) | Number of Free Scorecards | Cost of Additional Scorecards (INR) |
| TOEFL | 14,500 | 4 | 1500 |
| IELTS | 12,000 | 5 | 1500 |
| GRE (General/Subject) | 14,600/10,700 | 4 | 2000 |
| GMAT | 18,700 | 5 | 800 |
| CAEL | 11,000 | 5 | 1100 |
German Study Permit
For a study duration greater than three months, applicants are expected to obtain a Germany visa for studies. The three types of Germany student visas are:
- German Student Visa is the standard student visa for international students admitted to a German university and ready to start their studies at a full-time university program.
- German Student Applicant Visa is used by applicants who need to be in Germany to apply for university admission in person. However, this visa doesn’t allow you to study in Germany. It’s only valid for the university application process.
- German Language Course Visa is a type of visa to study for a German language course in Germany.
Airfare from India to Germany
The choice of flight is usually based on the student’s budget. However, since it is an 8 -10-hour journey, a student can consider comfort while making his/her flight decision.
Moreover, the flight can be a direct flight with no stop-over or a connecting flight with one or more stop-overs. Connecting flights usually cost cheaper than direct flights.
Based on the flight type, the airlines, and other factors, the flight tickets cost ranges from 18,294 to 67,549 INR.
Study in Germany after 12th [2021 Guide]
Post-arrival costs
As discussed in the first half of the blog, tuition fee, living cost, food and residence expenses are some of the post-arrival costs students have to bear once they start attending the university.
FAQs
We have answered some questions to ease your difficulties.
Q1. Education in Germany is free for Indian students?
Ans. Partly yes, if the student is admitted to a public university, then he/she need not pay tuition fee, but only a small administrative fee per semester.
Q2. Is Germany a low-cost country to study?
Ans. As compared to other countries like the USA, UK and other countries in Europe, Germany is the most affordable destination for international students’ education.
Q3. Is learning the German language necessary?
Ans. Many courses are taught in English as well as German. But knowledge of this language while in Germany is essential because local communication in Germany is done only in German. Many of the local people do not understand English.
We truly hope we were able to resolve any queries you might have had. Further, ForeignAdmits provides you with world-class mentors from around the globe. Make full use of the opportunities coming your way and contact our mentors for expert opinion and professional help.
Good luck!