Germany Study Abroad Budget

CAN I STUDY FOR FREE IN GERMANY? IF NOT WHAT IS THE COST OF STUDYING IN GERMANY?

 

Germany is no doubt one of the best and most famous options among international students to study abroad. Germany is a remarkable combination of great universities, quality education, and high quality of life. Hence, as an international student, you would be happy to know that it is possible to study free in Germany irrespective of your country of origin. 

 

Germany is one of those few countries where it hardly matters if you are an EU/EEA citizen or not when it comes to paying for your studies in German universities. This is applied to any course or program that you apply for. However, the only difference is that international students have to get a residence permit before entering the country.

 

 

Are there (absolutely) no fees involved?  

 

- So, let’s break the ice. Only public universities are tuition-free. This is because it is believed in Germany that education should not be considered a commercial product. Also, the German government has learned the importance and economic benefit of immigration. 

 

- Some non-consecutive study programs for which you need some work experience to apply require tuition fees, especially for masters programs. These costs are also applicable to public universities.

 

-        Some federal states along with the state of Baden-Württemberg charge tuition fees to non – EU/EEA students. That includes some universities in Stuttgart, Karlsruhe, Freiburg, Heidelberg, and other cities. The tuition cost for these universities is still affordable at 500EUR to 600EUR per semester and 1500EUR for the state of Baden-Württemberg. 

 

 

Free Universities in Germany

 

There are around 300 public universities with thousands of programs that you can apply and study. The following is the list of universities that offer programs without tuition fees.

- Technical University of Munich 

- University of Cologne

- Humboldt University of Berlin

- RWTH Aachen University

- University of Mannheim

- Free University of Berlin

- Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich

- University of Hamburg 

- Goethe University Frankfurt

- University of Duisburg – Essen

- University of Wurzburg

- University of Bremen

- University of Stuttgart

 

Free Universities in Germany (English Taught)

 

Here are some German colleges where you can study courses which are taught in English and pay no Tuition fees.

 

- Technical University of Munchen

- University of Bonn

- FAU Erlangen Nürnberg

- University of Hamburg

- TU Darmstadt

- Leibniz Universitat Hannover

- SRH University of Heidelberg

- Hamburg University of Technology

- University of Applied Sciences Wurzburg Schweinfurt

- University of Munster

 

Scholarships 

 

There are many scholarships from the German government and other organizations that offer financial support for international students. The following are some of the famous scholarships from the government of Ireland, German universities, and other organizations. 

 

Government-funded scholarships

 

- DAAD Scholarships

- Erasmus +

 

Non – Government Scholarships

 

- Einstein International Postdoctoral Fellowship

- Heinrich Boll Scholarships for International Students

- Humboldt Research Fellowship for International Students

- MAWISTA Scholarship

- Deutschland Stipendium

- Marie Curie International Incoming fellowships

- The Helmholtz Association

 

Scholarship offered by specific universities

 

- Frankfurt School of Finance and Management – Doctoral fee waivers

- Hamburg University of Applied Sciences – Masters Scholarships

- Humboldt University – International Research Fellowships

- RWTH Aachen University Scholarships

- Ulm University Scholarships

- KAAD Scholarships

- Heidelberg University 

 

Cost of Studying in Germany 

 

Tuition Cost

As we discussed that the federal state of Baden-Württemberg is the only exception where tuition fees are around $3500 / year for non-EU/EEA students. In most public universities in Germany, you have to pay an administration fee of cost in the range of $120 - $415 / semester. Tuition fees at private universities for bachelor's degrees are $31,000 / year and for master's degrees are $48,000. The most expensive programs are in the fields of engineering and business & management.  

 

Accommodation

Accommodation costs are the highest when it comes to monthly expenditure in Germany. Living alone in a studio apartment can cost $460/month. Sharing a private apartment with friends and colleagues can cost $430/month. Many universities also provide accommodation in the form of student residence halls that are also a popular option among students. Living in a student residence hall can cost around $300/month. 

 

Food and other expenses 

An average cost for food and groceries for a single student can cost $200/ month. Eating out in a regular/cheap restaurant can cost $12 for one meal. Beverages like cappuccino can cost $3.30/drink (Regular). Expenses like transportation monthly pass can cost $85 whereas one-way ticket cost is $3.3. However, the monthly pass expense gets covered in your administration fee in many universities. Taxi tariff for 1 km costs around $2.37 and one liter of gasoline costs $1.68. Electricity, gas, and the internet can cost $120 - $235/month. Also, for health purposes, you can join a fitness club for $35/month for a single adult. Cinema lovers can spend around $15 for a ticket to watch an international release. Student health insurance is essential for international students that may cost $120/month.  

 

Total average costs of living in big cities like Berlin, Frankfurt or Dusseldorf are in the range of $1100 - $1750/month.

 Total average costs of living in smaller cities like Freiburg, Leipzig, or Hannover are in the range of $890 - $1300/month.

 

If you wish to study abroad, please connect with Whizstorm for the best international career plans.