What does studying in Germany actually cost?
Costs vary significantly by city and lifestyle. Use the presets below as a starting point, then adjust each field to match your actual situation. The blocked account (€11,904) is a legal requirement — it is your money, released monthly after you arrive.
Start with a preset
Monthly Costs
One-Time Arrival Costs
Required by law (2024 amount). Not a fee — this is your money, released monthly after you arrive in Germany.
Your Estimate
Arrival one-time costs
Recommended savings above your blocked account for unexpected costs in the first months.
These are estimates. Actual costs depend on your city, university, and personal habits. Verify semester fees with your specific university.
What these numbers mean
Expensive cities
Munich, Hamburg, and Frankfurt consistently rank among the highest cost-of-living cities in Germany. Budget €800+ for rent alone in the private market.
Affordable cities
Leipzig, Dresden, Dortmund, and Chemnitz offer significantly lower rents — often €300–500 for a private room — without sacrificing university quality.
Blocked account (€11,904) is your money
The €11,904 is released monthly after you arrive — it is not a fee. You get it back in 12 monthly instalments. It is proof of funds, not a cost.
Health insurance is mandatory
You cannot enrol at a German university without valid health insurance. Public student insurance runs ~€110/month and covers most of your needs.
Semester contribution varies
Each state and university sets its own semester fee. It typically includes an administrative fee plus a semester ticket for public transport — check your target university's website.
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