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Germany

Germany: Costs

Tuition fees and monthly living costs in Germany.

Tuition and living costs

Public university tuition
DAAD: most state institutions charge no fees for bachelor's or most master's programmes; some continuing-education master's charge fees and private institutions may charge more. Baden-Wuerttemberg: 1,500 EUR per semester for non-EU/EEA citizens in bachelor's, master's, Diplom and state-examination programmes (doctoral students exempt). Bavaria: DAAD says non-EU students may face fees of several thousand EUR per semester set by each institution; TUM currently charges usually 2,000 or 3,000 EUR (bachelor) and 4,000 or 6,000 EUR (master) per semester, rising from winter semester 2027/28 to 2,300/3,400 and 4,600/6,800; LMU states no tuition for regular degree programmes including non-EU students. Berlin (FU Berlin program pages: no tuition), North Rhine-Westphalia (RWTH: no additional tuition for non-EU students). Semester contribution 70-430 EUR per semester (DAAD); examples: TUM 97 EUR, LMU 97 EUR, KIT 184 EUR.
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Private university tuition
Not yet verified
Monthly living cost
DAAD: about 900-1,200 EUR per month depending on city; a 2023 student survey found average monthly expenses of 876 EUR; students spend on average 410 EUR/month on rent incl. utilities (DAAD finances page). DAAD renting page: Studentenwerk residences about 280 EUR/month on average, students overall about 489 EUR/month, shared-flat rooms roughly 266-790 EUR (Munich about 790). LMU recommends about 1,500 EUR/month in Munich; KIT estimates 800-900 EUR/month in Karlsruhe.
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Accommodation

DAAD: Studentenwerk (student services) residences are the most affordable option (about 280 EUR/month on average) but demand is high; apply early, some residences accept registrations while the degree application is pending. Flatshares and own flats are alternatives. Deposit (Kaution) usually about three months' basic rent. Beware of fraud (advance payments, non-German IBANs). Heidelberg Studierendenwerk: dorm application deadlines are 15 July (winter) and 15 January (summer) per a Heidelberg master's page.

When planning the total budget, separate one-off and monthly items. Budget planning guide

What to watch for in Costs

  • Calculate tuition, living costs and insurance/visa costs separately.
  • Verify fees on the university's own page; programmes can differ greatly.
  • Add a margin each year for currency and exchange-rate risk.
  • Research scholarship and discount options before applying.

Information on this page is compiled from official sources and was verified on the date shown. Fees, dates and visa rules change often; check official sources before applying. Empty fields have not been verified yet; ask our advisor for the current information.

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