Studying abroad is the dream of many students. After spending years in one country, graduating high school and college, some students want to expand their horizons, be in a different cultural setting, and see the world, studying abroad is a way for many students to achieve this dream. However, the high cost of educational fees and migration stalls many students. In this article we shall see What is the Cost To Study In Germany As An International Student
Germany is one country that makes this dream turn into a reality for many students. Germany is one of the most popular destinations for international students in the world alongside Australia, The United Kingdom, Canada, and The United States. This is because tuition in Germany is frei.
How Much Does It Cost To Study In Germany As An International Student?
German Public Universities are tuition-free, and this is not just for students in Germany, European Union Students, but for also International Students coming to get a Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. degrees. The tuition is free but certain fees that still have to be paid by students to the university and these per-semester fees are usually about or less than $300.
Quality of Education in Germany
The cost of studying in Germany is lower than in the United States of America and that is why students all over the world try to get into universities in Germany. Germans believe that education should not be treated as a commercial product, hence the abolition of tuition fees in 2014. Lower tuition does not equal lower education standards. This statement holds when accessing the German Educational system. Germany is recognized for its seal of standard ‘Made in Germany’, and this extends to its educational system. German Universities give a world-class standard of education at the lowest possible price.
Cost of Getting an Education in Deutschland as an International Student
German Student Visa
Students from Non-EU/EEA Countries have to get a German Student Visa to get into the country for studies. To get a study visa you would need:
- A Certificate that shows your health insurance coverage.
- Proof of financial resources to support your studies (Blocked account with 10,236 EUR (10,788 USD)
- Transcript certificate
- Certificate of Proficiency (for German taught programs).
- A valid passport.
- Filled-in application form.
- Visa application fee (70 USD)
- 2 Photographs
- Admission letter from the university.
- Declaration of Authenticity for all documents.
Travel Cost
To get to Germany from the United States will be in the range of $500 – $1500 depending on the airline and the time to book. To get cheap rates apply 2 months before your intended travel date.
Tuition/Administrative Fees
There is no tuition for public universities, but students need to pay an administrative fee every semester. This amount paid is usually very little and costs within the range of $100 – $300 depending on the university.
Students in private schools pay tuition of about $35,000 a year, and this is dependent on the program of study. MBA Programs and Engineering degrees are among the most expensive.
| S/N | Private Schools | Tuition |
| 1. | GISMA Business School | 30,000 EUR |
| 2. | Bard College of Berlin | 31,000 EUR |
| 3. | Munich Business School | 40,000 EUR |
| 4. | WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management | 40,500 EUR |
| 5. | Witten/Herdecke University | 17,000 EUR |
Cost of Living in Germany
Living in Germany is not free, and the living expense depends on the side of Germany you live in. Munich and Hamburg are the most expensive cities in Germany. The capital city, Berlin, has a very affordable cost of living. There are a few things to consider – The costs of meals, Monthly Rent, Utilities (electricity, internet, cooling, garbage, water, and heat), Phone, Transportation, and Personal expenses. Students who cannot afford this should seek rent at the student’s residence.
| S/N | Cost of Living | Amount |
| 1. | Monthly Rent | €250 |
| Living Alone | 360 EUR | |
| Private rented | 365 EUR | |
| Living in resident halls. | 250 EUR | |
| 2. | Meals | €150 |
| 3. | Utilities | €215 |
| 4. | Health Insurance | €110 |
| 5. | Transportation (for Private Schools) | €86 |
| 6. | Social Life | €100 |
For Public Universities, transportation cost is covered by the administrative fees paid every semester. This is not the case for students in private schools. To survive as a student in Germany, you will be spending about 850 – 1,000 EUR per month. This is affordable compared to some other countries.
Language Expenses
Learning the German language would be very useful if you are planning on staying in Germany long term. It gives you more opportunities and chances of getting a high-paying job and helps you navigate through the country more easily. Some Public Schools in Germany give free German lessons for about four months. Studying the German Language at institutes like DeutschAkademie or Goethe Institute costs about $400 to $1,000. To reduce the cost you can opt for local German language classes.
This is just a quick analysis of the main things you would spend money on when getting an education in Germany as an International Student. There are other costs you might incur once you settle down and want to indulge yourself in some activities like traveling, gym membership, touring, and others.
Scholarships
Even though studying in Germany is cheap, there are still scholarships to help students. The most popular is the DAAD Scholarship. The Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst provides support for international students to study and live in Germany. Other scholarships are:
- The Deutschlandstipendium.
- Erasmus
- Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarships.
- Humboldt Scholarships.
- Helmholtz Scholarships.
Conclusion
Deutschland ist so aufregend! It is indeed an exciting location to be in with its amazing scenery. It is a welcoming destination for International Students which provides it with a highly diverse environment. Many say that studying in Germany makes you breakthrough in the international global market because of their highly regarded education. So, why miss out on an opportunity of advancing your career internationally!
Frequently Asked Questions
- What Are The Top Universities In Germany 2022?
| S/N | University | Rank | World Rank | Location |
| 1. | Ludwig Maximillan University | 1 | 32 | Munich |
| 2. | Technical University of Munich | 2 | 38 | Munich |
| 3. | Heidelberg University | 3 | 42 | Heidelberg |
| 4. | Charite – Universitatsmedizin | 4 | 73 | Berlin |
| 5. | Humboldt University of Berlin | 5 | 74 | Berlin |
| 6. | University of Tubingen | 6 | 78 | Tubingen |
| 7. | Free University of Berlin | 7 | 83 | Berlin |
| 8. | University of Freiburg | 8 | 108 | Freiburg |
| 9. | RWTH Aachen University | 8 | 108 | Aachen |
| 10. | University of Bonn | 10 | 108 | Bonn |
- Best Cities to Study as an International Student in Germany?
When studying abroad as an international student, it is best to study in cities where you can get the best experience not just in education but in other areas.
In Germany, the following cities offer the best experience:
- Munich
- Berlin
- Stuttgart
- Frankfurt
- Dresden
- Aachen
- Bonn
- Hamburg
- Cologne
- Leipzig.
- Can I Stay In Germany After Graduation?
Yes! Germany is one of the countries where it is easy to transition as an International Student after your studies. Other countries might require you to leave immediately after completion if you haven’t gotten a job. This is not the same in Germany. Germany allows you to apply immediately after graduation for an 18-month residence permit which is called a job seeker visa or Post-study work visa.
