Cost of living and tuition in Germany
One of Germany's biggest draws is that public universities charge little or no tuition, even for international students. Your main costs are usually living expenses and a modest semester contribution. Figures change every year, so always confirm the current amounts officially.
Tuition at public universities
Most public universities are tuition-free for the majority of students. The main exception is Baden-Württemberg, where non-EU students pay about €1,500 per semester. Private universities set their own (often much higher) fees.
The semester contribution
Wherever you study, you pay a semester contribution (the Semesterbeitrag) of roughly €150–€350 per semester. This is not tuition: it covers administration and student services, and it often includes a public-transport ticket, which can make it excellent value.
Living costs and proving funds
For your visa, you'll usually need to show you can cover your living costs, which for 2026 means €11,904 per year (€992 per month), typically held in a blocked account. See our visas guide for how the blocked account works.
Costs vary a lot by city: Munich and Frankfurt are among the most expensive, while smaller cities and the east tend to be cheaper. Your biggest variable is rent: see our accommodation guide. You can also offset costs with part-time work; read our working in Germany page.
Official sources: Study in Germany (DAAD), Make it in Germany.