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 — for 2026 that's €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.