Education Planning Calculator
Planning for your education can feel overwhelming. How much will you need? When should you start saving? And will your current budget be enough?
Our Education Planning Calculator gives you a clearer picture of the costs involved, so you can start planning early and make more informed decisions about studying in Germany and Austria.
Note
¹ Transition costs include flight ticket, travel insurance, visa extension/conversion fees.
² Please note that some universities in Germany also charge tuition fees for international students. These fees are not included in the estimate above and may vary depending on the university. If you choose a university in Austria, you will need to add a small fee too.
Important
The German Educare Education Planning Calculator provides general estimates based on the information you enter. It does not take into account your financial situation, study or personal goals.
The results are meant as a guide only and should not be the only factor in making your further study decisions. Be sure to consider your budget, personal needs, and long-term study goals before making any decisions.
The results shown by the Education Planning Calculator are for illustration purposes only. They are not professional financial advice or a complete education plan.
For personalised guidance and a study plan tailored to your needs, we recommend speaking with one of our student advisors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the education planning calculator work?
The calculator estimates the total cost of studying in Germany based on three main components: pre-university (pre-u) tuition fees, preparation programme fees, and estimated living expenses.
It also factors in the higher cost of living in larger cities to provide a more realistic estimate of your overall education budget.
What other factors should I consider in planning the cost of education in Germany?
Besides the estimated costs shown in the calculator, there are a few other factors to consider. Some universities and programmes charge tuition fees, particularly private universities and certain public universities for international students, which can increase your overall budget. Some students may also take longer than the standard study duration, resulting in additional living expenses.
On the other hand, international students are generally allowed to work part-time while studying, which can help offset some living costs. Many students also complete paid internships as part of their studies, providing additional income, although the availability and salary vary depending on the programme and employer.
Does the education planning calculator include education inflation?
No. The calculator is based on the latest available tuition fees and estimated living costs, but it does not automatically factor in future education inflation.
If you’re planning several years ahead, you may wish to include an annual inflation assumption of around 5% as a general estimate, depending on your circumstances.
For a more personalised education plan, our student advisors can help you understand potential cost changes and discuss ways to manage your budget, such as part-time work opportunities and financial planning.
Will more universities in Germany charge tuition fees?
It’s difficult to predict whether more universities in Germany will introduce tuition fees, as this depends on future government policies and decisions made by individual states and institutions.
Currently, most public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees for many programmes, although some universities and private institutions do. Even where tuition fees apply, they are generally lower than those in many other popular study destinations.
Combined with Germany’s relatively affordable living costs and high-quality education, studying in Germany remains a cost-effective option for many international students.
Why are other pre-university qualifications not listed?
We only include pre-university qualifications that are widely recognised in Germany and Austria, so you’ll have more options when choosing your university and course.
How do I know which level of German I will need?
It depends on the course and university requirements, as well as our recommendation based on your chosen pathway.
Do chat with our study advisors. They will be happy to assist you on this.