What is the cost to study in Germany?
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Updated on: Jul 2025
Key Takeaways
- Studying in Germany is tuition-free at most public universities, but students should plan for living expenses of €900–€1,100 per month.
- Key costs include accommodation, food, transport, and health insurance, totaling about €11,208 per year.
- One-time expenses such as flight and preparation course should also be budgeted for.
- Students can work part-time (up to 140 full days/year or 20 hours/week during semester) to supplement income.
- Effective budgeting, student discounts, and shared living can help Malaysian students manage costs efficiently.
The cost to study abroad is the sum of the tuition fee and living expenses. Since many German universities do not charge a tuition fee, the total cost to study in Germany will just be the living expenses. For a typical Bachelor’s degree (7 semesters), that sum will be roughly €40,000 or about RM185,000. However, this is a simplified calculation. Read more below to understand how we work the numbers.
Is it really free to study in Germany?
Tuition fee in Baden-Württemberg for non-EU international students: €1500 per semester.
Tuition fee in other states (including non-EU international students): €0 per semester.
We get asked this question over and over again – “what is the cost to study in Germany?”. While it seems difficult to believe, it really is possible for Malaysians to study in Germany without paying tuition fees. In fact, this applies to all international students and it’s true for most public universities in Germany. Only the state of Baden-Württemberg charges non-EU international students a €1500 semester fee. There are two semesters in a year so that adds up to €3000 or about RM15000 yearly.
A typical Bachelor’s degree will take between 6 to 7 semesters. That means a student will need to set aside €9000 to €10500 (about RM45000 to RM52500) for their tuition fees to study in Baden-Württemberg. Luckily, other states including Berlin, Hamburg and Bavaria (where Munich is located) still offer courses to international students without charging a tuition fee.
Semester Contribution
€100 to €350 per semester
Both international and German students do need to pay what is called a “semester contribution” to their university. Typically it’s €100 to €350 depending on the university, and it has to be paid at the beginning of each semester.
The semester contribution will be used for student services and students will also receive a semester ticket.
The semester ticket allows students to use public transportation within the region without needing to buy an additional ticket. In some ways, you can consider the semester contribution as part of your travelling expenses. For most students, the semester contribution is within the recommended cost of living in Germany.
Monthly living expenses in Germany for students
€11208 per year
While tuition may be free or minimal, students should still plan for monthly living costs when studying in Germany. The average cost of living ranges between €900 to €1,100 per month, depending on the city and lifestyle. At German Educare, we advise students to set aside about RM52,000 or €11,208 per year. Here’s a breakdown of typical monthly expenses:
Accommodation costs (Student dorms vs private rentals)
- Student dormitories: €250–€400/month (limited availability)
- Private rooms or apartments: €450–€700/month, higher in major cities like Munich or Frankfurt
Transportation and student passes
Most universities offer discounted semester tickets for public transport.
- Monthly transport cost: €30–€70
- In some federal states, this is already included in the semester fee.
Health insurance for students
- Public student health insurance: approximately €110 per month
Personal and leisure expenses
This includes mobile phone bills, streaming services, clothing, gym memberships, and social activities. Expect to spend around €100–€150/month, depending on your lifestyle.
The actual cost to living in Germany will depend on the student’s lifestyle as well as the city the student is studying in. Accommodations will cost more in larger cities compared to smaller towns. The example below shows the cost of living index of different cities in Germany.
Source: https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_result.jsp?country=Germany
Hidden or one-time costs to consider
Apart from monthly expenses, international students should also budget for one-time or hidden costs that are often overlooked during planning.
Preparation programme and language exams
- Preparation programme fees: RM40,000 to RM68,000
- Exam fees for example, TestDaF: Roughly RM1000 per exam, and they are included in the preparation programme.
Visa and residence permit fees
You’ll need a student visa and residence permit to study legally in Germany.
- Student visa application: RM300
- Residence permit in Germany: €100
Flight and initial arrival costs
A one-way ticket from Malaysia to Germany typically costs around RM2,500 to RM3,500, depending on the airline and season. Additionally, you should plan for arrival costs such as temporary accommodation, transport, and deposits.
Calculating the cost to study abroad
For many countries, the simple calculation for cost to study abroad will be:
Cost to study abroad = Tuition fee + Cost of living
If we were to compare this to other popular study destinations like Australia, the US, and the UK, you will find that the cost to study in Germany is lower. In fact, it cost about the same to study at a private international university in Malaysia!
Source: https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_result.jsp?country=Germany
How to save money while studying in Germany
Studying in Germany is already cost-effective thanks to tuition-free education, but there are several ways international students can reduce their overall living expenses even further.
Part-time work opportunities for international students
Another excellent way to manage costs is through part-time work. International students in Germany are allowed to work up to 140 full days or 280 half days per calendar year without needing special approval from immigration offices. A half day is any shift of four hours or less.
Alternatively, students can work up to 20 hours per week during the semester, and during semester breaks this limit does not apply
Many find jobs in cafés, companies, tutoring, or assisting in university departments. With hourly wages typically ranging between €12 and €15, working part-time can meaningfully support your monthly expenses while providing valuable experience.
Student discounts and cost-cutting tips
Germany is known for offering generous student discounts that make everyday life more affordable. These include reduced rates on public transportation and to attractions like a museum.
Presenting your student ID can unlock savings across a wide range of services. With good planning, these discounts can add up to substantial monthly savings, helping you stretch your budget further.
Budgeting tips for Malaysian students
Estimate your monthly budget
Most students spend between €900 and €1,100 per month. This covers major expenses such as rent (which is usually the largest), groceries, health insurance, transportation, and personal spending.
Cities like Munich or Berlin tend to be more expensive, while smaller cities offer more affordable living options.
Tools and apps to track expenses in Germany
Opening a German bank account is essential, not only for practical reasons like paying rent but also for budgeting. Many banks—such as N26, Commerzbank, or Deutsche Bank—offer mobile apps with built-in expense tracking tools.
These apps let you categorise spending, set budgets, and monitor your balance, helping you stay in control of your finances throughout your studies.
Start budgeting early, even before you leave
It’s wise to begin budgeting before arriving in Germany. Estimate your one-time setup costs such as visa fees, flight tickets, and the first month’s rent and deposit.
Begin saving in Malaysian Ringgit and use international banking services like Wise to manage transfers at favorable exchange rates. This approach will help you avoid financial surprises during your first few months abroad.
Cook at home and share expenses
Daily habits can make a big difference. Cooking your own meals instead of eating out can save you hundreds of euros over time. Shopping at budget supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl also helps reduce costs.
Additionally, sharing an apartment or student flat not only cuts down on rent but also on utilities, internet, and other shared services. By developing strong budgeting habits and planning ahead, you can make the most of your study experience in Germany without financial strain.
So in conclusion, how much does it cost to study in Germany?
Cost to study in Germany = Tuition fee (€0) + Cost of living (€11208 yearly) + University Preparation Programme*
*Note: Contact us to find out which programme suits you.
Taking all of the above points into consideration, it costs around RM221,000 to complete a Bachelor’s degree in Germany. However, it’s possible for students to earn some allowance by working part-time. Students from Malaysia are allowed to work 120 full days or 240 half days yearly. Most students are also required to do industrial training with a company for up to 6 months. Interns will be receiving an internship allowance and it should be able to cover their living expenses during the duration of their internship.
We hope that this article sheds some light so that students (and parents) are able to understand how much money to set aside to study in Germany.
You might also like
Article title
Article title