Germany has more than 150 state and government funded universities providing world-class education either for free or at extremely low cost. The country stresses on experiential modes of learning which sets apart students from the rest in terms of aptitude and intelligence to design and create landmark solutions in areas of artificial intelligence, robotics, and automobile engineering in particular. Most of the universities have internship opportunities for 3 to 6 months in real time industrial environment thus rendering the course its practical relevance. The following article brings in the line items and their associated costs when it comes to studying in Germany.

TUITION FEES

Germany has assumed one of the most highly respected study abroad destinations because of its tuition-free education offered at its public universities. None of the public-funded universities in Germany charge any tuition fee from local and foreign students, especially for undergraduate course programmes. A minimal charge of €50-250 may, however, be charged by some universities to cover for administrative costs. This provision is applicable only to public universities. With the reintroduction of tuition fees for non-EU students by Baden-Württemberg in 2017, other states may also start to charge for tuition in due course of time. Private education cost may range anywhere between €15,000 and €30,000 per annum for undergraduate and post-graduate programs.

HOUSE RENT

Rent occupies the single biggest expense item for a student pursuing higher education in Germany. Average annual living expense is around €10800. Shared accommodation may, however, be availed at roughly one-third of it, ranging from €210 to around €360 per month. Living on campus may cost around €240 per month. Cities like Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg are much costlier than Berlin, Chemnitz, or Dresden. In fact, a student flat in Munich, one of the most expensive cities in Germany, will cost roughly €665 per month, while in Berlin it is €430 and in Leipzig, a smaller university town, monthly student rent is approximately €327.

HEALTH INSURANCE

Health insurance cover is mandatory for students studying in Germany and is available under 2 options viz. public/private Health Insurance from Germany or private insurance from home country. The public insurance offers insurance at highly subsidized rates of around €80 per month. The student health covers all aspects of health for the entire course duration.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Germany offers benefits to students using the public transportation system. With a semester ticket and a fixed semester charge of around €65, a student can use all public transportation system viz. underground/suburban trains, trams, and buses for free.

VISA CHARGES 

Visa application fee will cost around €60 in addition to which proof of access to about €725 per month to cover living costs have to be submitted for approval of the same.

MISCELLANEOUS

It is highly advisable that students maintain a monthly budget of €300 excluding rent. This includes costs of internet access of around €25 and study and learning materials adding around €20-30 per month. Utilities will cost around €200 per month and an additional €20 can be assumed for phone bill charges. Grocery expenses add further €100 to the monthly expenses.