Financial Planning

Managing Your Student Finances in Germany

Plan your budget effectively with this guide to tuition fees, living costs, scholarships, and financial requirements for studying in Germany.

Germany Student Money Planner

Plan your money for studying in Germany in 2026-27. Amounts are in euro (EUR).

Monthly Budget Overview

€

TransportationEUR 63

Personal & LeisureEUR 18.36

Total MonthlyEUR 900 to 1,200 a month on average for everything, rent and food too

Tuition at public universities

In most German states, no tuition. Baden-Württemberg: EUR 1,500 a semester

Baden-Württemberg charges students from outside the EU and EEA (the European Union and more European countries) EUR 1,500 a semester. Technical University of Munich (TUM) charges them a semester: bachelor's usually EUR 2,000 or 3,000, master's usually EUR 4,000 or 6,000.

Living Costs Calculator

Money Topics

Read each guide to plan your money for Germany.

Tuition Fees

Complete breakdown of tuition costs across universities in Germany

Key information

Program-wise fee structure
Public vs private universities
Additional academic costs
Payment schedules and methods

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Living Costs

Comprehensive guide to living expenses and budgeting in Germany

Key information

Accommodation costs by city
Food and daily expenses
Transportation costs
Personal and entertainment budget

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Financial Proof

Documentation and requirements for proving financial capacity

Key information

Required financial documentation
Bank statement requirements
Sponsor documents
University-specific requirements

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Scholarships

Available scholarships and funding opportunities for international students

Key information

Government scholarships
University-specific funding
Merit-based opportunities
Application deadlines and process

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Student Jobs

Work opportunities and regulations for international students

Key information

Work permit regulations
On-campus job opportunities
Part-time work options
Post-graduation work rights

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Budget Overview

Plan Your Money for Germany

Students need EUR 900 to 1,200 a month on average. Costs depend on your city.

Fixed Monthly Costs

Costs with a fixed price, per month

Essential Monthly Expenses

Transportation

EUR 63

Deutschlandticket (one ticket for local buses and trains in all of Germany), a month. On 1 January 2027 it rises to EUR 66.80 a month.

Personal & Academic

EUR 18.36

TV and radio fee (Rundfunkbeitrag), a month for each household

Total Monthly Budget

Average living costs for students

EUR 900 to 1,200 a month on average for everything, rent and food too

Excluding tuition fees

Costs vary significantly based on location and lifestyle. Figures are estimates and subject to change.

Money Management

Banking in Germany

A German bank account lets you pay your semester contribution and rent, and get paid from a job. Student accounts are usually free.

Smart Financial Tips

Expert advice to help you manage your finances effectively while studying in germany

Budgeting

Plan EUR 900 to 1,200 a month for living costs, more in Munich.

Add the semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag), a fee every student pays each semester.

Add your health insurance, about EUR 141.16 to 146.29 a month at Techniker Krankenkasse (TK).

Saving

Ask your university about the Deutschlandstipendium (EUR 300 a month, paid by the university, if it offers one).

Search the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) scholarship list early.

Banking

Open a free student bank account.

Avoid cash withdrawals with a credit card. Card companies charge high fees.

Earning

You may work up to 140 full days or 280 half days a year, or up to 20 hours a week.

The minimum wage is EUR 13.90 an hour since 1 January 2026.

Pro Tips for germany

Currency Management

• Monitor exchange rates and transfer money when rates are favorable
• Use multi-currency cards to avoid conversion fees
• Keep some local cash (€) for emergencies

Local Financial Culture

• Learn about local tipping customs and practices
• Understand tax obligations for international students
• Explore local student financial support programs

Remember: Financial planning is key to a successful study abroad experience. Start planning early and don't hesitate to seek advice from financial advisors or your university's international student services.