Looking for world-class education without heavy debt? While the cost of studying in Germany remains remarkably low, recent shifts in 2026 like the mandatory blocked account increase to EUR 11,904 (approx. INR 10.85 Lakhs) and new tuition fees for non-EU students in states like Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg can derail your plans if you aren’t prepared.
For an Indian student in 2026, the total annual budget typically ranges from INR 11 Lakh to INR 14 Lakh to cover survival and administrative costs.
In this comprehensive blog, we provide a complete guide on the cost of studying in Germany, and the essential tips for you to budget smartly while planning your study abroad journey.
Quick Breakdown: Cost of Studying in Germany 2026
Planning your 2026-2027 intake? Budget INR 12.1 Lakh to INR 15.1L annually for public universities to cover the mandatory EUR 11,904 blocked account, health insurance, and administrative fees.
Choose your dream country
UK
USA
Germany
Australia
Ireland
Canada
UAE
France
Sweden
Italy
Other
When do you want to study abroad?
What's your highest level of education?
Select you current city
How Leap will help you
Personalised University Shortlist
Express Applications with Quicker Admits
End-to-End Application Support
| Expense Category | Annual Estimated Cost (EUR/ INR) |
|---|---|
| Public University Fees | EUR 300 – EUR 800 (INR 27,000 – INR 72,000) |
| Private University Tuition | EUR 10,000 – EUR 25,000+ (INR 9 Lakh – INR 22.80 Lakh) |
| Mandatory Blocked Account | EUR 11,904 (INR 10.8 Lakh – INR 12.1 Lakh) |
| Health Insurance | EUR 1,320 – EUR 1,770 (INR 1.02 Lakh – INR 1.06 Lakh) |
| Pre-Arrival (APS/Visa/Tests) | EUR 500 (INR 45,000) |
Cost of studying in Germany: Public Universities vs. Private Universities
While most public institutions charge zero tuition, the financial gap between public and private universities is significant.
| University Type | Degree Level | Annual Fee Approx. (EUR / INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Public | Bachelor’s/Master’s | EUR 300 - EUR 800 (INR 27,000 - INR 72,000) |
| Public (Baden-Württemberg) | Int. Bachelor/Master | EUR 3,000 (INR 2.7 Lakh) |
| Private | Bachelor’s | EUR 10,000 - EUR 15000 (INR 9 Lakhs - INR 13.5 Lakh) |
| Private | MBA | EUR 20,000 - EUR 40,000 (INR 18 Lakh - INR 36 Lakh) |
Cost of Studying in Germany in Public Universities
Most public universities in Germany are tuition-free, but they require a Semester Contribution. If you are planning to choose public universities for your study, here is a list of 5 universities with cost breakdowns.
| University | Location | QS Rank 2026 | Popular Programs | Program & Fees (EUR / INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Technical University of Munich (TUM) | Munich | 22 | AI, Data Science, Robotics, Management | Bachelors: EUR 4,000 – EUR 6,000/yr (INR 4.21 Lakh – 6.31 Lakh) Masters: EUR 8,000 – EUR 12,000/yr (INR 8.42 Lakh – 12.63 Lakh) |
| Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) | Munich | 58 | Physics, Economics, Medicine, Law | Bachelors/Masters: EUR 0 Semester Fee: EUR 170/yr (INR 17,900/yr) |
| Heidelberg University | Heidelberg | 80 | Medicine, Life Sciences, Computer Science | Bachelors/Masters: EUR 3,000/yr (INR 3.15 Lakh) Semester Fee: EUR 342/yr (INR 36,000/yr) |
| Free University of Berlin (FU Berlin) | Berlin | 88 | Political Science, Social Sciences, Biology | Bachelors/Masters: EUR 0 Tuition Semester Fee: EUR 718/yr (INR 75,500/yr) |
| RWTH Aachen University | Aachen | 105 | Mechanical Eng, Automotive, Electrical Eng | Bachelors/Masters: EUR 0 Tuition Semester Fee: EUR 676/yr (INR 71,100/yr) |
Cost of Studying in Germany in Private Universities
Private universities are the go-to for specialized English-taught MBAs and Data Science degrees. They offer smaller class sizes and direct corporate networking. Here is a list of top 5 private universities in Germany where you will spend your tuition fee.
| University | Popular Programs | Program Level & Fees (EUR / INR) | Total Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frankfurt School of Finance & Management | Finance, MBA, Data Science, Management | Bachelors: EUR 8,200/sem (INR 8,63,000) Masters: EUR 17,750 – 21,420/yr (INR 18.6L – 22.5L) Full-Time MBA: EUR 42,000/yr (INR 44L) | INR 1 Lakh – 44 Lakh |
| WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management | Business Admin, Entrepreneurship, MBA | Bachelors: EUR 9,100/sem (INR 9,57,800) Masters (MiM): EUR 20,200/yr (INR 21.02 Lakh) Full-Time MBA: EUR 49,500/yr (INR 52 Lakh) | INR 19 Lakh – INR 52 Lakh |
| IU International University | AI, Computer Science, MBA, Engineering | Bachelors: EUR 4,500/yr (INR 4.73 Lakh) Masters: EUR 7,500/yr (INR 7.89 Lakh) MBA: EUR 10,000/yr (INR 10.52 Lakh) | INR 4 Lakh – 10.5 Lakh |
| GISMA University of Applied Sciences | Business Mgmt, AI, Global MBA, Software Eng | Bachelors: EUR 13,125/yr (INR 13 Lakh) Masters: EUR 12,100 – 15,500/yr (INR 12.7L – 16.3L) Global MBA: EUR 22,500/yr (INR 23 Lakh) | INR 12 Lakh – 23 Lakh |
| Constructor University (Bremen) | Robotics, CS, Data Eng, International Relations | Bachelors: EUR 20,000/yr (INR 21 Lakh) Masters: EUR 20,000/yr (INR 21.05 Lakh) MBA: EUR 20,000/yr (INR 21.05 Lakh) | INR 21 Lakh |
Pre-Arrival Costs for Indian Students in 2026-2027
Before you even book your flight, you'll need to budget your travel expenses in Germany. These are essential to secure your admission and visa.
| Item | Estimated Cost (INR) | Essential Detail |
|---|---|---|
| APS Certificate | EUR 172 (INR 18,000) | Mandatory academic verification for Indian applicants. |
| Tests (IELTS/GRE) | EUR 160 – EUR 220 (INR 17,000 – INR 23,000) | Required for English proficiency and some Master's. |
| Application Fees | EUR 45 – EUR 130 (INR 4,500 – INR 13,500) | Uni-Assist or direct university processing fees. |
| Student Visa Fee | EUR 75 (INR 7,000) | Non-refundable National D-Visa fee. |
| Travel Insurance | EUR 25 – EUR 50 (INR 2,500 – INR 5,000) | Mandatory for visa; covers the first 30–90 days. |
| One-Way Flight | EUR 330 – EUR 570 (INR 35,000 – INR 60,000) | Best booked 2–3 months in advance. |
Mandatory Health Insurance (2026 Update)
Health insurance is a recurring monthly cost required for university enrollment. For 2026, the statutory rates for students under 30 have increased due to updated government assessment bases.
| Provider | Total Monthly (under 23) | Total Monthly (23–29) | Total INR (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| BKK firmus | EUR 141.93 | EUR 147.06 | INR 14,940 – INR 15,480 |
| Techniker (TK) | EUR 146.29 | EUR 151.42 | INR 15,400 – INR 15,940 |
| DAK Gesundheit | EUR 150.65 | EUR 155.78 | INR 15,850 – INR 16,400 |
| Barmer | EUR 151.42 | EUR 156.55 | INR 15,940 – INR 16,480 |
The German Blocked Account: Your Financial Proof for 2026-2027
This is the most critical financial component for your German student visa. A "Sperrkonto," or Blocked Account, is a special bank account where you must deposit enough funds to prove you can cover your living expenses for your first year.
To get your 2026 student visa, you must prove financial stability through a Blocked Account.
- 2026 Requirement: A deposit of EUR 11,904 (approx. INR 10 Lakh –12 Lakh) is mandatory.
- Monthly Payout: You receive EUR 992 (INR 90,000) monthly to cover your expenses.
- Setup Fees: Providers like Expatrio or Fintiba charge a one-time fee between EUR 50 and EUR 150.
Cost of Living in Germany
The cost of living in Germany is reasonable compared to the UK or USA, but they vary by city. Metros like Munich and Berlin are more expensive than student towns like Aachen or Leipzig.
| Expense Category | Amount (EUR) | Amount (INR approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Rent & Utilities | EUR 350 - EUR 700 | INR 31,500 - INR 63,000 |
| Food & Groceries | EUR 150 - EUR 250 | INR 13,500 - INR 22,500 |
| Health Insurance | EUR 110 - EUR 130 | INR 9, 900 - INR 11,700 |
| Internet & Mobile | EUR 30 - EUR 50 | INR 2700 - INR 4500 |
| Total Monthly | EUR 690 - EUR 1,293 | INR 62,100 - INR 1,16,000 |
Tips for Budgeting your Living in Germany
Studying in Germany is an attractive option for international students due to low or no tuition fees at public universities. However, living expenses, insurance, and other costs must be managed carefully. A few tips for smartly budgeting your living costs in Germany.
1.Choose Affordable Student Housing
Try to look for university dorms or shared flats (WGs). They’re cheaper than private apartments and a great way to meet other students.
2. Cook Your Own Meals
Eating out is expensive. Cooking at home and shopping at discount supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl saves money and keeps you healthy.
3. Use Student Transport Options
Most universities include a semester public transport pass. For short trips, biking is cheap, fast, and eco-friendly.
4. Keep Track of Your Expenses
Use apps or a simple notebook to monitor your spending. This helps you stick to your budget and avoid surprises.
5. Work Part-Time for Extra Income
International students can work up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year. Doing part-time jobs in Germany helps cover living costs and gives valuable work experience.
Simple Ways to Reduce your Cost of Studying in Germany
Germany is incredibly student-friendly. While you need to prove funds for your visa, there are two easy ways to manage your finances: Scholarships (free money) and Part-Time Jobs (earning while learning).
1. Top Scholarships for Indian Students
Think of scholarships in Germany as "performance rewards." You don’t need to be a genius; you just need to be well-prepared.
| Scholarship | Benefit (Monthly) | Key Points |
|---|---|---|
| DAAD Scholarship | EURO 992 – EURO 1,300 (INR 1.04Lakh – INR 1.37Lakh) | Strong academic record + 2 years work experience |
| Deutschlandstipendium | EUR 300 (INR 31,500) | Top grades + social/volunteer work. |
| Foundation Grants | EUR 992 (INR 1.04Lakh) | Involvement in politics, climate, or society. |
2. Earn While You Study: 2026 Rules
Germany has officially updated its labor laws for the 2026-2027 intake to provide more flexibility and higher pay for international students.
| Feature | 2026 Regulation | Monthly Benefit (INR approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Work Limit | 140 Full Days (or 280 Half Days) | Up from 120 days; more earning freedom. |
| Min. Wage | EUR 13.90 / hour | INR 1,460 / hour — covers basics easily. |
| "Mini-Job" Limit | EUR 603 / month | INR 63,500 — completely Tax-Free. |
| Working Student | EUR 16 – EUR 20+ / hour | INR 1,680 – INR 2,100+ — builds your CV. |
Conclusion
In summary, studying in Germany remains one of the most financially sound decisions for Indian students in 2026. While the prospect of "free" tuition is a major draw, success depends on a clear understanding of the mandatory living costs and administrative requirements like the APS certificate.
By balancing your budget with smart choices like student dormitories and part-time jobs, you can achieve your dream of a European degree without the burden of heavy student debt.
Planning for the September 2026 intake? Start your preparation now. If you’d like personalized guidance on your application or education loans, Leap Scholar’s experts are here to help you every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
-
What is the minimum balance required for a German blocked account in 2026?
As of January 2026, the mandatory deposit for a student visa is EUR 11,904 (approx. INR 10.8 Lakh to INR 12.1Lakh depending on exchange rates). This amount is based on the updated monthly requirement of EURO 992, which covers your housing, food, and basic essentials.
-
Can Indian students work part-time in Germany?
Yes, and the rules have become even more student-friendly. You can work 140 full days or 280 half days per year.
New Minimum Wage: As of January 1, 2026, the statutory minimum wage has increased to EUR 13.90/hour.
Earnings: Working 20 hours a week at this rate allows you to earn roughly EUR 1,112/month, which is often enough to cover your entire cost of living without touching your savings.
Mini-Job Limit: The monthly tax-free "Mini-Job" threshold has also increased to EUR 603 for 2026. -
What is the APS certificate fee for Indian applicants?
The APS (Academic Evaluation Centre) certificate remains mandatory for all Indian applicants. The fee is INR 18,000. It is highly recommended to apply for this 6 months in advance, as it is a strict prerequisite for both university admissions and your visa appointment.
-
Is health insurance mandatory for Indian students?
Absolutely. You cannot enroll at a German university without it.
Statutory (Public) Insurance: For students under 30, the monthly rate for providers like TK, AOK, or Barmer is now approximately EUR 130 – EUR 148 (including nursing care insurance).
Private Insurance: Only recommended for language students or those over 30, with premiums starting around EUR 110/month, though coverage varies.
Have Questions? Get Guidance to reach your Dream University
Connect with India's finest counsellors and biggest study abroad community.
Get Guidance