Approximately how much payment is required at the start of studies in Germany for a Master's?
At a public university, you need around 13,000 to 15,000 euros upfront, mostly your blocked account of 11,904 euros, plus a semester fee of 100 to 430 euros and health insurance of 120 to 140 euros a month. A private university needs 18,000 to 30,000+ euros due to higher tuition.
Your upfront payment for starting a Master's in Germany depends heavily on whether you choose a public or private university, since public tuition stays minimal while private tuition adds a large separate cost. Your visa status also shapes how much you need to prove before you can even enroll.
Initial Payment Checklist
| Expense Type | Public University | Private University |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition or semester fees | 100 to 430 euros per semester | 5,000 to 20,000+ euros per year |
| Blocked account (visa) | 11,904 euros required upfront | 11,904 euros required upfront |
| Health insurance | 120 to 140 euros per month | 120 to 140 euros per month |
| Approx. total out of pocket | 13,000 to 15,000 euros | 18,000 to 30,000+ euros |
Why Your Blocked Account Dominates This Number
You will notice that most of your upfront cost at a public university comes from the blocked account itself, since tuition barely registers by comparison. If you land in Baden-Wurttemberg, add 1,500 euros per semester in state tuition on top of this. At a private university, your upfront cash needs to stretch much further to cover both the blocked account and the first tuition installment.
My Advice
Set up your blocked account well before your enrollment deadline, since the full amount must sit there before your visa is approved, and layer your semester fee and first insurance payment on top so you are not scrambling at the last moment.
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