Can you explain the budget and overall cost for studying a full degree at a public university with scholarship in Germany for a Master's?
Without a scholarship, a two year Master's at a German public university costs roughly 23,808 euros in living expenses, based on the federal benchmark of 992 euros a month, plus semester fees. A full scholarship, such as DAAD, can offset most of this, leaving only travel costs out of pocket.
Your German Master's budget hinges on one federal number, 992 euros a month, which is what your student visa requires you to prove you can cover for living costs. Most public universities remain tuition free, so your main expenses are this living cost benchmark plus a small semester fee. A scholarship like DAAD can replace this entirely if its stipend matches or exceeds 992 euros a month.
Estimated Monthly Budget Breakdown
| Expense Category | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | 350 to 700 euros |
| Health insurance | 120 to 150 euros |
| Food and groceries | 200 to 250 euros |
| Transport and utilities | 50 to 100 euros |
| Miscellaneous and personal | 100 to 150 euros |
| Total estimated budget | 900 to 1,250 euros |
How Scholarships Change Your Two Year Total
- Without a scholarship, expect roughly 23,808 euros in living costs over a standard four semester Master's, plus 300 to 800 euros a year in semester fees.
- Baden-Wuerttemberg charges non-EU students 1,500 euros per semester in tuition, a fee that a scholarship like DAAD usually waives.
- If your scholarship stipend matches or exceeds 992 euros a month, you can use your award certificate instead of locking funds into a blocked account for your visa.
My Advice
Build your budget around the 992 euro monthly benchmark first, then check whether your target scholarship's stipend actually clears that bar before assuming it covers your visa requirement. If it falls short, plan to top up the gap with personal savings or a part time job rather than discovering the shortfall at your visa appointment.
More expert answers
Yes, studying for a Master's at a public university in Germany is quite affordable for international students. Here’s the typical minimum annual budget you should plan for:
- Proof of funds: €11,208/year (required for your student visa, usually in a blocked account)
- Semester contribution: €200 - €800/year (administrative fee, varies by university)
- Health insurance: €1,320 - €1,680/year (mandatory for all students)
Total estimated minimum budget: €12,728 - €13,688 per year
Most public universities do not charge tuition fees for Master’s programs, but some states (like Baden-Württemberg) require non-EU students to pay additional tuition. Living costs can be higher in major cities.
Got a budget of 40 to 50 lakhs? See what Germany costs.
Full tuition and living breakdown, plus universities that fit your number.
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