How much would it cost me to pursue a Master's in Technology in Germany, including tuition and living expenses?

The single biggest reason a German M.Tech is far cheaper than an equivalent US or UK degree is that tuition is not the main cost at all at most public universities, living expenses are, which changes how you should actually plan the budget.

Cost Breakdown for a 2 Year Program

• Tuition: EUR 0 at most public universities, with a semester contribution of EUR 150 to 350.
• Living expenses: EUR 900 to 1,100 a month, based on DAAD's average student estimate of around EUR 990.
• Visa proof of funds: EUR 11,904 for the first year, held in a blocked account, released to you monthly rather than as a lump sum.
• Setup costs: EUR 1,000 to 2,000 for flights, initial deposit and first month's rent before you leave India.

Putting It Together

Adding tuition, living costs and setup expenses over 2 years lands most students between EUR 24,000 and 31,000 in total, or roughly Rs 24 to 31 lakh at current exchange rates. A tighter budget in a smaller university town can bring this closer to EUR 23,000 to 25,000, while a major city such as Munich can push it toward EUR 30,000 to 35,000.

One Important Exception

Baden-Wurttemberg charges non-EU students EUR 1,500 a semester at its public universities, so if your shortlist includes a university in that state, add roughly EUR 3,000 to your 2 year total compared with the tuition free estimate above.

My Advice

You do not need the entire 2 year total sitting in your account before you apply. The EUR 11,904 blocked account requirement is primarily proof of funds for your first year, so plan the remaining year's finances through savings, a part-time Werkstudent role, or a loan drawn down closer to when you need it, rather than trying to raise the full amount upfront.

This Information Is Also Available On

DAAD, German Academic Exchange Service, and the Federal Foreign Office.