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If I try for German private universities, what is the approximate total cost including tuition fees, living expenses, and blocked account in Germany?

07 Sept 2026 · Answered by Abhishek Mehta · 2 min read
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A German private university typically costs 17,000 to 32,000 euros for your first year, combining 5,000 to 20,000 euros or more in tuition with the mandatory blocked account of 11,904 euros, released to you at 992 euros every month for living costs.

Abhishek Mehta
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Studying at a private university in Germany will cost you noticeably more than a public one, mainly because of tuition rather than living costs. Your first year typically runs 17,000 to 32,000 euros once you add tuition to the mandatory blocked account, and a full Bachelor's or Master's can total 45,000 to 70,000 euros or more. Your exact number depends heavily on the programme and city you choose.

Estimated Annual Cost Breakdown

Expense CategoryAnnual CostNotes
Tuition (private, Bachelor's/Master's)8,000 to 15,000 eurosMBAs and executive programmes can reach 25,000 to over 50,000 euros total
Blocked account / living expenses11,904 eurosLegally required minimum, paid out at 992 euros per month
Total estimated first year17,000 to 32,000+ eurosVaries by programme and lifestyle city

What Drives Your Real Cost Higher

  • Major cities like Berlin, Frankfurt or Munich can realistically cost 1,100 to 1,300 euros a month once rent is factored in, above the blocked account minimum.
  • A full 3-year Bachelor's or 2-year Master's at a private university can total 45,000 to 70,000 euros or more across the whole programme.
  • Public universities charge only minor semester contributions of 100 to 400 euros, so compare both paths before you commit to a private one.

My Advice

Get the exact tuition figure in writing from your shortlisted private university before you budget your blocked account and loan, since tuition varies by tens of thousands of euros between programmes. If the total feels out of reach, seriously compare an equivalent public university programme in the same city, since your living costs stay almost identical either way.

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