What are the total annual costs, including tuition and living expenses, for a Master's student from outside the EU studying in Germany in January 2026 and in Poland in September 2026?

For a non-EU student, a master's year in Germany from the January 2026 intake costs roughly €12,000 to €15,000, while a Polish master's from the September 2026 intake runs closer to €6,200 to €12,600. Germany's low tuition is offset by higher living costs.

Annual Cost Comparison

What Drives the Difference

• Germany's tuition model: most public universities charge no tuition, only a semester contribution of €150 to €400, though some states like Baden-Wurttemberg charge non-EU students around €1,500 a semester.
• Germany's proof-of-funds requirement: DAAD's current financial-proof figure is €11,904 a year, which you must demonstrate to obtain your student visa.
• Poland's lower overall cost: official guidance puts Polish living costs at roughly €350 to €550 a month, noticeably below German equivalents.

My Advice

Budget separately for visa fees, flights, health insurance, and deposits in both countries, since these one-time costs are not included in the annual tuition and living figures above and can add a meaningful amount to your first year. If overall cost is your deciding factor between the two, Poland's September 2026 intake works out cheaper on paper, but weigh it against Germany's stronger job market and post-study work options.