"Education in Germany is free" is a popular catch phrase. But what are the real costs of doing a Masters degree here as an international student? Here's the breakdown:

Pre-Arrival Cost

List of potential pre-arrival application costs for studying in Germany, including the cost of applying to 8 universities and considering the fact that you will only need to take either the IELTS or the TOEFL, not both:

• IELTS or TOEFL: The fee for registering for either the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is approximately 178 EUR (₹15,544).
• GRE: The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a standardized test that is required by some universities in Germany for admission to graduate programs. The fee for the GRE exam is approximately 214 EUR (₹18,792 ).
• Student Visa Application: If you are planning to study in Germany for more than 90 days, you will need to apply for a student visa. The cost of the student visa application is approximately 75-85 EUR (₹6,600-7,480).
• Mentorship Services (optional): Some students may choose to pay for mentorship services, which can provide assistance with the application process, including help with building a solid Statement of Purpose (SOP), creating a strong resume, and applying for scholarships. The cost of mentorship services can vary, but it is typically around ₹23,000 (253.41 EUR).
• University Application Fees: Each university in Germany may charge a fee for processing an application. The cost of university application fees can vary, but it is typically around 75 EUR (₹6,600) for the first university and 30 EUR (₹2,640) for each additional university. If you are applying to 8 universities, the total cost of university application fees may be around 285 EUR (₹24,980).

In total, pre-arrival application costs for studying in Germany may be around 652-662 EUR (₹57,324-58,204), depending on the specific exams and services you choose and the number of universities you apply to. It is important to note that these costs may vary and are intended as an approximate guide. It is recommended to check with the specific organizations or universities for the most up-to-date and accurate information on fees.

College Fees

The cost of studying in Germany is free in Public Universities. However, students would be required to pay an administrative fee (Semesterbeitrag) of around 150 to 250 EUR (₹13,200 to ₹22,000) per semester at the start of every semester. This means that the total cost of the Semesterbeitrag for a full academic year would be around 300 to 500 EUR (₹26,400 to ₹44,000). It is important to note that this fee may vary depending on the university and the specific program of study, and it is recommended to check with the university for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Post-Arrival Living Cost

Here is a list of potential post-arrival expenses for studying in Germany:

• ‍Rent and other utilities: The cost of rent and other utilities, such as electricity and heating, can vary depending on the location and size of the accommodation. However, these expenses are typically around 400 EUR (₹35,200) per month.
• Transportation costs: The cost of transportation in Germany can vary depending on the mode of transportation and the distance traveled. However, it is estimated that transportation costs may be around 200 EUR (₹17,600) per month.
• Food: The cost of food in Germany can vary depending on personal preferences and the location. However, it is estimated that food expenses may be around 350 EUR (₹30,800) per month.
• Health Insurance: Health insurance is mandatory for all students in Germany. The cost of health insurance can vary, but it is typically around 80-110 EUR (₹7,040-9,680) per month.
• Books and stationary: The cost of books and stationary can vary depending on the course of study and personal preferences. However, it is estimated that these expenses may be around 50 EUR (₹4,400) per month.‍
• Recreational activities: The cost of recreational activities, such as going to the movies or participating in sports, can vary. However, it is estimated that these expenses may be around 25 EUR (₹2,200) per month.

In total, post-arrival expenses for studying in Germany may be around 1,105-1,135 EUR (₹97,840-₹100,320) per month, depending on individual circumstances and preferences. It is important to note that these costs may vary and are intended as an approximate guide. It is recommended to budget carefully and consider any additional expenses that may arise during your studies in Germany.

The total living cost per annum is approximately 13,260-13,620 EUR (₹11.6-12 lakhs).

It is important to note that as part of the requirements for obtaining a student visa for Germany, you may be required to show that you have the financial means to cover your living and study expenses while in the country. One way to demonstrate this is by opening a blocked account, which is a special type of bank account that is specifically designed for international students in Germany. Before you arrive in the country, you will need to deposit a certain amount of money into your blocked account to show that you have the financial resources to cover your expenses. The amount required may vary, but it is generally based on the estimated cost of living in Germany and may include expenses such as rent, food, and transportation. It is important to plan ahead and budget carefully to ensure that you have sufficient funds in your blocked account when you arrive in Germany.

The blocked account amount for studying in Germany is currently €11,208 per year, or approximately €934 per month. This is the amount that needs to be deposited in a blocked account to cover living expenses and other costs while studying in Germany.

Overall Costs

The estimated cost of pursuing a Master's degree in Germany for Indian students is approximately 29,000 EUR, which is around ₹25.6 lakh. This cost includes pre-arrival application fees, college fees, and post-arrival living expenses. These estimates are approximate and may vary depending on individual circumstances and preferences. It is recommended to budget carefully and consider any additional expenses that may arise during your studies in Germany. Additionally, there are various scholarships and student jobs available in Germany, which can help offset the cost of a Master's degree. The high wages in the country can also make the investment in a Master's degree more than worthwhile.

See also

• Scholarships for international students in Germany
• Student jobs in Germany
• Guide for applying to Masters in Germany