The short answer
German public universities charge no tuition in most states, but study is not free of cost. You pay a semester contribution of €150 to €400, and you must show about €11,904 in a blocked account to cover first-year living costs, which is a visa condition.
What is a blocked account?
A German bank account where you deposit a full year of living costs before travelling, and from which you can withdraw only a fixed monthly share (about €992) after you arrive. It assures the embassy that you can support yourself. The money is yours and comes back to you month by month.
Annual cost items
- Semester contribution: €300 – €800 a year, usually including a transport ticket.
- Baden-Württemberg charges non-EU students €1,500 a semester.
- Housing: €300 – €700 a month depending on the city. Munich is the most expensive.
- Student health insurance: about €120 – €140 a month.
- Public Studienkolleg is free; private ones charge fees.
How to reduce the cost
- Students may work 140 full days a year.
- DAAD scholarships for master’s students, and foundation scholarships for high achievers after the first semester.
- Student housing (Studentenwerk) is far cheaper. Apply the moment your admission arrives.