Cost of Studying in Germany: A Complete Breakdown – styxor.com

Are you pondering over the cost of overseas education? Tuition fees and living expenses are major factors to consider. But what if we told you that you could study abroad for free in a country renowned for its cultural heritage and intellectual excellence? Germany has made this possible! Since 2014, the German government has been offering free education at its public universities, without compromising the quality of academic programs. The aim is to provide education to students from diverse backgrounds.

This article will guide you through the cost of studying in Germany at both public and private institutions, providing you with all the details you need to make an informed decision. Don’t miss this opportunity to kickstart your international education journey with zero financial burdens.

Tuition fees

When it comes to studying abroad, tuition fees are often a source of anxiety for students. However, in Germany, this is not the case. Unlike other popular study destinations where tuition fees are a major concern for international students, in Germany, these fees have been abolished for all students, including those from overseas. This policy change, which was implemented in 2014, has contributed to the rise in international enrollment, with over 380,000 foreign students currently studying in Germany.

While some regions in Germany reintroduced tuition fees for international postgraduate students in 2017, the cost of studying in Germany is still much lower compared to other countries. Additionally, students are required to pay a “semester contribution” for administrative costs, student union, and public transport, which usually does not exceed €300 per semester.

It is important to note that private universities in Germany still charge tuition fees. Although public universities are the dominant higher education providers in Germany, there are also a number of private universities available.

As a private university, the decision to impose tuition fees lies solely with the institution. As a result, fees can vary greatly depending on the university you choose. It is important to note that these fees are frequently reviewed and subject to change.

While the majority of universities apply the same fees for all degree programs, in some cases, the cost of studying can also be influenced by your chosen course of study. For instance, Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Engineering programs are commonly known to be among the most costly degree options.

The highest you can expect to pay in annual fees at a private university in Germany is around €30,000, which is significantly lower compared to other popular study destinations.

Here is a list of private universities in Germany and the average tuition fees they charge:

Some private universities in Germany offer reduced tuition fees for students who meet certain financial criteria. If your income falls below a specified threshold, you may be eligible for these reduced fees.

On the other hand, there are a few private institutions in Germany that only charge administrative fees, such as the International Psychoanalytic University Berlin. Although the annual fees at some universities exceed €30,000, this cost is still lower than fees at universities in other countries. For example, the maximum you would pay for an MBA degree at a prestigious private business school in Germany is around €35,000 per year, whereas fees for an MBA degree in the UK can easily reach €50,000.

Living costs in Germany

As a student in a private university in Germany, you will have to cover not only tuition fees but also your living expenses. These include expenses for food, utilities, housing, transportation, and more.

According to German law, international students must have at least €11,208 in their bank accounts to finance their studies for the first year. This is based on the assumption that a foreign student will spend an average of €934 per month on living expenses.

Expenses in Germany for International Students

The cost of living in Germany can be managed effectively by adopting cost-saving measures and making smart spending decisions. By sharing an apartment with other students, you can reduce your housing expenses. Additionally, opting for rental properties located in peripheral areas instead of prime locations can also result in lower costs. Furthermore, preparing meals at home rather than eating out can also help in reducing food expenses. These adjustments can significantly lower the overall cost of living for students.

Scholarships

In Germany, the cost of studying and living is economically feasible, with numerous scholarship opportunities available for international students. Scholarships range from partial scholarships to merit-based or state-specific scholarships, funded by both government and non-government organizations. Moreover, many universities in Germany also offer scholarships to exceptional international students.

Determining eligibility for scholarships is contingent on personal circumstances, and it is advisable to consider them as a means of alleviating living expenses while studying in Germany. Below are several scholarship options to explore in Germany.

Below are some scholarships you can apply for in Germany

• The Deutschlandstipendium
• DAAD Scholarships
• Erasmus Scholarship Programs
• Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarships
• Humboldt Scholarships
• Helmholtz Scholarships

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