Cost of Studying in Germany 2026

Yes, all public universities in Germany are tuition-free for all students, regardless of nationality. You only pay a semester contribution of €150-€400 which includes administrative fees and a public transport pass. The exception is Baden-Württemberg, which charges non-EU students €3,000/year. Private universities charge tuition (€10,000-€25,000/year). You still need to prove financial resources of €11,904/year through a blocked account to get your student visa.

The blocked account (Sperrkonto) is a requirement for your German student visa. You must deposit €11,904 into a German blocked account, which is then released to you in monthly installments of €992. This proves you can cover your living costs for one year. Popular providers include Expatrio, Fintiba, Coracle, and Deutsche Bank. Setup fees range from €50-€150. The remaining balance is refunded when you leave Germany or switch to a regular bank account.

Yes, health insurance is mandatory in Germany. Students under 30 can get public health insurance for approximately €120/month (€1,440/year). This covers doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription medications. Once you turn 30 or exceed 14 semesters, you must switch to private health insurance, which costs €100-€200/month depending on coverage. Proof of health insurance is required before you can enroll at any university.

Yes, international students in Germany can work 120 full days or 240 half days per year without a work permit. This works out to approximately 20 hours/week during semester breaks. Earnings from part-time work (e.g., as a student assistant or in hospitality) typically range from €12-€20/hour. After 24 months of study, work restrictions are removed for EU Blue Card purposes. Mini-jobs (up to €520/month) are also exempt from work day counting.

Yes, the €11,904 blocked account covers only basic living costs. Additional expenses include: semester fees €150-€400, health insurance €120/month (often more than the €992 monthly blocked account allows), course materials €30-€50/month, initial relocation costs, and a return flight. For dependents, you need to show additional funds (approximately €5,000/year per dependent). Many students find that €11,904 is sufficient for a budget lifestyle but tight in expensive cities like Munich or Frankfurt.