How much does university cost in Germany in total?

A bachelor's degree (6 semesters) at a public university costs an average of 36,000 to 54,000 euros, a master's degree (4 semesters) about 24,000 to 36,000 euros. This includes living costs, semester fees, and study materials. Private universities charge additional tuition fees of 3,000 to 15,000 euros per semester.

Are there tuition fees in Germany?

Public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees for the first degree. Only the semester fee applies (approx. 130-420 euros). Private universities, however, charge tuition of typically 3,000 to 15,000 euros per semester. For non-EU citizens, Baden-Wuerttemberg has been charging 1,500 euros per semester since 2017.

What is the semester fee?

The semester fee is a mandatory charge paid by all students at public universities. It consists of the student services fee (canteen, counseling), the student union fee, and in most states the semester ticket for public transport. The amount varies between 130 and 420 euros per semester depending on the state and university.

How much money does a student need per month?

According to the 22nd Social Survey by DSW, students in Germany need an average of 850 to 1,050 euros per month. In major cities like Munich or Hamburg, it can exceed 1,200 euros, while smaller university towns often suffice with 700 to 800 euros. The biggest items are rent (300-700 euros) and food (200-400 euros).

How does BAfoeg work?

BAfoeg (Federal Training Assistance Act) is government funding for students whose parents cannot finance their studies. The maximum rate is 934 euros monthly (2024). Half is a grant (no repayment), the other half is an interest-free loan. Repayment begins 5 years after graduation and is capped at 10,010 euros.

How much can students earn on the side?

With a mini-job, you can earn up to 538 euros monthly (2024). As a working student, you work a maximum of 20 hours per week during lectures, with no earnings limit. BAfoeg recipients can earn up to 6,270 euros gross per year (approx. 522 euros/month) without their BAfoeg being reduced.

What does a shared room cost in Germany?

A shared flat room costs between 250 and 650 euros including utilities, depending on the city. Munich averages 550-650 euros, Berlin 450-550 euros, Cologne 400-500 euros, and East German cities like Leipzig 280-350 euros. Student dorms are significantly cheaper at 200-350 euros but often have long waiting lists.

What insurance do students need?

Health insurance is mandatory. Until age 25, you're covered for free through family insurance. After that, student health insurance costs about 110 euros monthly. Personal liability insurance (from 30 euros/year) is strongly recommended. Optional are household contents insurance and disability insurance (often very affordable for students).

Is a scholarship worth it?

Absolutely! Scholarships don't need to be repaid and often offer, in addition to financial support (100-1,500 euros/month), non-material benefits like seminars and networking. The Deutschlandstipendium (300 euros/month) is particularly popular. Beyond major foundations, there are hundreds of small, subject-specific scholarships. Applying is almost always worthwhile.

How much does private university cost?

Private universities cost between 3,000 and 15,000 euros per semester, totaling 18,000 to 90,000 euros for a bachelor's degree. Normal living costs apply on top. Some private universities offer financing models where tuition is repaid from salary after graduation (Income Share Agreements).

Semester Fee Explained: Why You Pay Up to 420 Euros per Semester | University Cost Calculator

Semester Fee Explained: Why You Pay Up to 420 Euros per Semester

Even though there are no tuition fees at public universities in Germany, every student pays a semester fee. This ranges from 130 to 420 euros per semester, depending on the university and state. But what exactly is included, and why are the differences so large?

The Three Components of the Semester Fee

The semester fee consists of three main components: the student services contribution, the student union contribution (AStA/StuPa), and in many cases the semester ticket. The proportions vary by university, but typically the semester ticket makes up the largest share.

The student services contribution (50-80 euros) finances the canteens, psychological counseling, childcare, dormitory administration, and other social services. The student union contribution (10-20 euros) finances student self-governance, cultural events, and political representation.

Semester Ticket: The Largest Cost Block

The semester ticket is a solidarity model: all students pay, and in return all can use public transport within the validity area. Costs vary greatly: In Lower Saxony, the ticket covers all public transport in the state and costs 200-250 euros per semester. In NRW, a statewide ticket often applies for 180-220 euros.

Since the introduction of the Deutschlandticket (49 euros monthly), many universities have adjusted their semester ticket models. Some now offer a discounted Deutschlandticket as part of the semester fee (approx. 180 euros per semester instead of the regular 294 euros). Other universities negotiate their own terms with local transport operators.

In Bavaria and Baden-Wuerttemberg, there is traditionally no statewide semester ticket, which is why semester fees there are significantly lower (150-180 euros). However, students there must pay separately for public transport, which can be more expensive overall.

Semester Fees by State Overview

Lower Saxony has the highest fees (up to 420 euros) due to the statewide semester ticket. Bremen follows with about 380 euros. Hamburg is at approximately 340 euros, Berlin and Brandenburg at about 310-320 euros. NRW varies greatly by university (250-350 euros). Hesse is at approximately 280 euros, Rhineland-Palatinate at 290 euros.

At the lower end are Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (approx. 130 euros), Bavaria (approx. 160 euros), and Baden-Wuerttemberg (approx. 170 euros). Saxony-Anhalt and Schleswig-Holstein are at approximately 200 euros, Saxony at approximately 240 euros, and Thuringia at approximately 250 euros.

Can You Be Exempt from the Semester Fee?

Exemption from the semester fee is generally not possible, as it is a solidarity contribution. Exceptions exist for students taking a leave of absence (the semester ticket portion often is waived), students with disabilities who cannot use public transport, and in some states for students completing a recognized semester abroad.

Tax Deduction of the Semester Fee

The semester fee can be claimed in the tax return. In the first degree (bachelor) as special expenses (up to 6,000 euros annually), in the second degree (master after vocational training or bachelor) as income-related expenses (unlimited). Especially in the master's, filing a tax return is worthwhile, as loss carryforwards can be accumulated and offset after starting work.