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).

Study Financing: BAfoeg, Scholarship, Loan Compared | University Cost Calculator

Study Financing: BAfoeg, Scholarship, Loan Compared

Financing studies is a central challenge for many students. There are various options that differ significantly in terms of conditions, requirements, and repayment modalities. This comparison helps in choosing the optimal financing strategy.

BAfoeg: The Classic

BAfoeg is the best-known student funding and offers the best conditions. Half is a gift (grant), the other half an interest-free loan with repayment capped at 10,010 euros. The maximum rate is 934 euros monthly. The disadvantage: it depends on parental income and is therefore not accessible to everyone.

Strengths: No interest rate, repayment cap, half is a grant, social security (insurance supplement). Weaknesses: Complicated application, dependent on parental income, only funds first degree within standard study period.

Scholarships: Free Money

Scholarships are the best form of financing since they do not need to be repaid. They come in many varieties: The Deutschlandstipendium (300 euros monthly, merit-based, income-independent) is awarded by nearly all universities. The 13 talent support organizations (e.g., Studienstiftung, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung) offer up to 934 euros plus 300 euros book allowance.

Additionally, there are hundreds of small scholarships for specific study programs, regions, social backgrounds, or special life circumstances. Databases like myStipendium.de and stipendienlotse.de help in the search. Application rates are often surprisingly low, so it is almost always worth applying.

Strengths: No repayment, often non-material support (seminars, networks), prestigious on the CV. Weaknesses: Application effort, often merit-dependent, limited number of places.

KfW Student Loan

The KfW student loan offers up to 650 euros monthly with a variable interest rate (currently approx. 8-9 percent p.a., as of 2024). Disbursement is for a maximum of 14 semesters. After a grace period of 6-23 months, repayment begins over a maximum of 25 years.

Strengths: Income-independent, no collateral needed, flexible disbursement amount. Weaknesses: High interest rate, no cap on total repayment, post-study debt can constrain career planning.

Education Funds and Income Share Agreements

Education funds like Brain Capital or Chancen eG offer an innovative alternative: funding is not repaid as a fixed amount but as a percentage of future income over a defined period. Typically 4-10 percent of gross income over 3-8 years after starting work.

Strengths: Income-dependent repayment, no risk with low income, often combined with coaching and networking. Weaknesses: More expensive than a loan with high income, limited number of places, not available for all study programs.

Our Recommendation: The Optimal Combination

Most students use a combination of several sources. A proven strategy: First check BAfoeg eligibility (best conditions). Apply for scholarships in parallel (possible in addition to BAfoeg). Work as a working student in a study-relevant field (practical experience and income). Parental support as a base. Student loans only as a last resort.

With the university cost calculator on rechenportal.de, you can explore different financing combinations and immediately see whether your income covers your expenses.