05 Jun

Germany offers free education to international students?

Studying abroad in Germany is very popular among international students.

Germany is unique in the global education scene since it provides education for very little or free of cost.

In Germany, education is subsidized by the state, hence state-funded higher education institutions normally do not charge tuition fees.

Effectively, in Germany, nearly every student receives a scholarship!


However, certain specialized courses and courses private universities offer attract fees.

You will need to pay a semester contribution of around Euro 300, depending upon the university and the services or benefits provided.


Studienkollegs at state-funded universities do not charge tuition fees.

The Studienkollegs function as a ‘bridge’ to help international students adjust from the academic culture in their home country to the academic culture in Germany.

To do this they offer courses specifically tailored to international university applicants.


Apart from the tuition fees, if any, you will require about EUR 934 per month for subsistence i.e. housing, food, clothing, study material and other expenses such as health insurance and leisure activities.

The amounts can vary from city to city, and of course from lifestyle to lifestyle!


In addition, Germany has funding programs to financially support international students. Generally, DAAD funding in Germany is available for research i.e. for masters, PhD and above.

The DAAD supports international partnerships through several funding programmes for higher education institutions.


Further, as an international student, you are entitled to work 120 full days or 240 half days every year which can help you earn a little additional money.

After studies, you can stay on in the country for up to 18 months to look for a job that is in keeping with your education.

Once you find a job, the residence permit issued to you for the purpose of studying can be converted into a residence permit for taking gainful employment.


Overall, You will need to pay semester contribution ranging from Euro 100 to 350, depending upon the university and the services or benefits provided.

For certain special courses, you may need to pay higher fees.

Apart from these, you will require about Euro 900 – 1000 per month for housing, food, clothing, study material and other expenses such as health insurance and leisure activities.

This amount can vary from city to city, and depends on your lifestyle.


Germany offers education at no or low cost but being in a foreign country you need to manage your finances on your own.

You would need to plan your budget keeping your living expenses, travel costs and tuition fees if any.


Source: https://www.financialexpress.com/business/investing-abroad-is-education-free-for-all-international-students-in-germany-3510904/