Living Expenses in Germany for Indian Students

What is the average monthly living cost in Germany?

Living expenses in Germany strongly depend on the student’s place of residence. A student residing in Munich would spend more than in Leipzig or Dresden, since rent is the major expense.

According to DAAD statistics and recent figures, international students pay between EUR 950 and EUR 1,250 per month for living expenses, in addition to the tuition fee. The above amount includes accommodation, food, travel costs, health insurance, and other miscellaneous costs.

Note: Many universities include public transport through the semester contribution, reducing monthly travel costs.

For Indian students, monthly expenses in Germany typically range from approximately Rs 95,000 to Rs 1.25 lakh, depending on exchange rates and the city of residence. Therefore, accommodation costs have a much greater impact on their overall expenses than food or transportation.

What makes up the cost of living in Germany?

Breaking your budget into smaller categories makes planning much easier. Instead of focusing only on rent, consider all recurring monthly expenses. The cost of living in Germany for international students remains predictable because most monthly expenses stay fairly stable once accommodation has been arranged. Students generally spend money on:

• Accommodation
• Groceries and meals
• Health insurance
• Local transport
• Mobile and internet bills
• Study material
• Leisure and personal expenses

How much does accommodation cost in Germany?

Housing costs are by far the largest monthly expense. It will be based on the city in which you will stay, the type of accommodation, and when you get it. The cost of accommodation in Germany accounts for almost half of a student’s monthly expenses; hence, finding cheaper housing early will help minimize costs. There are three types of accommodation that students mostly consider.

How much should you budget for food and groceries?

The cost of food is much easier to handle compared to the cost of rent. Food costs will be much lower if the student cooks at home rather than eating out weekly. Average monthly food expenditure should lie somewhere between EUR 180 and EUR 280. Major food retailers are Aldi, Lidl, REWE, EDEKA, and Kaufland.

University dining halls (Mensa) offer cheap and affordable meals. Lunches will, in most cases, cost between EUR 3 and EUR 6. Most big cities have Indian supermarkets where you can find imported foodstuffs at higher prices than domestic ones.

What does health insurance cost?

Practically all international students in Germany must have health insurance. Otherwise, they cannot complete their university registration or obtain a residence permit. In some cases, depending on your age and program of study, students should consider another type of health insurance; thus, it is recommended to find out which type applies to you.

The price of public health insurance for students is about EUR 140-150 per month, but it also depends on the insurance provider and the student’s age. There are the following public health insurance companies:

• TK (Techniker Krankenkasse)
• AOK
• Barmer
• DAK

How much should you spend on transport?

The public transport system in Germany ranks among some of the best in Europe. Universities include a Semester ticket in the semester contribution fee, which allows students to use the local transport system extensively.

Students who wish to travel more widely in Germany prefer the Deutschland-Ticket, which currently costs EUR 58 per month for nationwide regional public transport. Another alternative mode of transport is cycling, especially in university cities with cycling infrastructure. Public transport, compared to having a car, is cheaper for a German student’s monthly budget.

How do living expenses compare across German cities?

This assumption is wrong because not all cities in Germany have the same cost of living for students. If you plan to relocate to Munich, you will likely need more money per month than in Leipzig, Dresden, or Magdeburg. Most students who decide to study in Germany consider the cost of living in Munich and Berlin before choosing a university. Even though there are many job prospects in Munich in engineering and technology fields, the increased cost of renting a house offsets the benefits.  Here’s a broad comparison.

How does the blocked account cover your living expenses?

One of the first financial requirements for most Indian students applying for a German student visa is opening a blocked account. The blocked account is required to prove to the German government that you have sufficient funds to sustain yourself while in Germany.

Students do not have access to the full amount but receive a monthly quota to pay daily bills. The blocked amount is updated periodically by the German authorities; therefore, applicants are advised to check the requirements first. Concerning the blocked account, it is expected to cover the following:

• Rent
• Food
• Local transport
• Health insurance
• Personal expenses
• Basic study-related costs

Can part-time work cover your living costs?

Many students take up part-time jobs after arriving in Germany. The extra income helps reduce day-to-day expenses and also provides valuable international work experience.

International students are permitted to work within the limits allowed under German immigration rules, subject to the conditions attached to their residence permit. Some popular student jobs include:

• Retail assistant
• Cafe or restaurant staff
• University research assistant
• Library assistant
• Delivery services
• Customer support
• IT support roles
• Warehouse operations

How can Indian students reduce their monthly expenses?

A few smart decisions made early can save hundreds of euros over the course of a year. Many experienced international students recommend:

• Applying for university accommodation as early as possible.
• Choosing a shared apartment (WG) instead of a private flat.
• Cooking meals at home instead of eating out regularly.
• Using university libraries rather than buying every textbook.
• Taking advantage of student discounts on transport, museums and entertainment.
• Purchasing second-hand furniture, bicycles and household items.
• Comparing supermarket prices before shopping.

Can an education loan cover living expenses in Germany?

Yes, in many cases it can. Several Indian banks and education-focused NBFCs finance not only tuition fees but also approved living expenses for students studying overseas. Depending on the lender and the loan terms, an education loan may cover:

• Tuition fees
• Accommodation expenses
• Food and daily living costs
• Health insurance
• Books and study material
• Laptop, where permitted
• Air travel
• Visa-related expenses

The exact coverage depends on the lender’s policy and the total cost of education submitted with the loan application. Before accepting an education loan, compare:

• Interest rate
• Moratorium period
• Processing fee
• Repayment tenure
• Collateral requirements
• Prepayment conditions