Study in Germany: Student Guide 2027
Tuition-free public universities, world-class research and a vibrant international student community. Your complete guide to studying and living in Germany.
ScholarshipUnion Editorial
2 min read
Updated Oct 6, 2026
Why study in Germany?
Germany combines tuition-free public universities, world-class research and one of the largest international student communities anywhere — more than 400,000 international students. Most public universities charge no tuition for Bachelor's and Master's degrees; you pay only a semester contribution for administration, student services and, usually, a transport ticket.
There are two exceptions worth knowing early: Baden-Württemberg charges non-EU students €1,500 per semester, and universities in Bavaria may charge non-EU students too — at TUM it is usually €2,000–3,000 per semester for a Bachelor’s and €4,000–6,000 for a Master’s. Private universities charge fees everywhere.
Living costs are the real budget item. The DAAD puts typical monthly spending at €900–1,200 depending on the city, and its model calculation, based on a 2023 Studierendenwerk survey, has German students with about €876 a month at their disposal and rent at about €410.
Key numbers for 2026
Full budget →These are the official figures that shape every international student's plan. Check them again with your German mission before you apply, because they are adjusted from time to time.
| Item | Current figure |
|---|---|
| Proof of financial resources (blocked account) | €992 a month, €11,904 a year (since 1 January 2025) |
| Blocked account set-up fee | About €70–150, charged by the provider (estimate; varies by provider) |
| National student visa (category D) | €75 |
| Residence permit in Germany | €100 to issue; €93–96 to extend |
| Work allowed for non-EU students | 140 full days or 280 half days a year; student assistant jobs do not count |
| Statutory minimum wage | €13.90 an hour (since 1 January 2026) |
| Deutschlandticket | €63 a month; the Deutschlandsemesterticket costs 60% of that (€37.80 a month) |
| Semester contribution | Roughly €70–430 per semester, depending on the university and what it includes |
| Student health insurance | Statutory student rate for under-30s; roughly €120–150 a month (estimate, varies by insurer) |
Sources: DAAD, German Federal Government, BMAS, Residence Ordinance (AufenthV § 45, § 46) and Residence Act (§ 16b AufenthG). Set-up fee and insurance cost are our estimates.
Explore the Germany guide
Compare Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Heidelberg and more student-friendly cities.
Budget calculator and cost breakdowns for German cities.
Studentenwohnheim, WG rooms and private rentals across Germany.
Culture, work permits, Semesterticket and daily life as a student in Germany.
Scholarships for studying in Germany
Free tuition does not pay the rent, so funding still matters. These guides cover the biggest options.
Germany's largest funding organisation for international academic exchange.
EU-funded joint master's programmes with full scholarships across Europe.
Planning on a DAAD award? Its stipend and health insurance pages explain what the award pays and covers.