The Cost of Living in Germany 2022

Germany is among the best destination for studies for international students. Whether for a master, bachelor’s, research fellowship, or even internship, Germany has an excellent, if not the best, experience to offer international students in this regard. The myth behind language being a barrier has been broken. There are many reasons students across the globe pick Germany among the first three choices when asked about their study destinations. Germany offers low or no tuition in most cases, excellent scholarship offers, and an economically viable position of their institutions among world rankings.

With all these perks, however, they are still costs that one must bear to be in Germany, so what are those costs? How much does it cost to live in Germany?

According to the Federal Foreign Office, a student would need about €861 per month to survive in Germany. In 2022, the mandatory amount required of any student desirous of studying in Germany to be kept in a blocked account is the sum of €11,208 for an entire year. This amount is expected to cover the student’s expenses, accommodation, and even their travel pass.

Generally, a student is required to show proof of funds for at least their first year of study in Germany. At this point, it would be in your best interest to note that the sum mentioned above will not cover the Student’s Health Insurance and Semester Contribution to the University; these are mandatory fees that the student must bear. These two, on average, will cost the student €170 per month.

The student’s rentals largely contribute to the expenses being borne at the end of each month. This will lead to the logical conclusion that any student’s cost of living in Germany will be significantly influenced by where they reside.

Famous cities like Munich, Berlin, Frankfurt, etc. would mean higher rent costs, and you could find yourself paying rent as high as €400 per month for a single room accommodation. One can have other cheaper options, like the Residence Halls, built for students. Still, Germany being the third-largest country with an International student population means that most of these other options may not be available to serve the entire student population.

In the hopes of curtailing living costs in Germany, a student can look out for universities in lesser-known cities or start their applications early enough to enable them to secure a place in the student residence halls or other cheaper spaces.

Apart from the rental disparity across different cities, the remaining expenses are almost identical across Germany. You will also discover that the mandatory Semester Contribution varies across universities and could go as high as €500 per semester. Health Insurance is also fixed across the country.

To take care of these expenses, students must consider the various scholarship schemes and opportunities available in Germany. International students can check for and apply for scholarships, and this will help make their living expenses in Germany more economical.

Germany is considered the land of ideas, and rightly so. As an international student, you can find programs that fit your career goals, apply for them, make sure you meet the eligibility standards, and do your best. The sky is undoubtedly your starting point. Cheers!