Are you one of the students who are interested in studying abroad and thinking about how you can study in Germany? There are many reasons Indian students choose to study abroad, and one of them includes the fact that private colleges in India cost donations and high fees to allow admission to complete your studies. However, you can always make the right decision and decide to study abroad, and one of the most important destinations for students to study abroad is Germany.

The students who study abroad often choose to study in Germany because of the affordability it provides in the education system. But bearing the cost does not come along with the tuition fee, as students have to bear the cost of living in Germany. So, how would you determine the cost of living for Indian students to complete their studies in Germany? We will look at the complete breakdown of the cost that Indian students have to pay for their education while studying and staying in Germany.

The Hidden Cost of Living in Germany for Indian Students

Most public universities do not charge tuition fees to study in Germany for undergraduates and often include postgraduate programs as well. Though the majority of applicants are local residents, international students can also apply. However, international students need to pay for the semester fees and manage their monthly expenses (cost of living).

Particularly for Indian students, they need to show proof of financial support before entering the university and starting to live in the country. To do this, a “blocked account” is used by all the students to show a financial backup. This blocked account must maintain a bank balance of €11,904 for a year to study abroad in Germany, which accounts for €992. This is a rough estimate of monthly living expenses in Germany, calculated by the government.

The Breakdown of Living Costs in Germany

Let’s have a look at the breakdown of living expenses for Indian students in Germany to understand what kind of budget and financial considerations you should keep in mind.

Rent and Accommodation

The biggest expense while living in Germany is accommodation and paying the rent. While a student’s study in Germany is free of cost for tuition fees, the accommodation has to be borne by the student. There are different options for accommodation for Indian students, and they can choose to either live in a dormitory room or a separate space.

Dormitories are pretty affordable for Indian students, but they have a long line of waiting. Separate space can either be accommodated by a single person or shared with one or more people. Shared accommodation is a popular option among students since it allows them to network with other students and have a comfortable stay during their time studying in Germany.

The cost of living for Indian students in terms of accommodation would look like this:

• For the students who want dormitory accommodation, it will cost about €248 to €397 per month
• €298 to €497 in a month when accommodation is shared
• €497 to €795 in a month for the private apartment

Food and Groceries

The expense related to food and groceries depends on the eating habits of a particular student. The general range for groceries in Germany ranges from €30 to €68, depending on the city you live in. Students can cook for themselves, as it allows them to save money to also manage their finances to study in Germany efficiently. However, if you are choosing to eat out, that becomes costlier and would cost around €30 to €49 on a monthly basis for an occasional dine-out by a student.

Health Insurance

This expense is a mandatory one, as you cannot apply for the visa application or even get enrolled in the chosen university without having proof of health insurance coverage. When you want to study in Germany, the cost for public health insurance can be €109 to €119 for a month.

Transportation

The cost that you pay for the semester contribution covers many other expenses, including the cost to use public transportation. This includes free access to local buses, trams, and regional trains available within the city. A semester contribution for the university, which will allow you to travel unlimitedly through the public transportation system, costs about €24-€35 per month. If you have not paid for the semester fees and are studying in a private school or any other situation, the cost for public transportation will be around €59-€90 per month.

Internet and Mobile

When Indian students study in Germany, they will require a mobile phone and an internet connection to communicate with friends and family. The shared internet connection (Wi-Fi) will cost about €14-€28 per month, while a mobile plan will cost about €7-€20 per month.

Study Materials

Even when all the students get online materials from the university to study in Germany, they still might need to spend money on their books and other supplies, such as textbooks, printing, software, and stationery items. The cost for books and supplies will be €19-€50 per month.

Miscellaneous Expenses

Some Indian students can choose to have a lavish and active lifestyle, so they can choose to have an expenditure on activities such as the gym, outdoor activities, or winter clothing. The general cost for leisure activities, gyms, buying clothes, and other similar items will cost you about €40-€99 per month.

Some Ways Indian Students Can Save Money in Germany

As an Indian student who wants to study in Germany, you should be prepared to face the financial challenges and learn to bear the responsibilities when you are studying abroad. Here are some of the common ways you can either deflect the financial burdens or carry them along with you, as your studies will be going on in Germany:

• You can choose to cook for yourself, as it will save a lot of money for your further studies instead of frequent dining out.
• Germany allows you to work part-time (20 hours per week) to manage your finances, and you can also apply for a full-time job during vacations. The students can expect to earn up to €12-€15 per hour in Germany.
• You can study in Germany on scholarships available through the government and private companies, depending on your eligibility and your particular requirements.
• Use student discounts where possible, as they will offer you special discounts and help in saving money without making you feel guilty.
• Choose to live in dormitories or shared spaces, as these are much cheaper than renting a private apartment
• Look for accommodation in cheaper cities like Hamburg or Aachen rather than big cities like Berlin or Munich in Germany.

Summary

When you choose to study abroad in Germany, a basic understanding of the expenditure will help you have proper planning for your stay in Germany. Remember that you can save money by preparing your own meals and using student discounts at places where you can (museum, cinema, public transport). If your budget is a little tight, consider choosing a dormitory or sharing an apartment rather than using a private space for accommodation. There are part-time and full-time (on vacation) jobs available for students to earn money with work permits.

You can get in touch with a professional on board from the team of Education Vibes and get your priorities sorted and planned out before you fly out to Germany for the first time to stay.