Before coming to Germany for your studies, it is important to carefully plan your financial situation.
The cost of living — covering accommodation, tuition fees, health insurance, food, transportation, and other everyday needs — is generally high for international students and should not be underestimated. International students must also provide proof that they can finance their living expenses for the entire duration of their stay.
Early and realistic financial planning will help you make your study experience in Germany smooth and successful. There are some options available to help finance your studies. As the options depend on your individual situation, it is always worth seeking advice from the SWFR (Studierendenwerk = student services organisation).
Total estimated average costs per month =
1,207 € for EU students / 1,457 € for non-EU students
based on data from 2021 and 2023 plus an inflation increase
It is difficult to estimate the exact costs of studying. However, you should expect the following approximate monthly expenses:
| 500 € – Accomodation |
| 220 € – Food |
| 150 € – Transportation |
| 90 € – Health Insurance, medical costs |
| 75 € – Leisure/Culture/Sport |
| 55 € – Clothing |
| 55 € – Learning resources |
| 32 € – Semester fee (=190 € / semester, more info on the right) plus tuition for non-EU students (250 € = 1,500 € / sem.) |
| 30 € – Phone, Internet |
Bank account
If you are staying in Germany for a longer period of time, it is advisable to open a current account. Such an account offers many advantages: free cash withdrawals at many ATMs, cashless payments and the option of setting up standing orders for regular payments such as rent, health insurance and telephone costs. In addition, an account is essential if you are working part-time in Germany.
The following documents are usually required:
- a passport or identity card,
- your student ID card, certificate of enrolment or letter of admission from the university,
- your registration certificate,
- and, if applicable, your visa for Germany or residence permit from the immigration office.
Earn your own money with part-time jobs
Almost two-thirds of the students have part-time jobs. For half of them the job is essential for financing their living expenses.
Find out more details in this flyer “Jobbing” (PDF) from the Deutsches Studierendenwerk (DSW, German Student Services Organisation).
Scholarships & Funding
International students can apply to numerous organisations for a scholarship, for example to the DAAD, to party-related foundations or business-affiliated institutions.
Especially for students from non-EU countries, the opportunities for a scholarship in Germany are rare and therefore our advice is limited. Additionally, a very good knowledge of German is often an important prerequisite (at least B2) and most scholarship programmes require an application before the start of the master’s programme.
You can also find all the important information about applying for a scholarship in the University of Freiburg’s scholarship information tool.
What is BAföG?
BAföG is actually a form of financial support for German citizens. In some cases, however, it is possible for citizens of the European Union or refugees living in Germany to receive BAföG support during their studies.
Find more details about BAföG (website of SWFR)
Fees
The regular semester fee is 190 €.
In addition, international students from non-EU/EEA countries are required to pay tuition fees of 1,500 € per semester, resulting in a total of 1,690 €.
Payment is made by bank transfer to the University of Freiburg. The semester code and student ID number must be stated as the reference. After successful re-registration, enrollment certificates for the new semester will be available in the student portal.
Find more information about deadlines of re-registration..