Cost of Living in Germany for Indian Students
Germany is the third, most popular destination for Indian students, who want to study abroad. A high-quality education system, affordable tuition fees, and a strong job market are what attract many international students including Indians. As you have made a good decision to study in Germany, it is important to know the cost of living in Germany. Here, we have mentioned various aspects of living in Germany as an Indian student. We have mentioned the average costs for accommodation, food, transportation, health insurance, visa, etc. so that you have an idea about Is Germany good for Indian students?
University Tuition Fees
Studying in Germany is cheap or free for public universities. DAAD says the fee is about 1,500 euros a year, but it can change by state, university, and course. So, check the fee for your choice before you apply. The cost of living in Germany for Indians also changes by the euro-rupee rate. In January 2024, one euro is 88.76 rupees. So, the fee is about 1,33,140 rupees a year. This is much less than the US, the UK, or Australia, where the fee is 10 to 40 lakhs a year.
Accommodation in Germany
Another major factor that affects the cost of living in Germany for Indian students is accommodation. Numbeo says the rent for a one-bedroom flat in Germany is approx. 800 euros a month, but it can change a lot by city, location, and size. For example, the rent for a one-bedroom flat in Berlin is 795.86 euros, while in Leipzig it is 453.67 euros. The rent also changes by furniture and utilities, such as water, electricity, gas, internet, and TV. A cheaper option to rent a flat is living in a student dorm or a shared flat. DAAD says the rent for a room in a student dorm in Germany is 246 euros a month and WG-Gesucht says the rent for a room in a shared flat in Germany is between 350-400 euros a month. It changes by city, location, and size of the room.
Food Expense in Germany
Food is another essential aspect of the cost of living in Germany. According to the latest data from Numbeo, the average monthly food expense for a single person in Germany is 211.92 euros, it varies with dietary preferences, cooking habits, and shopping choices.
One way to save money on food is to shop at discount supermarkets, such as Aldi, Lidl, or Netto, where you can find a variety of products at low prices. Another way is to use student discounts or coupons, which are often available at restaurants, cafes, or canteens.
Health Insurance in Germany
All students in Germany need health insurance. The average monthly cost for public health insurance is 120.34 euros, but it varies by provider, coverage, and age. Public health insurance covers most medical expenses except a few. You can also choose private health insurance, which may have more options, but also higher costs and risks. The average monthly cost for private health insurance is 205 euros, but it varies by provider, coverage, and health. Private health insurance may cover some services that public health insurance does not but also exclude some conditions, charge more with age, or require a contract. Compare the options and pick the best one for your needs and budget. Health insurance affects the cost of living in Germany and the living expenses in Germany for Indian students.
Transportation in Germany
Transportation is another important factor that influences the cost of living in Germany for Indians. Based on Numbeo’s latest data, the average monthly transportation expense for a single person in Germany is 75 euros. However, costs vary based on factors like city, transportation mode, and frequency.
Public transportation in Germany is efficient and affordable, offering options like buses, trams, subways, trains, and ferries. Student discounts and monthly passes are common, significantly reducing costs. In Berlin, a semester ticket allows six months of travel in Berlin and Brandenburg.
Private transportation, though convenient is expensive. Cars, bikes, scooters, or taxis involve costs like fuel, parking, maintenance, insurance, and taxes. Further, it is advisable to use public or alternative transportation like walking, cycling, or carpooling whenever possible.
Miscellaneous and Personal Expenses
Besides the essential expenses, such as tuition fees, accommodation, food, health insurance, and transportation, some miscellaneous or personal expenses affect the cost of living in Germany for Indian students. These include expenses for clothing, entertainment, communication, education, and travel. According to the latest data from Numbeo, the average monthly miscellaneous or personal expense for a single person in Germany is 216.67 euros. However, this can vary depending on your lifestyle, preferences, and habits.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cost of living in Germany for Indian students depends on various factors, such as the city, the university, the course, and the lifestyle. According to the latest data from DAAD, the average monthly living expense for a student in Germany is 867 euros. However, this can vary from 600 to 1,200 euros depending on the individual situation. By choosing to plan for the above, you will be able to enjoy your study abroad experience and make the most of it.
Money-Saving Tips in Germany for Indian Students
To help you reduce the living expenses in Germany for Indian students, here are some money-saving tips that you can follow:
Apply for scholarships or grants: There are many scholarships or grants available for Indian students who want to study in Germany, such as DAAD scholarships, Erasmus+ scholarships, or Deutschlandstipendium.
Recommended: Scholarships in Germany for Indian Students
Work part-time or freelance: As an Indian student in Germany, you are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week or 120 full days per year, as long as you have a valid student visa and a residence permit.
Recommended: Part time Jobs in Germany for Students
Use student discounts or coupons: As a student in Germany, you can get discounts or coupons for various products or services, such as food, clothing, entertainment, communication, or education. You can use your student ID card, your Semesterticket, or your ISIC card to avail of these discounts or coupons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ans-Germany is often considered more affordable than some other European countries. However, the cost of living in Germany for Indian students may still be higher than in India, so financial planning is crucial.
Adapting to cultural differences and language barriers can be an initial challenges. However, with time, most students find Germany to be welcoming and accommodating.
Utilizing student discounts, opting for shared accommodation, and smart budgeting can help Indian students control their expenses while maintaining a decent standard of living.
Germany offers various part-time job opportunities for students, helping them offset some living expenses in Germany for Indian students. To balance work and studies effectively there are prescribed number of hours for a student to work.