Living Expenses in Germany for Indian Students
For many Indian families, sending a child abroad is not merely an academic choice; rather, it is a full-fledged investment. It involves emotional and financial planning. The steps like which country to choose, university selection, program selection, accommodation, insurance, visa and other arrangements also require proper arrangements. Germany is one of the best study destinations for Indian students because it is budget-friendly and gives full value for money.
However, the primary concern is knowing the living expenses in Germany for Indian students beyond the tuition fees. In this blog, we have provided a breakdown of the living expenses in Germany for Indian students, so that you and your family can plan wisely and confidently.
An overview of the Living Expenses for International Students in Germany
Public universities in Germany give free education but living expenses in Germany for students needs to be paid. Reputed private universities like PFH do charges for tuition but give scholarships to reduce financial burden. Studying at universities like PFH is a powerful step for a global career, but other living expenses in Germany for Indian students need to be managed. These include:
- Rent & Utilities
- Groceries & Food
- Health Insurance
- Public Transport
- Phone/Internet
- Study Materials & Other Essentials
The living expenses in Germany for Indian students change because of cities, lifestyles, and types of accommodation.
How to Prepare Financially Before Coming to Germany?
Before moving ahead with admission process, one must prepare their finances beforehand. You must prepare for:
- Blocked Account: Indian students are required to have a German blocked account with around €11,208 (approximately ₹10 lakh) to validate their financial solvency for visa application purposes.
- Tuition Fees: Private universities charges tuition fees, budget this also.
- Emergency Expenses: Keep an extra ₹1 to 2 lakh for any unforeseen expenses like medicals, visa-renewals, or course-materials.
- Scholarships: Check for your eligibility because universities like PFH offer scholarships and financial assistance.
- Conversion Rates: The actual spending may be different due to the Euro – INR conversion rates.
Average Living Expenses in Germany for International Students per Month
According to Statista (2024), the living expenses in Germany for international students on an average is €934 per month. It divides as:
The average cost of living in Germany for Indian students, lies between €680 and €1,120, which is ₹61,000 and ₹1,00,800 (excluding tuition), this can change according to city or student lifestyle.
City-Wise Cost of Accommodation in Germany
The house rent differs by different cities. Below is the average rental charges in Euros in different German cities:
If you’re pursuing your studies at the Göttingen or Stade campus, you may benefit from relatively cheaper rent compared to students in Berlin or Munich.
Tips to Manage Your Budget
Here are some proven options that students can use to reduce their living expenses in Germany:
- Wohngemeinschaften (WGs): Costs can be reduced by sharing a flat with other roommates.
- Use the PFH Support System: PFH assists students in finding possible accommodation and provides various resources to help reduce costs.
- Restock Items Smartly: Shops like Aldi, Lidl, or Netto offer cheaper groceries and food.
- Semester Tickets: You can money by using local trains and public transportation by available through Semester Tickets.
- Learn to Cook: Eating out is tempting, but it may lead to overspending. Cooking simple Indian recipes yourself is a much better idea.
- Work Part-Time: Students can work 20 hours a week with studies and full-time during holidays.
- Track Spending: Use mobile apps or online trackers for easy management of funds.
With a little proactivity, you can easily manage the cost of living for international students in Germany.
Conclusion
Studying in Germany is a giant leap towards a global career. For many Indian parents, sending their children abroad comes with financial responsibilities. The average cost of living in Germany for Indian students is generally the same range as the cost of living for international students in Germany, which may change according to the spending habits and city choices. On an average, they need €934 per month approximately as living expenses in Germany for Indian students.
Whether you’re planning to study in Munich, Berlin, Stade, Göttingen, or any other city, the budget should be smartly strategized at all costs. The good news is affordable cities and the option to work while studying make students get a high-quality education.
Frequently Asked Questions
When it comes to living expenses in Germany for Indian students, students need an amount between €680 and €1,120 per month depending on the city and the lifestyle.
Yes. PFH provides partial scholarships and financial assistance for eligible students. Please consult PFH to know in detail about the living expenses in Germany for Indian students.
Yes. International students can work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during holidays.
PFH Göttingen and Stade campuses are relatively affordable ones to live.
The average living expenses in Germany for Indian students is €934, excluding tuition itself. And this is the same for both private and public university students in Germany.