The monthly expenses for Indian students who study in Germany fall between €700 and €1,200 (₹62,452 to ₹1,07,061)7. International students find German education affordable because it is cheaper than equivalent learning opportunities in European nations, including the UK and Switzerland. Indian students studying in Germany as of 2025 need to budget €11,904 each year (₹10.5 lakhs) to cover their monthly living expenses of €992 (₹87,882).
Latest Facts About Living Expenses in Germany for Indian Students (2025)
- Indian international students represent the largest student population in Germany during the 2023/2024 winter semester, reaching 49,008 students.
- Compared to India, the expenses for living in Germany are 204% more (not counting rent).
- Living expenses in Germany amount to 378% more than the average Indian rates.
- Evidence of €992 monthly income in a blocked account is mandatory for students seeking a visa in 2025.
- The monthly expenses in Munich reach €1,500-2,000, while students in Leipzig spend between €500-1,000 each month on living expenses
- All students need health insurance coverage in Germany at a monthly cost between €80-€160, resulting from university requirements.
- German public universities operate tuition-free education programs so students choose this academic destination despite the high standard of living expenses
- Indians studying in Germany receive higher monthly pay because the typical net salary reaches €2,835, whereas Indian earners receive just €558.
Indian students who need to plan their German educational costs can begin preparing their budget now. All expenses that an Indian student needs to consider in 2025 will be examined in the following sections.
Understanding the Cost of Living in Germany for Indian Students
The total expenses for Indian students living in Germany exceed what they would need in India, yet they remain more affordable than in European countries. The expenses for living without rent in Germany amount to 204% more than the costs in India. Excellent educational standards, flexible post-graduation employment, and improved quality of life justify this investment.
The Study in Germany official website states that Indian students must spend €992 monthly to cover their living expenses.1 The essential cost of living in Germany depends on your chosen lifestyle, city, and accommodation style.
Comparison of Living Costs: India vs. Germany in 2025
The cost of living in Germany substantially exceeds the price of living in India. Here’s a comparative overview:
| Monthly costs (excluding rent) | ₹87,882 | ₹28,827 | +204% higher in Germany |
| Rent (1-bedroom apartment, city centre) | ₹78,776 | ₹16,497 | +377.6% higher in Germany |
| Basic utilities | ₹26,819 | ₹3,499 | +666.5% higher in Germany |
| Local transport (one-way ticket) | ₹273 | ₹30 | +811.6% higher in Germany |
| Restaurant meal for two | ₹5,734 | ₹1,200 | +377.8% higher in Germany |
Latest Breakdown of Living Expenses in Germany for Indian Students 2025
Accommodation Costs
The accommodation cost stands as the primary expenditure category for Indian students living in Germany.
Options include:
- Student dormitories: €250-€400 (₹22,125-₹35,400) per month
- Shared apartments (WG): €300-€500 (₹26,550-₹44,250) per month
- Private apartments: €500-€1,200 (₹44,250-₹106,200) per month
The price ranges for housing accommodations significantly differ between metropolitan cities in Germany.
For example:
| City | Average Monthly Rent | Equivalent in INR |
| Munich | €700 – €1,200 | ₹62,000 – ₹1,06,200 |
| Berlin | €600 – €900 | ₹53,100 – ₹79,650 |
| Leipzig | €300 – €500 | ₹26,550 – ₹44,250 |
| Hamburg | €500 – €800 | ₹44,250 – ₹70,800 |
| Frankfurt | €600 – €900 | ₹53,100 – ₹79,650 |
Food and Grocery Expenses
The monthly cost for food expenses stands between €150 and €250 (₹13,275 to ₹22,125) according to various sources134. This includes:
- Groceries: €100-€200 (₹8,850-₹17,700) per month
- Eating out: €50-€150 (₹4,425-₹13,275) per month
- Restaurant meal: €10-€20 (₹885-₹1,770) per meal
Food preparation at home results in more affordable costs compared to regular consumption in restaurants. Most Indian students locate Indian grocery stores within major German cities, but need to accept that prices exceed those in India for all products.
Health Insurance
Students in Germany must obtain health insurance coverage as it is an obligation for all academic learners. The cost ranges from:
- €80-€160 (₹7,080-₹14,160) per month47
- The cost of public health insurance provided by TK or AOK and similar providers ranges from €120 to €130 monthly (₹10,620 to ₹11,505).
- Student health insurance becomes mandatory for those above 30 years old. They must obtain private coverage.
Transportation Costs
German public transport system operates efficiently and provides reasonable rates to travellers.
- Monthly pass: €52-€74 (₹4,590-₹6,558)
- Students at German universities enjoy free semester ticket access since this benefit often appears in their tuition bills.
- Bicycle: One-time purchase of €100-€300 (₹8,850-₹26,550)
University semester fees usually include a semester ticket, which offers students unlimited access to public transportation throughout the city area and sometimes neighbouring regions.
Utilities and Communication
Monthly utility costs include:
- Electricity, heating, water: €212-€519 (₹18,736-₹45,903)1
- Internet: €37-€53 (₹3,279-₹4,684)
- Mobile plan: €11-€42 (₹937-₹3,743)
Study Materials and Other Expenses
Additional expenses include:
- Study materials: €20-€50 (₹1,770-₹4,425) per month
- Leisure activities: €30-€100 (₹2,655-₹8,850) per month
- Miscellaneous expenses: €144 (₹12,750) per month
Also Read: Master’s in Economics in Germany: Top Universities & More
City-Wise Cost of Living Expenses in Germany for Indian Students
Utility expenses in Germany differ strongly based on where students reside. Student living expenses in popular German cities cost the following amounts each month:
Munich
Munich is the top-ranking city in Germany in terms of university student expenses.
- Average monthly expenses: €1,500-€2,000 (₹1.3-1.7 lakhs)
- Rent: €700-€1,200 (₹62,000-₹106,200)
- Food: €200-€300 (₹17,700-₹26,550)
Berlin
Students can enjoy the lively cultural aspects of Berlin while paying affordable prices.
- Average monthly expenses: €950-€1,700 (₹84,000-₹1.5 lakhs)
- Rent: €600-€900 (₹53,100-₹79,650)
- Food: €150-€250 (₹13,275-₹22,125)
Hamburg
Hamburg is a student-friendly location that competes between urban attractions and an affordable pricing structure.
- Average monthly expenses: €800-€1,200 (₹71,000-₹1 lakh)
- Rent: €500-€800 (₹44,250-₹70,800)
- Food: €150-€250 (₹13,275-₹22,125)
Leipzig
Students can spend their studies in Leipzig at some of the lowest costs in Germany.
- Average monthly expenses: €500-€1,000 (₹44,000-₹89,000)
- Rent: €300-€500 (₹26,550-₹44,250)
- Food: €150-€200 (₹13,275-₹17,700)
Financial Planning for Indian Students in Germany 2025
The financial management process for Indian students studying in Germany needs to be learned. The combination of budgeting advice and saving techniques lets you take your future with a feeling of confident stability.
Blocked Account Requirement
The German embassy requires Indian students to show evidence of the money needed to live in Germany before issuing a visa.
- Required amount: €992 per month or €11,904 for one year12
- The required funding amount exceeding €11,904 must be sent to a blocked money account (Sperrkonto), which precedes visa approval.
- Students can withdraw up to €992 monthly from their blocked account.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Several scholarship programs are provided exclusively for Indian students looking to study abroad.
- DAAD Scholarships
- Erasmus+ Program
- University-specific scholarships
- State-funded scholarships
- Part-Time Work Opportunities
Part-Time Work Opportunities
International students are allowed to work part-time to add money to their budget.
- Maximum 120 full days or 240 half days per year
- Working jobs that students typically do in Germany offer wages ranging from €10 to €15 per hour.
- Potential monthly earnings: €450-€850 (₹39,825-₹75,225)
Latest Tips to Reduce Living Expenses in Germany for Indian Students in 2025
- You should select affordable housing options, such as staying in shared flats or college student dormitories.
- Prepare your meals at home, while you only eat outside the house for special events.
- Students should maintain their student IDs for accessing reduced prices when visiting museums, using theatres, or taking public transportation
- Students should consider acquiring used goods such as textbooks, furniture, and bicycles.
- Numerous German banks enable students to acquire cost-free banking services through their student accounts.
- Students enrolled in semesters should take advantage of the transportation tickets included with their fees.
- You should buy groceries from discount supermarkets, including Aldi and Lidl, alongside Netto and other options.
- Search for events at no cost because cities provide various free cultural events, together with museum admission free days and outdoor activities
Conclusion
Living expenses in Germany for Indian students are higher than in India, but relatively affordable compared to other European countries. By setting proper financial plans and budgets, Indian students can efficiently handle their money as they receive a top education and an excellent way of life. Students need between €700-€1,200 (₹62,452-₹1,07,061) each month to cover housing costs together with food expenses, health insurance premiums and public transport, and additional basic requirements.
For Indian students considering German education, the financial investment proves successful because it includes free public university education, state-of-the-art facilities, high-quality instruction, and obtainable post-graduation employment opportunities. Indian students who understand German educational costs and use cost-saving approaches can achieve affordability and rewarding academic experiences in Germany.
FAQs About Living Expenses in Germany for Indian Students
The required financial documentation for a German student visa from Indian students amounts to €11,904 (approximately ₹10.5 lakhs).?
Students who plan to stay one year in Germany must show a blocked account containing €11,904 (approximately ₹10.5 lakhs) or €992 per month.
Indian students can manage their German living costs through the income from part-time work.
Working part-time helps students achieve monetary growth, yet it should be avoided as an exclusive solution to pay for everything during their studies in Germany. Working part-time in Germany is possible to get between €450 and €850 per month.
What is the least expensive German university destination available to Indian students?
Students find affordable living expenses in Leipzig, Dresden, Göttingen, and Jena because their city costs range from €500 to €800 monthly.
