Germany’s grip on international students comes from many things. For one, the entire world recognizes its higher education system. Its high standards of living are also among the world’s best.
If you have your heart set on Germany, there are a few things you need to consider. One of which is your funds. You need a stream of money for both your study and living expenses.
The best thing to do is to anticipate the costs of living in Germany. To help you get started, we’ll give you an insight into how much you need to bring to Germany.
Cost of Studies
Fun fact: Most German universities offer free tuition for higher education. While that eliminates a great financial concern, you still need to pay the semester contribution.
International students must pay this contribution for university services. These include sports facilities, bus transportation, and more.
Student Accommodation Costs
The average monthly rent for an apartment can go from €460.00 in Dortmund, up to €1,094.30 in Munich. Usually, apartments in small cities cost around €500 every month. Those in major cities go for around €700 monthly.
Another factor that influences the cost is the furnishing. A fully furnished flat near or within the city center ranges from €1,000 to €1,500 each month.
Public Transportation Costs
For bus riders, you can get a one-way ticket that costs €2.00. If you will be traveling often, you can go for a monthly pass, which costs €70.
The initial cost for riding a taxi is €3.50. To save on transportation, consider choosing accommodation near your school. That way, you can walk or bike your way to the campus, which costs nothing.
Dining Out and Food Expenses
To enjoy a scrumptious meal, you can dine out at mid-range German restaurants. Each dish ranges from €8 to €14. Meals at a higher-end restaurant start at €45.
Most universities also offer meals to students. They’re more affordable than dining out each day.
These university dining halls use the MensaCard. Each purchased meal will be charged on the card. Student meals start for as low as €5.
Utility and Related Bills
Your utility bills depend on your usage. In general, the normal charge is 29.42 cents per kilowatt hour. This may vary throughout the year, especially in warmer and colder months.
If, for example, you live in an 85 square meter flat, you can expect to pay about €215.21 monthly. If you have a roommate, split the bill so you can save on utility costs.
Health Insurance Costs
You can either for private or public health insurance. Remember that health insurance is mandatory in Germany, so you must get one.
Public health insurance has a monthly premium of €70 to €80. Private health insurance costs more. The monthly premium depends on your age and your policy.
Knowing the cost of living in Germany is necessary to plan your finances. Flip through our stories here at MSM Unify to find more related content.
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