Cost of MS in Germany

Do you want to do your MS in Germany? And, are you confused about the cost of MS in Germany? Worry not! Through this article, we will provide all the cost information you require. From tuition fees to cost of living. However, before we get into it, let’s get to know why Germany is one of the best places for higher studies. 

Germany is the seventh largest country in Europe. Besides, along with its beautiful landscapes, it has the strongest economy in Europe. It occupies the fourth rank on the nominal GDP scale globally. This makes Germany an ideal place to pursue your higher education. In addition, universities offer internationally recognised and accredited degrees in English as well as German to cater to its local and international students. With its GDP being the fourth-largest, the job market is vast and the chances of you finding a job during your course and immediately after is very high. Universities in Germany also offer undergraduate and postgraduate programs at a very low cost. In fact, Germany is to abolish tuition fees for local students and international students alike from October 2021. This makes Germany the ideal location to pursue higher education hassle-free. 

Now let’s dive in and see what pursuing an MS in Germany costs you.

Estimated Cost of MS in Germany Annually 

The estimated expenses for pursuing an MS in Germany per year are as follows: 

Expenses	Cost in INR per year
Application fee for universities	12,000 +
Visa application fees	5,000+
Tuition fees	25,00,000+
Accomodation	6,00,000+
Groceries + Meals + Beverages	30,000 +
Airfare	50,000 +
Personal Insurance	20,000 +
Health Insurance	50,000 +
Total	30,00,000 +

As per this table, an MS in Germany total cost is 30 lakhs and more. This is just an estimated total cost. However, it is imperative to note that expenses can differ depending on where you live in Germany. Similarly, most of the costs are bound to vary depending on factors like the economy and currency rates. 

Estimated Costs of Required Tests

Universities in Germany enlist a couple of assessment and language tests as a necessary requirement in order to qualify for admission. Most universities prefer a GRE test, although each university has its own specific requirements. You don’t necessarily have to take all these tests, some of them would be listed as optional by the university. So, make it a point to check what tests you are required to take according to your course so as to avoid unnecessary expenditure. 

The costs of the tests that you might have to take to qualify for admission are as follows: 

Expenses	Cost in INR
GRE General Test	15,000+ ( per attempt)
GRE Subject Test	10,000+
GMAT	19,000+
IELTS	12,000+ (per attempt)
TOEFL	15,000+

Estimated Living Cost in Germany Monthly 

The estimated living costs in Germany per month are as follows:

Expenses	Cost in INR per month
Groceries + Meals	15,000+
Accommodation	25,000+
Transportation	10,000+
Utilities	3,000+
Medical Insurance + medical expenses	8,000+
Study materials	2,000+
Internet + phone bills	3,000+
Miscellaneous costs	10,000+
Total	76,000+

These costs are assumed to be approximate costs and are bound to change.

Universities in Germany Offering an MS 

University in Germany	Tuition fee in INR
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich	Free + additional cost of 12,000+ for student service
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology  (KIT)	1,50,000+
The Humboldt University of Berlin	Free + additional fee of 27,000+ for university registration
RWTH Aachen University (RWTH)	Free + additional fee of 27,000+ for social contribution
University of Freiburg	1,40,000+

As you can see, most universities offer education free of cost. But there are often additional costs involved like registration fee or organisation fee, etc. Private universities such as KIT and University of Freiburg, unlike public universities, do not provide education free of cost. They have a tuition fee which is bound to change every year. 

Additional Costs 

There are a couple of additional costs to take into consideration while calculating the total costs of pursuing an MS in Germany. Some of these additional costs are as follows: 

• Student Residence Permit in Germany 

As you arrive in Germany, you are required to register at the Resident’s Office. The registration can only take place after you have secured an accommodation, as you will need an address in Germany to fill the necessary forms. This is followed by the enrolment of your studies and your resident permit. The cost of applying for the resident permit is around 9,000+ INR for first time applicants. An extension of the resident permit costs around 4,000 to 8,000+ INR. 

• Proof of finances 

International universities require you to submit a proof of finance or a financial statement after having your conditional/ unconditional acceptance letter. This document is required to ensure you can take up the course and fund your own bills. It is also to prove that you are not a financial liability or burden. The proof of finances requires you to have a total of 9 lakhs INR in a German bank account. This amount is roughly calculated based on the living costs, travel cost, rent, tuition fee (if applicable), and miscellaneous costs.

This article gives you all the details required about the cost of an MS in Germany for Indian students. It is essential that you efficiently plan in order to be able to afford the total costs for pursuing a graduate/postgraduate degree. Saving up during your course and taking up a job whilst doing your course will ensure you lead a comfortable life in Germany.