How Much Does It Really Cost to Study in Germany as a Nepali Student?

Germany is known for its free education, but how much does it really cost for a Nepali student to live and study there? Here's a complete breakdown so you can plan your finances before making the move.

1. Tuition Fees

At public universities in Germany, tuition is free for most Bachelor's and Master's programs — even for international students.

• Semester contribution (public transport, student union, admin fees): €100–€350 per semester
• Private universities: €5,000–€20,000 per year (rarely chosen by Nepali students)

2. Blocked Account (Mandatory)

To get your student visa, you must show proof of financial means. This is done through a blocked account.

• Amount for 2025: €11,208 for 12 months
• This is refunded to you monthly (~€934) after arriving in Germany
• Setup fees: €49–€100 (one-time), plus monthly service fees (€4–€6)

3. Health Insurance

Health insurance is mandatory in Germany. You can choose between public and private options.

• Public insurance (recommended under 30): €110–€120/month (e.g., TK, AOK)
• Private insurance (e.g., via Expatrio or Fintiba): ~€35–€60/month for students

4. Accommodation

Housing is usually your biggest monthly expense. Costs vary by city:

• Student dorms: €250–€400/month (limited availability)
• Shared flat (WG): €350–€500/month
• Private apartment: €400–€800/month

5. Food & Groceries

• Average cost: €150–€250/month
• Affordable if you cook at home and shop at stores like Aldi, Lidl, or Rewe

6. Transportation

Most universities include a semester ticket that covers local transport.

• Semester ticket: usually included in the semester contribution
• Without a ticket: ~€80–€100/month (depending on the city)

7. Visa Application & Other One-Time Costs

• Visa application fee: ~€75
• Flight ticket from Nepal to Germany: ~€700–€1,200
• Document translation & notarization: ~€50–€150

8. Part-Time Jobs & Income

You can work up to 20 hours/week during the semester.

• Average hourly pay: €12–€15
• Monthly income potential: €600–€1200
• Jobs available in restaurants, supermarkets, warehouses, delivery, or universities

Estimated Monthly Budget

Category	Cost (€)
Accommodation	350–600
Food	150–250
Insurance	35–120
Transport	0–100
Phone & Internet	20–40
Leisure, Gym, Others	50–100
Total	€700–1,100/month

Final Thoughts

Studying in Germany is affordable compared to countries like the US or UK — especially with no tuition fees and the option to work part-time.

Plan well, save smart, and you’ll manage comfortably while building your future in Europe.