As told by David Onchonga, a Kenyan studying in Germany
Germany is among the best countries to study abroad, offering students a unique blend of world-class universities and high quality of life. The most thrilling thing is that education in Germany is tuition-free, irrespective of your nationality.
Germany’s ideology is that education should not be commercialized. They believe free access to higher education ensures economic growth and welfare for the greater national good.
Germany wants to attract the most brilliant and talented students across the globe to study in the country and, ideally, stay and work after graduation. That might be why there are no tuition fees for foreigners.
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By tapping on the talents of these international students, Germany has become a significant hub for the world’s best brands, such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, SAP, Audi, Volkswagen, Siemens, Allianz, Adidas, Porsche, and Bosch.
Baden-Württemberg, located in South-West Germany, is the only federal state among the 16 German states where students outside the EU must pay tuition fees at public universities.
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees in Baden-Württemberg are 3,000 Euros per year. That includes the universities in Stuttgart, Karlsruhe, Mannheim, Freiburg, and Heidelberg. Any prospective student should bear this in mind.
Although public universities have no tuition fees, all students must pay about 400 Euros per semester (“Semesterbeitrag”). This amount is for administrative purposes and covers a public transport ticket for your university city. 400 Euros per semester is a minimal amount of money in Europe.
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It should be noted that although university education is tuition-free, it does not mean that the German government will provide free accommodation and food/upkeep.
You will have to provide evidence that, as a foreign student, you won’t be a burden to the state. You must cover your accommodation, bills, and other personal effects for at least one year.
If you are from outside the EU, you will need to get a student visa to enter the country, and you will have to finish your studies in Germany. There are about 300 public universities in Germany, with more than 1,000 study programs.
Some of the best public universities in Germany include the University of Cologne, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich (LMU), Goethe University Frankfurt, University of Münster, and Ruhr University Bochum.
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You need to check individual universities and ensure they are not in big cities, especially if you have budgetary constraints regarding accommodation and other costs. Big cities like Berlin can be costly to live in, but if you can afford it, you will have a very exciting and life-changing experience.
Cost of Living
The average cost of living for students is capped at 950 Euros per month, which can fluctuate depending on an individual’s lifestyle and the city where your university is located.
Estimated monthly budget
- Rent &utilities: € 350-500
- Food & drink: € 200-250
- Health insurance: €100-200
- Phone & Internet: € 30-50
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Entertainment: € 50-100
Opening a Blocked Account
As an international student, you’ll need to open a blocked bank account (“Sperrkonto”) When applying for a Visa to study in Germany. This will be required when you apply for a Visa as proof of your ability to cover your living cost for at least one year.
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A blocked account is where the whole amount for upkeep is paid and then blocked. The account is also known as a limited-withdrawal bank account.
In the 2023/2024 academic year, visa-seeking students are required to pay 11,208 Euros into the blocked bank account, equivalent to 934 Euros per month. You can only withdraw up to a maximum of 934 Euros per month for 12 months.
In summary
International students wishing to study in Germany will need to open a blocked account – pay the required amount (11,208 Euros) – and then every month, one-twelfth of the amount can be withdrawn and used for living expenses. This money has to be transferred to another “normal” German bank account for withdrawal.
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This is considered a win-win situation for both the learner and the state. You get tuition-free-quality education offered by the government, but you also play a role in paying your bills without burdening the state.
Depending on your spending, there is a possibility of not spending 934 Euros per month, but for heavy spenders, this can go up.
The beauty of this arrangement is that you give yourself or your children quality education in a first-world country for free. You or your children will have more opportunities with an amazing lifetime experience. It is a worthy investment you may consider.
