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Cost of MS in Germany for Indian Students (Guide for 2026-27)

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Rohan Deshmukh
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The total cost of MS in Germany ranges between ₹12 lakh and ₹40 lakh per year, making it one of the most affordable destinations for Indian students. Unlike most study destinations, public universities in Germany charge little to no tuition even for international students. 

The real costs to plan for are living expenses, health insurance, and the blocked account requirement for the student visa. This guide covers everything you need to budget for before applying.

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Cost of Studying MS in Germany for Indian Students

The overall cost of Masters in Germany ranges between €11,100 to €36,000 per year (₹12L-₹40L). Although MBA and certain specialised MS programs at private universities can go up to €65,000 (₹71L).

Here is a quick breakdown of the cost of pursuing a Masters in Germany for Indian students:

Expense Category

Average Cost (EUR)

Approx Cost (INR)

Semester Contribution (Public Universities)

€150 - €350/semester

₹16K - ₹39K

Tuition Fees (Public Universities)

€1500 - €6,000/year

₹1.6 - 6.6L

Tuition Fees (Private Universities)

€10,000 and €65,000

₹11L - ₹71L

Estimated Monthly Cost (Overall)

€850-€1,200

₹94K-₹1.32L

Tuition Fees for MS in Germany

The cost of MS in Germany varies between public and private universities. While public universities charge little to no tuition fees due to government funding, private universities can cost between €10,000 and €65,000 (₹11L - ₹71L), as they operate independently and offer specialised programs, smaller class sizes, and industry-focused curricula.

Tuition Fees at Public Universities in Germany

Most public universities in Germany charge no tuition fees, with students only paying a semester contribution ranging from €150 to €350 (₹16K - ₹39K). In states like Baden-Wurttemberg, non-EU students pay €1,500 per semester (₹1.65L) in addition to the semester fee.

Public University Name

Semester Fee/Tuition

Approx Cost (INR)

Technical University of Munich

€85 + €4,000-€6,000 (MS tuition for non-EU)

₹9K + ₹4.4-₹6.6 L

Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich

€85

₹9K

Heidelberg University

€161 + €1,500 (non-EU tuition)

₹18K + ₹1.6L

Free University of Berlin

€358

₹39K

RWTH Aachen University

€338

₹37K

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

€201 + €1,500 (non-EU tuition)

₹22K + ₹1.6L

Humboldt University of Berlin

€321

₹35K

TU Berlin

€360

₹40K

University of Freiburg

€190 + €1,500 (non-EU tuition)

₹21K + ₹1.6L

University of Hamburg

€384

₹42K

Tuition Fees at Private Universities in Germany

MS programs at private universities in Germany typically range between €10,000 and €65,000 (₹11L - ₹71L), depending on the course and institution.

University

Fees

WHU - Otto Beisheim School of Management

  • MS: €33,000-€40,400 (₹36-₹44L)
  • MBA: €49,500 (₹54L)

Frankfurt School of Finance & Management

  • MS: €21,500-€42,000 (₹24-₹46L)
  • MBA: €42,000-€43,000 (₹46-₹47L)

GISMA Business School

  • MS: €15,500-€24,400 (₹17-₹27L)
  • MBA: €22,500 (₹25L)

ESMT Berlin

  • MS: €36,000 (₹40L)
  • MBA: €28,000-€64,800 (₹31-₹71L)

IU International University

  • MS: €10,000-€14,000 (₹11-₹15L)
  • MBA: €12,000-€18,000 (₹13-₹20L)

SRH University

  • MS: €10,000-€15,000 (₹11-₹16.5L)
  • MBA: €12,000+ (₹13L+)

University of Europe for Applied Sciences

  • MS: €13,600-€24,000 (₹15-₹26L)
  • MBA: €14,100-€19,350 (₹15-₹21L)

Munich Business School

  • MS: €24,000 (₹26L)
  • MBA: €32,000 (₹35L)

Berlin School of Business & Innovation

  • MS: €12,000 (₹13L)
  • MBA: €14,000 (₹15L)

Witten/Herdecke University

  • MS: €30,000+ (₹33L+)
  • MBA: €38,000+ (₹42L+)

Cost of Living in Germany for International Students

The monthly cost of living in Germany for international students ranges between €850-€1,200 (₹94K-₹1.32L, covering major expenses like accommodation (€400-€700/₹44K-₹77K), food & groceries (€200-€300/₹22K-₹33K), and more.

Here is a detailed breakdown of the monthly cost of living in Germany for students:

Expense Category

Average Monthly Cost (EUR)

Approx Cost (INR)

Accommodation (Rent)

€400 - €700

₹44K - ₹77K

Food & Groceries

€200 - €300

₹22K - ₹33K

Health Insurance

€110 - €150

₹12K - ₹17K

Transportation

€0 - €80

₹0 - ₹9K

Study Materials

€20 - €50

₹2K - ₹5.5K

Recreation & Entertainment

€50 - €100

₹5.5K - ₹11K

Phone & Internet

€20 - €40

₹2K - ₹4.5K

Miscellaneous Expenses

€80 - €150

₹9K - ₹17K

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Additional Cost for MS in Germany

Apart from tuition fees and monthly living expenses, there are several additional costs that students sometimes overlook, such as exam fees and visa charges before departure, and residence permits or initial setup costs after arriving in Germany.

Pre-Arrival Cost in Germany

On average, pre-arrival expenses for MS in Germany can go up to €500 to €900 (₹55K to ₹1L) depending on the exams you take and application choices.

Expense Category

Average Cost

(EUR/INR)

IELTS Exam Fee

₹19,000

TOEFL Exam Fee

₹18,000

GRE Exam Fee

₹22,500

APS Certificate (India)

₹18,000

University Application Fees

€50 - €100 / ₹5.5K - ₹11K

Student Visa Fee

€75 / ₹8K

Flight Tickets

€300 - €600 / ₹33K - ₹66K

Post-Arrival Cost in Germany

After reaching Germany, students might run into initial setup costs of around €300 to €700 (₹33K to ₹77K) during the first month.

Expense Category

Average Cost

(EUR/INR)

Residence Permit Fee

€100 - €120 / ₹11K - ₹13K

City Registration (if applicable)

€0 - €50 / ₹0 - ₹5.5K

Initial Accommodation Deposit

€300 - €500 / ₹33K - ₹55K

Semester Ticket (if separate)

€150 - €300 / ₹16K - ₹33K

Basic Setup (bedding, utensils, etc.)

€50 - €150 / ₹5.5K - ₹17K

Scholarships to Manage the Cost of MS in Germany

A few popular MS scholarships in Germany include the DAAD Scholarship and Deutschlandstipendium, which offer benefits like monthly stipends and partial financial support to cover living expenses and study costs.

Here is a table of the top scholarships that can help reduce the cost of an MS in Germany:

Scholarship Name

Eligibility Criteria

Benefits / Award (EUR + INR)

DAAD Scholarship

Bachelor’s degree, strong academics, relevant work/research experience

€850 - €1,200/month (₹94K - ₹1.32L) + travel + insurance

Deutschlandstipendium

High academic performance, enrolled in a German university

€300/month (₹33K)

Erasmus+ Scholarship

Enrolled in Erasmus-partnered MS programs

Tuition waiver + €800 - €1,200/month (₹88K - ₹1.32L)

Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship

Strong academics + social/political engagement

€850 - €1,200/month (₹94K - ₹1.32L)

Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Scholarship

Academic merit + leadership potential

€850/month (₹94K) + additional allowances

Factors Affecting the Cost of MS in Germany

The cost of Masters in Germany can vary based on factors like the type of university (public vs private) and the city you choose to live in, as both directly impact your tuition and monthly expenses.

Below are the key factors that affect the overall cost of pursuing an MS in Germany:

  • Type of University (Public vs Private): Public universities are mostly tuition-free, with only semester contributions of €150-€350 (₹16K-₹39K), while private universities charge €10,000-€65,000 (₹11L-₹71L) depending on the program. States like Baden-Württemberg charge €1,500 per semester (₹1.65L) for non-EU students even at public institutions.
  • City of Residence: Students in cities like Munich or Frankfurt spend €1,000-€1,200/month (₹1.1L-₹1.32L), whereas smaller cities like Leipzig or Aachen cost €800-€950/month (₹88K-₹1.05L). Rent alone can range from €300 to €700 (₹33K-₹77K) depending on accommodation type.
  • Program Type & Duration: Consecutive MS programs (same field as bachelor’s) are free at public universities, while non-consecutive or specialised programs can have fees. Also, choosing a one year Masters in Germany instead of a 2-year program can save up to €10,000-€12,000 (₹11L-₹13L) in total living costs.
  • Mandatory Financial Requirements: Students must show proof of funds through a German blocked account of €11,904/year (₹13L) for visa approval. Health insurance costs €110-€130/month (₹12K-₹14K), and Indian students have to pay around €200 (₹18K) for the APS certificate.

From the Desk of Yocket

Planning the cost of MS in Germany can feel overwhelming at first when you’re trying to balance tuition, living expenses, and hidden costs. Many students underestimate how many factors, like city choice, accommodation type, and insurance, can impact their overall budget. The smartest approach is to plan early, shortlist public universities, and keep a monthly buffer to avoid financial stress later.

Managing finances is easier when you have the right guidance and clarity at every step. With Yocket Premium, you get personalised support for university shortlisting, budgeting, scholarships, and visa requirements personalised to your profile. It helps you make informed decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and confidently plan your MS in Germany journey.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cost of Doing MS in Germany

Can I live on €1,000 a month in Germany as a student?

Which is cheaper for higher education: India or Germany?

Is €70,000 a good salary after an MS in Germany?

Do I need to pay taxes on part-time income in Germany as a student?

Can I stay in Germany after completing my MS to recover my costs?

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