Calculate monthly budget
Blocked account is the logic of the visa, but not automatically a realistic life budget.
€934 per month is the visa minimum – not the living minimum. In Munich, a room in a shared apartment costs between €700 and €1,100. Anyone who bases their blocked account on the minimum will have a financing problem after entering the country. This page shows realistic numbers.
Those who only plan the minimum amount often overlook start-up costs, rent, insurance and a buffer for the first few months.
Blocked account is the logic of the visa, but not automatically a realistic life budget.
Deposit, registration, insurance and mobility are often due before the first part-time job.
First clarify the form of proof and the budget gap, then plan the application and entry.
As on the homepage: first clarify the direction, then decide on the details.
Total monthly costs
The numbers below are realistic averages for students in dormitories or shared apartments – no luxury, but no minimum. Depending on the city, the costs vary considerably.
1.050 – 1.300 €
per month (average value)
1.300 – 1.700 €
per month (average value)
1.600 – 2.100 €
per month (average value)
The semester fee is calculated pro rata per month (approx. €300–400 per semester ÷ 6 months). Places in dormitories are cheaper than renting shared apartments, but there are waiting lists involved.
Tuition fees
There are generally no tuition fees for international students at German state universities. What there is: the semester fee - and private universities can charge fees of €3,000 to €20,000 per semester.
State vs. private – the difference
This applies to international students at state universities and technical colleges As a rule, there are no tuition fees. Baden-Württemberg charges non-EU students a fee of €1,500 per semester. All other federal states: no tuition fees – just the semester fee.
The semester fee is not a tuition fee, but an administration fee. It usually includes the semester ticket (public transport), the student union fee and the AStA fee. Typical amount: €200–400 per semester, depending on the university and city.
| State | Tuition fees | Semester fee approx. |
|---|---|---|
| Baden-Württemberg | 1,500 €/semester for non-EU | 180 – 250 € |
| Bavaria | None | 160 – 200 € |
| Berlin | None | 290 – 340 € |
| Hamburg | None | 280 – 320 € |
| NRW (Cologne, Düsseldorf, Dortmund) | None | 220 – 310 € |
| Saxony (Leipzig, Dresden) | None | 200 – 260 € |
Private universities (e.g. IU, IUBH, ISM, EBS) charge tuition fees. Depending on the course of study, these range between €3,000 and €20,000 per semester. Private universities have their own admissions processes and deadlines – and in some cases no government accreditation for certain degrees. Before applying, check whether the qualification is recognized.
Financing
The blocked account is the visa requirement - not the financing solution. What you need and what options are available.
Blocked account, scholarship, part-time job – whatever applies
Blocked account – all detailsThe blocked account proves to the embassy that you can support yourself financially during your studies. €934 per month is released monthly. The blocked account can be opened with German banks (Deutsche Bank, Sparkasse) or specialized providers (Fintiba, Expatrio, Coracle) - sometimes from abroad.
International students from non-EU countries are allowed during their studies 120 full days or 240 half days per year work. In practice, this corresponds to around 20 hours per week. A separate regulation applies to jobs at the university (assistant).
Minimum wage 2025: €12.82/hour. For 20 hours per week: approx. €1,025 gross per month – less taxes and social security contributions depending on the employment contract.
International students from non-EU countries are generally not entitled to BAföG. Exceptions: after five years of legal residence in Germany or with certain residence permits. BAföG is not relevant for most international students.
Accommodation
Rent is the largest variable cost when studying. Places in a dormitory cost on average €200-450 per month - with waiting lists of up to a year. Shared rooms are more expensive but are available at short notice.
Dormitory, shared apartment or single apartment
| Art | Costs/month | Waiting time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residence hall (student union) | 200 – 450 € | 6-12 months | Cheapest option; register early |
| Shared room | 400 – 900 € | 1-4 weeks | Short term, varies greatly depending on the city |
| Private apartment | 700 – 1.400 € | Immediately | Expensive; generally unsuitable for students |
| Temporary accommodation | 500 – 1.200 € | Immediately | For the first few weeks; Hostel, guesthouse or furnished room |
The student union of the respective university manages the dormitories. Registration must be submitted as early as possible - ideally at the same time as the university application. Most student unions allocate places according to waiting list position and priority (e.g. first semesters).
Health insurance
In Germany, health insurance is mandatory - for enrollment, for the visa and for the residence permit. Travel health insurance is not accepted.
Legal or private – which applies to students
| Art | Costs/month | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Statutory health insurance (GKV) | approx. 120 – 140 € | Up to 30 years or 14th semester; state university; Standard for students |
| Private KV for students | 30 – 100 € | Cheaper, but with less scope of services; not accepted by universities everywhere |
| Care Concept / AXA / MAWISTA | 30 – 80 € | Especially for international students; entry level option; accepted for visa |
Next steps
You now know the real costs.
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Estimate financingAs of: May 2026. Lalmano checks content editorially and is based on official information, including from Foreign Office, BAMF and Make it in Germany. The content does not replace individual legal advice.