Can I move to Germany and go to school for free?
While you won't pay tuition attending college in Germany, you will have to cover your cost of living. The average international student in Germany spends about 725 euros (around $850) per month on rent, food and other living expenses.
Cost of living in Germany for students. Not only can you study for free in Germany, but it is also a pretty affordable country. The average costs of living for students range between 700 - 1,000 EUR/month, including accommodation. Find out more about expenses (including health insurance) for students in Germany.
Yes. In many federal states, Germany offers tuition-free education at public universities to both domestic and international students. All students at public universities must pay a semester fee, typically ranging from €100 to €300. This adds up to a maximum of €700 per year.
Who can study in Germany for free? Everyone can study in Germany tuition-free! That's right: Germans, Europeans, and all non-Europeans can study in Germany free of charge - without tuition fees. It does not matter if you are from the EU or EEA.
According to DAAD statistics, the average monthly living expense for a student in Germany is 867 euros (864 USD*). Thus, the annual living expenses can be calculated as 10,368 euros per year or 10,334 USD per year. This is far lower than other European countries, including the UK, Switzerland, Denmark, etc.
So there you have it – you don't necessarily have to learn German to study in Germany, but it's a great way to immerse yourself fully into the study abroad experience and there is plenty of support available to help you!
The average cost of living in Germany in 2023
As a basic estimate, you can expect your total costs to be between €1200 – €3000 per month as an individual living in Germany. At the cheaper end of this range, you would likely be living in a flatshare outside of the city centre.
It's pretty unusual to be able to move to Germany without a job as most people come through with a work-sponsored visa, or move internally within their international company to an office in Germany. However, there are a few visas and allowances that will allow you to move to Germany without a job.
If you don't have an employer in Germany, you can apply for a self-employment visa and start your own business. You also qualify for this visa if you are a freelance artist (musician, painter, writer, etc.).
A student visa is official permission by a foreign government to live and study in that country. All U.S. passport holders planning to be in Germany for more than 90 days (for example, students planning to study for a semester or year) will be required to obtain a residence permit instead of a visa.
Is Health Care Free in Germany?
In Germany, healthcare is partially free due to the social contributions to the public healthcare system. This means that individuals can receive medical services free of charge for the most part. However, some low copayments apply, such as the €10 charge for a visit to the general practitioner (GP) every quarter.
In Germany, studying tuition-free is open to everyone, regardless of nationality. Whether you're German, from another European country, or any non-European nation, you can pursue your studies in Germany without paying tuition fees. This benefit extends to nearly all study programs offered at public universities.
In Germany, many public universities lack adequate facilities. For instance, you might not have access to high-tech computer labs or a particularly well-run student centre. Even when they are available, these amenities could be expensive for students.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Germany? Students can manage their living expenses with around 850 EUR per month. In the cities where rent is higher, living on a budget of less than €1,000 per month in Germany can be challenging. The expenses can range from 1,500 EUR to 2000 EUR per month.
What is the average cost of rent in Germany? Average rent costs in Germany range from €300 to €800 per calendar month for a room in shared accommodation and from €500 to €1,346 for a one-bedroom flat. The overall average rental price is €750 for a one-bedroom apartment.
- Prove financial stability.
- Have health insurance.
- Have at least basic proficiency in German.
- Get a German visa.
Do I need to speak German? The language of instruction at most universities in Germany is German. All students undertaking a German-taught program will need to be able to demonstrate a firm knowledge of the language, either by means of a language test result or by taking a preparatory course.
One common misconception is that in order to study in Germany, one must be proficient in the German language. This is not true. If you only know English, you can still study abroad in Germany.
Although English is widely understood in Germany, it really is advisable to learn German first. You will also need to familiarize yourself with the technical terms that you may see in work or rental contracts.
Cost of living in Germany vs the USA
If you're a US citizen moving to Germany, you'll be pleased to know that the cost of living in Germany is about 35% cheaper than in the USA. This is because the costs of food, rent, utilities and education are significantly lower in Germany than in the USA.
Which is better USA or Germany?
USA is better in terms of annual salaries and job opportunities. Also, Germany has higher taxes than the US so it is better to work in US after completing your studies.
How easy is it to get a job in Germany? The ease of getting career opportunities in Germany can vary based on factors like industry, experience, and language skills. Generally, the job market in Germany is competitive, and it may take time to find a suitable job opportunity.
Persons holding a US passport may apply for their residence permit at the local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) after arrival in Germany and without having obtained a visa prior to travelling to Germany.
As a US citizen, you do not need a long-stay visa to enter Germany. But, if you plan to stay longer than three months, you must apply for a residence permit in the first few days of your arrival. Remember that you can stay in Germany visa-free for up to three months, and only for tourist reasons.
Moving to Germany as an American is not difficult, but there are some things you should know before you start the process. First of all, you can't just travel to Germany and live here – unless you have European citizenship.
