Studying in Germany is a dream for many international students. Known for its world-class education system, affordable tuition, and high quality of life, Germany has become one of the most popular study destinations in the world. However, despite the free or low-cost tuition at public universities, living expenses in Germany can still be a challenge for students — especially those managing their finances on a tight budget.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore practical, realistic, and effective ways to save money while studying in Germany, without compromising your education or lifestyle. From finding affordable housing to saving on transportation, food, insurance, and more — this article covers everything you need to live comfortably and financially smart as a student in Germany.
1. Understand the Cost of Living in Germany
Before learning how to save, it’s important to understand what you’re spending on. The average cost of living for an international student in Germany ranges between €850 to €1,200 per month, depending on your city and lifestyle.
Here’s a quick breakdown of typical monthly expenses:
- Rent (including utilities): €350 – €700
- Food and groceries: €150 – €300
- Transportation: €30 – €100
- Health insurance: €100 – €120
- Internet, mobile & subscriptions: €30 – €50
- Leisure, books, and miscellaneous: €100 – €200
Major cities like Munich, Frankfurt, and Hamburg are more expensive, while smaller university towns such as Leipzig, Dresden, or Jena are significantly more affordable.
Understanding these costs helps you plan a realistic budget — and identify areas where you can start saving.
2. Find Affordable Accommodation
Housing is the largest expense for most students in Germany, often taking up around 30–40% of the total budget. Choosing the right accommodation can help you save hundreds of euros each month.
a. Student Dormitories (Studentenwohnheim)
The most budget-friendly option for international students is to stay in student dormitories managed by the Studentenwerk (Student Services).
- Average rent: €250 – €400 per month
- Usually includes utilities and internet
- Close to universities and safe for students
Apply as early as possible — demand is very high and spots fill up quickly.
b. Shared Apartments (WG – Wohngemeinschaft)
If you can’t get into a dorm, a WG (shared apartment) is the next best choice.
- Average rent: €350 – €550 per month
- You share the kitchen and bathroom with other students
- It’s also a great way to meet people and practice your German
c. Smaller Towns or Suburbs
If your university is in an expensive city, consider living in nearby towns and commuting by train or bus. Rent is often 30–40% cheaper, and Germany’s transportation system makes daily travel easy.
3. Cook Your Own Meals
Eating out in Germany can be quite costly. A simple meal at a restaurant may cost €10–€15, while a coffee can cost €3–€4. Cooking your own food is one of the most effective ways to save money.
Tips to Save on Food:
- Buy from discount supermarkets like Aldi, Lidl, Penny, or Netto. They offer excellent quality at low prices.
- Shop during discounts — many supermarkets reduce prices in the evenings for items close to their expiry date.
- Cook in bulk and store leftovers.
- Plan weekly meals to avoid wasting food.
- Use student canteens (Mensa) — meals there cost around €2.50 – €4.50, much cheaper than restaurants.
Cooking together with roommates can also make it more fun and even cheaper.
4. Use Public Transport Smartly
Transportation is another area where you can save significantly.
a. Semester Ticket
Most German universities include a semester ticket in their student fees. This allows unlimited travel on local and regional transport (bus, tram, and train) within your city or region.
- Cost: around €150 – €300 per semester
- Saves hundreds of euros compared to buying monthly tickets
b. Bicycles – The Student’s Best Friend
Germany is extremely bike-friendly. You can buy a used bicycle for €50 – €150 and save on transportation altogether. Many students cycle daily to university, supermarkets, and even part-time jobs.
c. Discount Travel for Long Distances
When traveling across Germany or Europe:
- Use Deutsche Bahn’s Sparpreis (Saver Fares) or Super Sparpreis tickets.
- FlixBus and BlaBlaCar offer cheap intercity travel options.
- Book in advance to get the best deals.
5. Work Part-Time While Studying
One of the best ways to manage your expenses is by earning extra income. Germany allows international students to work part-time while studying.
a. Work Regulations
- Students from non-EU countries can work 120 full days or 240 half days per year.
- EU/EEA students can work up to 20 hours per week during the semester.
b. Common Student Jobs
- Jobs in cafes, restaurants, or supermarkets
- Research assistants or library assistants at universities
- English tutoring or language teaching
- Delivery, call center, or administrative work
Average student wage: €12 – €15 per hour
If you work even 10 hours a week, you could earn around €450–€600 per month — enough to cover a large part of your expenses.
6. Apply for Scholarships and Grants
Even though tuition is free at most public universities, scholarships can help you with living costs, books, or research projects.
Popular Scholarships for International Students:
- DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) — one of the largest scholarship providers for foreign students.
- Deutschlandstipendium — provides €300 per month based on academic merit.
- Heinrich Böll, Konrad Adenauer, and Friedrich Ebert Foundations — offer need- and merit-based scholarships.
- University-specific scholarships — many universities have their own programs for high-achieving or low-income students.
Applying for these scholarships early can make a big financial difference.
7. Save on Health Insurance
Health insurance is mandatory for all students in Germany. Most students under 30 are eligible for public student health insurance, which costs about €110 – €120 per month.
However, you can still save money:
- Compare different providers like TK, AOK, Barmer, or DAK — student rates are often similar but include different benefits.
- If you’re under 30 and come from an EU country, you might use your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
- Private insurance might be cheaper in rare cases (e.g., short-term courses or language programs).
8. Manage Your Finances Wisely
Financial discipline is key to saving money as a student.
a. Create a Monthly Budget
Write down all your expected expenses — rent, food, transport, insurance, entertainment — and track what you actually spend. Free apps like Mint, N26, or Revolut make this easier.
b. Use a Student Bank Account
Many German banks offer zero-fee student accounts with online banking and debit cards. Examples:
- N26 (online bank)
- Commerzbank Student Account
- Deutsche Bank Student Account
Avoid overdrafts and unnecessary bank fees.
c. Avoid Impulse Spending
It’s tempting to spend on travel, clothes, or gadgets — but always prioritize essentials first. Try setting aside 10–15% of your income or allowance as savings each month.
9. Save on Study Materials and Books
University books in Germany can be very expensive — sometimes €50–€100 each. But there are several ways to save.
Tips:
- Use university libraries — they often have copies of all required books.
- Buy used books from senior students or websites like eBay Kleinanzeigen.
- Check for digital versions or free PDFs online.
- Share books with classmates when possible.
Printing and stationery can also add up — use the university’s print credits or print in bulk to reduce costs.
10. Take Advantage of Student Discounts
Being a student in Germany comes with many perks. Always carry your student ID card, because it can unlock discounts almost everywhere.
Where You Can Get Discounts:
- Public transport (semester tickets, long-distance trains)
- Museums, cinemas, and theaters
- Restaurants and cafes
- Software and tech (e.g., Adobe, Microsoft, Spotify, Amazon Prime Student)
- Mobile phone plans and gym memberships
Even small discounts can add up to big savings over time.
11. Save on Mobile and Internet Plans
Germany has multiple mobile service providers — but not all are equally affordable.
Tips:
- Choose SIM-only prepaid plans (e.g., from Aldi Talk, Lidl Connect, or Blau) with rates around €8–€15 per month.
- Avoid long-term contracts unless you’re staying for several years.
- Use free Wi-Fi at the university, libraries, or cafes whenever possible.
For home internet, consider sharing costs with roommates or choosing a student plan from providers like Vodafone, O2, or Telekom.
12. Plan Your Travel Wisely
Exploring Germany and Europe is one of the best parts of studying abroad — but it doesn’t have to be expensive.
Budget Travel Tips:
- Use FlixBus, BlaBlaCar, or Deutsche Bahn saver tickets.
- Book hostels or student accommodations instead of hotels.
- Travel during off-peak seasons for cheaper rates.
- Use Eurail or regional passes for train travel.
- Join student travel groups — they often organize budget-friendly trips.
Traveling smart lets you experience more without draining your savings.
13. Learn Basic German
This might not sound like a direct money-saving tip, but it can make a big difference.
Why Learning German Helps:
- You’ll find more part-time job opportunities (especially in retail or restaurants).
- You can avoid paying for translation or language support.
- It helps with understanding contracts, offers, and bank communications, preventing financial mistakes.
You can learn for free through online platforms or Volkshochschule (public adult education centers) offering low-cost language courses.
14. Reduce Energy and Utility Bills
If you’re renting a private apartment or a shared flat (WG), utilities can increase your expenses. Here’s how to reduce them:
- Turn off lights and heating when not in use.
- Wash clothes in cold water and air dry instead of using a dryer.
- Share Wi-Fi and cable bills with roommates.
- Use energy-efficient appliances and LED bulbs.
These small changes can help you save €20–€50 every month.
15. Be Mindful About Health and Wellness
Healthcare and medicine are expensive in Germany if not covered by insurance. To avoid extra costs:
- Eat healthy, cook fresh, and avoid too much fast food.
- Exercise regularly — jogging, cycling, or using university sports facilities are free or low-cost.
- Take advantage of university health programs and counseling services.
Prevention is cheaper than cure — staying healthy helps you save money in the long run.
16. Network and Exchange Services
Many students save money through skill exchanges or social networks.
- Offer tutoring, translation, or design help to other students in exchange for food, transport, or assistance.
- Join Facebook or Telegram student groups in your city to find affordable furniture, jobs, or giveaways.
- Participate in university events — they often include free meals or entertainment.
Networking not only saves money but also helps you integrate into student life in Germany.
17. Take Advantage of Free Entertainment
Germany offers countless free or low-cost entertainment options.
- Visit public parks, lakes, and nature trails.
- Attend university or cultural events.
- Explore museums on free entry days.
- Join student clubs and societies — they organize affordable social events.
You can enjoy a vibrant social life without overspending.
18. Avoid Unnecessary Bank Transfers and Fees
International money transfers can be expensive due to conversion fees. To save:
- Use low-fee services like Wise or Revolut for transferring money.
- Withdraw cash from your own bank’s partner ATMs to avoid charges.
- Always pay in euros instead of your home currency when given the option.
19. Be Strategic with Shopping
Whether it’s groceries, clothes, or electronics — timing and planning can make a huge difference.
Shopping Smart Tips:
- Buy clothes during seasonal sales (January and July).
- Check flea markets (Flohmarkt) or second-hand shops for furniture and clothes.
- Use cashback and coupon apps to get extra discounts.
- Avoid impulse buying — ask yourself if you really need it.
20. Develop a Saving Mindset
At the end of the day, saving money in Germany is not about strict deprivation — it’s about making smart financial choices.
Adopt These Habits:
- Track expenses daily or weekly.
- Set savings goals (monthly or yearly).
- Focus on long-term financial health instead of short-term comfort.
- Reward yourself occasionally — balance is important.
A disciplined approach will ensure you not only survive but thrive during your study years in Germany.
Conclusion
Germany offers one of the best education systems in the world — and with smart planning, you can enjoy it without financial stress. By focusing on affordable housing, part-time jobs, student discounts, and efficient budgeting, you can comfortably live and study in Germany even on a modest income.
Remember, the key to saving money as a student isn’t just cutting expenses — it’s about creating a balanced lifestyle that supports your studies, personal growth, and happiness.
With these tips, you’ll not only make the most of your time in Germany but also build lifelong financial habits that will benefit you far beyond your university years.
