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German universities are known for their low or zero tuition fees, and the cost of living in Germany is reasonable compared to other countries. Many international students still choose to work part-time to support themselves.Ìý

Managing finances can be a challenge for international students, so let’s plan ahead. Starting early and preparing a financial strategy to cover living expenses in Germany is essential for a smooth academic journey.

Here are some ways to finance your studies in Germany:

• Parental Income

• Personal Savings

• Part-Time Employment

• Scholarships

• Student Loans

Parental Income

If your parents earn enough to support your studies in Germany, you can use their income to prove financial stability for your student visa application. The embassy requires a bank statement confirming their ability to cover your tuition and living costs.

If your parents’ income is high, they might cover all your expenses throughout your studies. This allows you to focus on your education without worrying about finances. Many families create savings specifically for their children’s education, which can be used for studying in Germany. These savings can be used as proof of financial resources when applying for a student visa.

Personal Savings

Even if your personal savings don’t cover the entire cost of studying in Germany, with some effort, you can gather the required amount of money to prove financial resources for your German student visa and residence permit.

Many international students have chosen Germany for their university studies and have begun saving from the moment they decided to pursue education here. Regardless of where you are in the process, whether you’re just considering studying in Germany or already applying for a student visa, starting to save money is a wise decision.Ìý

To apply for a student visa, you’ll need to deposit your savings into a German-blocked account.

Part-Time Employment

The majority of international students in Germany work part-time to manage their living expenses. Germany offers plentiful job opportunities for students, many of which do not require specialized expertise, so it’s no surprise that over 60% of international students in Germany work part-time.

The second phase of the Skilled Worker Immigration Law that took effect on March 1, 2024, gives international students in Germany greater employment flexibility.

“The previous limit of 120 full days or 240 half days per year will be raised to 140 full days or 280 half days. Alternatively, the new regulation permits student employees to work up to 20 hours per week,” clarifies the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF).

In Germany, you’ll find many part-time job options, and it’s best to choose one related to your field of study. For example, if you’re studying chemistry, you could work in the university lab.Ìý

German universities offer many part-time positions, but if you can’t find one on campus, there are plenty of opportunities off-campus, too.

Here are some job ideas while studying in Germany:

• Tutoring
• Academic Assistance
• Working in student services
• Museum staff
• Newspaper delivery
• Waiting tables
• Bartending
• Babysitting

Scholarships

Scholarships are another great opportunity to finance your studies in Germany. As a country that welcomes a large number of international students, many scholarships are offered to talented and skilled students.

Here are some of them:Ìý

The Deutschlandstipendium

The Deutschlandstipendium is a unique initiative that supports outstanding students financially and provides other benefits. Private companies and organizations participating in this program usually contribute up to €150 per month per student, while the German government matches this amount, resulting in a total of €300 per month for scholarship recipients.

Typically, this funding is provided for two semesters, but in some cases, it can cover the entire duration of your studies. Although the government and private partners provide the funds, it’s the responsibility of universities to award these scholarships to their students. Therefore, universities have the flexibility to set their own criteria for selection.

DAAD Scholarships

The DAAD is an organization dedicated to promoting the internationalization of German universities. Since its establishment in 1925, it has provided numerous funding and counseling opportunities for talented students coming to and leaving Germany. Millions of international students have benefited from DAAD services over the years. In 2016 alone, over 131,000 German and international scholars funded their education with DAAD grants.Ìý

Erasmus+

The largest European student exchange program, Erasmus, provides exciting opportunities to study in Germany for a few semesters or even the entire duration of your course. Many German universities take part in numerous Erasmus exchange projects, offering a pathway to finance your studies in Germany.Ìý

Keep in mind that while some funds may not be directly given to you, they can cover your expenses while living in Germany.

Privately Funded ScholarshipsÌý

Privately funded scholarships are also available for talented foreign students studying at universities in Germany. These scholarships are often named after esteemed German figures.

Here are a few private organizations offering scholarships to international students:

• Max Planck Society Research. The Max Planck Institute provides scholarships for legal scholars residing outside of Germany, funded by the Max Planck Society. The program targets foreign doctoral candidates, postdocs, and researchers with less than 12 years since completing their doctorate, including assistant professors, Junior Research Group Leaders, and those with significant independent scientific experience. Eligible applicants also include W3 professors, full professors, directors, and institute managers.

• Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship. The Heinrich Böll Foundation awards scholarships to around 1,500 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students annually, regardless of their field of study or nationality. These scholarships support students pursuing their degrees at universities, universities of applied sciences, or universities of the arts.

• The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS). This scholarship program offers financial support, personalized mentoring, diverse seminar opportunities, and access to the global KAS network. Upon graduation, they maintain connections with alumni and engage them in various national and international initiatives.

Student Loans

Another way to finance your studies in Germany is through student loans. Fortunately, international students have access to various loan programs, government-funded and non-governmental.Ìý

Government-funded loans, like BAföG, often offer loans with low or zero interest rates. Some universities also have their own loan programs to support international students.

Private options like Bildungskredit provide low-interest loans, typically for students in higher education. However, student loans are usually limited and may not cover all expenses. They should be seen as a supplementary source of funding.

Before seeking a loan, check if your university offers any student loan options.Ìý

Here are some resources where you can find student loans in Germany:

• µþ´¡´Úö³Ò: Offers grants or interest-free loans to talented students.
• Bildungskredit: Provides low-interest loans for higher education.
• Bank loan systems: Many German banks, including Deutsche Bank, Raiffeisenbanken, Sparkasse, and HypoVereinsbank, offer loan options for international students.