How much does it cost to study in Germany in 2026: blocked account, housing and daily expenses
Germany requires international students to prove financial capacity of 992 euros per month to obtain a residence permit in 2026. This figure comes from the German Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG) and is the floor that the consulate accepts as proof that you will not depend on the state during your study period. Understanding what it represents in your actual budget is the first step to planning the move without surprises.
This article breaks down the total cost of studying in Germany in 2026 into three layers: the blocked account (Sperrkonto) required for the visa, fixed housing and transport expenses, and daily costs for food and leisure. The study abroad programme in Germany from Be Easy covers the two main options, from language courses to master's degrees. At the end of the article, we look at the calculation of permitted work during the course and how it changes the monthly financial balance.
What is the blocked account and how much is needed for the visa
The blocked account (Sperrkonto) is a special bank account opened before the trip, in the student's name. It serves as proof of financial capacity for the German consulate. The amount required in 2026 is 11,904 euros per year, released in monthly instalments of up to 992 euros, linked to the BAföG index.
The requirement varies according to the type of programme:
- Language course (immersion): 1,091 euros per month, as required for on-site regularisation as a language student
- Higher education or master's degree (standard visa): 992 euros per month, in line with BAföG 2026
The difference exists because a language course results in in-country regularisation, a process with higher financial requirements than a visa obtained at the consulate. Confirming the exact amount with the local Ausländerbehörde is always recommended.
Where and how to open the blocked account
- Consulate-approved institutions offer the Sperrkonto for international students
- The process is carried out online, with digitised documentation, before the visa is issued
- The full step-by-step guide, with the documents required by each institution, is in the Blocked account: key to studying in Germany
How much does it cost to live in Germany as a student in 2026
Housing is the biggest expense for students in Germany and varies considerably by city. According to Numbeo, shared room rental prices (Wohngemeinschaft, or WG) for students fall in this range in 2026:
- Berlin: between 600 and 900 euros per month
- Munich: between 800 and 1,200 euros per month
- Hamburg: between 650 and 950 euros per month
- Leipzig and Dresden: between 400 and 650 euros per month
A shared flat room (WG) is the most common option among international students. Student halls (Studentenwohnheim) cost between 250 and 450 euros in smaller cities, but waiting lists tend to be long.
- A comparison of housing formats by neighbourhood and city is available at housing in Germany for international students
- The cost profile and universities for each destination are covered in best cities in Germany to study in 2026
Transport, food and daily living costs
German public transport has good coverage in university cities. Students have access to the Semesterticket, a subsidised semester pass with unlimited city transport. When this pass does not cover the route, the monthly ticket costs between 29 and 86 euros, according to Numbeo.
For food, the supermarket is where the real savings are:
- Home-cooked meals (supermarket): between 180 and 280 euros per month
- University canteen (Mensa): full meal between 2.50 and 4.50 euros
- Basic restaurant: between 9 and 15 euros per meal
- Estimated monthly total (excluding rent): between 900 and 1,200 euros in Berlin; between 1,100 and 1,500 euros in Munich, according to Numbeo
What this means for the budget
The 992-euro blocked account covers part of these expenses, not the total. Those who plan without supplementary income will need an additional buffer. Watch what the study environment in Berlin looks like:
How much can you work while studying in Germany
Students with a residence permit for study purposes are entitled to work up to 20 hours per week during term time. During university holidays, the hour limit does not apply, but the Minijob income ceiling still applies if the contract is of that type.
The Minijob features in 2026:
- Monthly ceiling of 603 euros, reflecting the minimum wage of 13.90 euros per hour set by the Mindestlohnkommission
- Social security contributions paid by the employer
- Worker exempt from individual income tax when the 2% flat-rate taxation is applied
- On a regular 20-hour weekly schedule, the gross monthly salary reaches between 1,100 and 1,200 euros
O Minijob in 2026: rules and earnings is the most commonly used contract type among international students across the country.
The real monthly calculation
With a Minijob of 603 euros and expenses of approximately 992 euros (600 euros rent plus fixed costs in a mid-cost city), the student covers more than half of their expenses without touching the blocked account. The blocked account then functions as a buffer, not as the sole source of income.
Os setores com mais vagas para quem ainda está desenvolvendo o alemão aparecem em how international students can find part-time jobs in Germany. For those at the beginning of the planning stage, the study abroad programme in Germany includes guidance on how to combine study and work from the very first semester.
Language course or master's degree: which has the lower total cost
The two options have distinct cost structures, and the choice directly affects financial planning. The study and work in Germany programme covers both situations, with different profiles and durations.
Language course (immersion, 6 to 12 months):
- Blocked account of 1,091 euros per month
- Shorter period reduces the total accumulated cost
- Working up to 20 hours per week during the course reduces the net expenditure from the buffer
Master's degree at a public university (1.5 to 2 years):
- Blocked account of 992 euros per month (BAföG 2026)
- No tuition fees in most Länder; Baden-Württemberg charges a semester fee for non-EU students
- Semesterbeitrag (administrative fee) between 150 and 350 euros per semester, usually including the Semesterticket
- The longer duration spreads the cost through work income earned during the programme
To explore figures in more detail by city and programme type:
- The historical cost comparison is available in how much it costs to live in Germany in 2025, with trends by city
- Monthly estimates by city for 2026 are available in cost of living in Germany: complete guide for students
- Work rules for both options, including cases of extended limits by the Bundesagentur für Arbeit, are covered in studying abroad in Germany: is it possible to work legally?
Frequently asked questions about how much it costs to study in Germany
What is the minimum blocked account amount required in 2026?
The BAföG-linked amount for 2026 is 992 euros per month (11,904 euros per year), released in monthly instalments. For the language course option with on-site regularisation, the requirement can reach 1,091 euros per month, depending on the city and the local Ausländerbehörde.
Can an international student work in Germany during the course?
Yes. Students with a residence permit for study purposes can work up to 20 hours per week during term time. The Minijob with a ceiling of 603 euros per month (from January 2026) is the most common format: no individual income tax and contributions paid by the employer.
Is a master's degree at a German public university really free?
In most Länder, yes. Only Baden-Württemberg charges a semester fee for students from outside the European Union. In other regions, the cost is limited to the Semesterbeitrag (administrative fee), usually between 150 and 350 euros per semester, which may include regional public transport.
Which city has the lowest cost of living for studying in Germany?
Leipzig and Dresden are consistently the most affordable among relevant university cities, according to Numbeo: shared room rent between 400 and 650 euros and overall cost of living between 700 and 1,000 euros per month. Berlin is in the mid-range; Munich is the most expensive.
How long does it take to open the blocked account before the trip?
The process usually takes between 5 and 15 business days, depending on the institution and the documentation submitted. It is recommended to start at least 30 days before the intended visa application date, to avoid delaying the consulate appointment.
Be Easy: boutique study abroad consultancy
Understanding the numbers is the starting point; real planning involves choosing the right option, opening the blocked account on time and organising each documentation step in sequence. Be Easy supports this process with specialised curation for the study abroad programme in Germany, from language course to master's degree, with a dedicated senior consultant who assesses your profile and points you in the most direct direction. To take the first step, get in touch with us.
