Study Guide · 06

Living costs & budgeting

Monthly costs range from €800 to €1,100 depending on city. Cities like Wuppertal, Dortmund, and Bochum are significantly more affordable than Munich or Frankfurt — and often better for international students.

Germany's cost of living varies enormously between cities. Our primary partner universities — Wuppertal, Dortmund, Bochum — are not only excellent academically; they are among the most affordable cities for students in Germany. This is not a compromise. It is a strategic advantage.

Key information
Wuppertal
~€750–850 / mo
Rent €350–500 · Food €200–250 · Transport: SemesterTicket · Insurance & phone €130–150
Dortmund
~€750–900 / mo
Rent €350–500 · Food €200–250 · Transport: VRR covered · Insurance & phone €130–150
Bochum
~€800–950 / mo
Rent €380–520 · Food €200–250 · Transport: covered · Insurance & phone €130–150
Berlin
~€1,000–1,200 / mo
Rent €600–800 · Food €220–280 · Transport: BVG covered · Insurance & phone €130–150
Munich
~€1,200–1,500 / mo
Rent €750–1,100 · Food €250–300 · Transport: covered · Insurance & phone €130–150
Student canteens (Mensa) serve hot meals for €2.50–4.50. Working up to 120 full days per year is permitted on a student visa.