Costs of studying in Berlin

Blocked account, semester fee, health insurance, first-year costs.

Proof of funding

• Blocked account (Sperrkonto): €11,904 for a year, at most €992 per month can be withdrawn (rate in force since 1 Sep 2024).
• Alternatives: a declaration of commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung) from someone in Germany, or a scholarship of at least €1,000 per month (then no blocked account). If your programme charges fees, the first two semesters must be paid.
• Providers: the Federal Foreign Office does not name or recommend any provider and takes no liability if one fails. We do not recommend one either. Check the provider yourself.
• Possible change: the required amount is tied to the BAföG maximum. A draft amendment (August 2026, not yet law) could raise housing costs from summer semester 2027. Check the Embassy page before you apply.

Fees

• No tuition at Berlin public universities such as FU and BHT (except continuing-education programmes). We found no tuition for non-EU students in Berlin. Some other German states charge.
• Semester fee: FU €376.80 (including the Deutschlandsemesterticket, €226.80), BHT €376.30.
• Visa €75; APS INR 18,000; language test and translations extra.
• Residence permit at LEA Berlin: first permit €56 (renewal €49); first electronic card €100 (renewal €93).

Health insurance

Compulsory. The statutory student rate is about €120 to 130 a month under 30 (DAAD; may be outdated for 2026). The student rate ends at age 30.