How much is the cost of living in Germany for international students?

Vocational training in Germany opens up many development opportunities, but the cost of living is always a major concern for many young people. In fact, compared to the high quality of life, Germany is considered a country with reasonable costs for international students. So how much money do international students need each month to cover living expenses? Through this article, SHD Academy will help you have a more comprehensive view of living costs in Germany for international students and saving tips to balance finances effectively.

>> Reference: 

• Instructions for self -preparation of German vocational studies 2025
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• What is life like in Germany? Daily life habits of Germans.

How much does it cost to live in Germany? 

In Germany, the minimum living expenses to cover living expenses usually range from 1,000 - 1,500 Euro/month (about 27 - 40 million VND). In big cities like Berlin, Munich or Frankfurt, due to higher rents, this figure can be up to 1,500 - 2,000 Euro (about 40 - 54 million VND). For international students, the average spending is usually around 850 Euro/month (about 23 million VND), including expenses such as housing, food and transportation.

Germany is a powerful country with a strong network of trams, buses and inter-regional trains, so the cost of traveling in Germany is considered quite reasonable for international students, especially when they choose to use the public transport system. However, in large cities, the cost of traveling can be higher than in other regions. In addition, the cost of food in Germany is also at an average level compared to other European countries.

Besides, there is a mandatory expense that international students need to pay attention to. health insurance in Germany, with fees ranging from 100 to 120 Euro/month (about 2.7 - 3.2 million VND). This is a mandatory requirement for all international students when studying and living in Germany.

>> Reference: Total cost of vocational study in Germany latest 2025

Summary of living costs in Germany 

When setting up German vocational study itinerary, besides understanding the conditions for vocational study in Germany then you also need to understand the living expenses. Below is a detailed summary table of SHD Academy about living costs in Germany for international students Easily visualize and proactively prepare finances for life in Germany.

Source: SHD Academy

Detailed analysis

• Rent: Renting a house in Germany can be a big expense, especially in large cities or centers, where rents range from 300 - 500 Euro/month (about 7.8 - 13 million VND). To save money, international students can consider some options such as dormitories, sharing apartments, etc. For students of SHD Academy, you will receive support from businesses that cooperate with SHD Academy. From there, helping to reduce the cost of renting a house to only about 180 - 200 Euro/month (about 4.8 - 5.3 million VND).
• Travel: Normally, international students will not have to pay for transportation. However, if they use public transport regularly, they need to buy a monthly pass for about 49 Euros/month, equivalent to 1.3 million VND. 
• Eat and drink: Average food costs from 150 - 200 Euro (4 - 5 million VND).
• Health insurance: The average fee ranges from approximately 80 – 100 Euro (2 – 2.5 million VND) for international students. However, other groups may have higher fees but will be supported by the company to pay.

When choosing to accompany SHD Academy, students will receive support from SHD Academy's partners in Germany in arranging accommodation near the school, ensuring a comfortable living space at a reasonable cost. In addition, SHD Academy also cooperates with Barmer - one of the most prestigious health insurance companies in Germany, to provide comprehensive health care benefits, helping students feel secure throughout their study and living in Germany.

Not stopping there, SHD Academy commits to supporting students to sign contracts with businesses with a minimum salary of 929 Euro/month (about 24 million) during the apprenticeship. Thanks to that, students do not need to prove their finances or open a business. blocked account when going to Germany. With this salary, students can pay for basic living expenses such as housing, food and travel without worrying about finances. 

If you would like more information, please contact us. SHD Academy for advice and support!

>> Reference:

• Does studying in Germany need financial proof?
• SHOULD I STUDY AT A VOCATIONAL COLLEGE IN GERMANY?

5 Tips to help international students save money in Germany 

When studying abroad in a place with a high standard of living like Germany, managing and planning your expenses clearly and specifically will help international students maintain stable finances and have extra money for backup. Below are 5 tips to help save money. living costs in Germany for international students effective:

1. Shared house, shared accommodation, dormitory

Renting a house, sharing a room or staying in a dormitory are options that help international students save on living expenses when studying a vocational course in Germany. Dormitories (Studentenwohnheim) usually cost from 200 - 400 Euro/month (5 - 10 million VND), including basic utilities and located near the school. Thanks to the convenient location and reasonable cost, dormitories are the top priority when choosing housing in Germany of many international students.

If not staying in a dormitory, international students can choose to share an apartment (Wohngemeinschaft – WG) with other international students to reduce electricity, water and internet costs. Both of these forms help international students manage their budget more effectively, so you should consider carefully to choose the form that suits your needs and conditions.

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2. Take advantage of incentives and promotions for students

Taking advantage of student discounts and promotions is an effective way for international students to save money when studying in Germany. Therefore, always remember to bring your student card to receive discounts at restaurants, cafes, cinemas and many other services. 

Some schools and cities often organize cultural, sports events or seminars for international students free or at a discount. This is an opportunity for international students to participate in recreational activities, learn new knowledge and expand relationships without spending too much money.

>> Reference: Is learning German difficult? How long does it take to achieve a certificate B1

3. Use public transport and bicycles

Using public transport and bicycles is a solution to help international students travel conveniently and save costs. Major cities in Germany have a modern transportation system with subways, buses and trains, making travel easy and flexible. In particular, international students can buy monthly tickets or use student cards to enjoy discounts when using public transport.

In addition, bicycles are also an ideal choice, especially for short distances. Thanks to the well-planned dedicated road system, traveling by bicycle is not only economical but also environmentally friendly. A flexible combination of public transport and bicycles will help international students optimize costs and travel more effectively.

>> Reference: Summary of German vocational scholarships 2025

4. Use prepaid SIM

With prepaid SIM cards, international students do not need to sign a contract with a network operator, meaning you will not be bound by the time of service use. Instead, you just need to top up your account and use it according to your actual needs. Using prepaid SIM cards helps international students easily control their spending and avoid unwanted charges.

In addition, many network operators often have incentive and promotional programs such as data package discounts, free calling minutes or attractive promotions when recharging for the first time for prepaid SIM users. 

5. Find a part-time job to earn extra income

Part-time work not only helps international students cover living expenses but also gain experience while studying vocational training in Germany. International students can work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during the holidays. 

Popular jobs such as serving, research assistant or working at a supermarket fit into the study schedule of international students. In addition, international students can also look for jobs related to their major to develop professional skills.

>> Reference: Study and work in Germany: Summary of detailed information

Above is information about living costs in Germany for international students, help you better understand the expenses and how to manage your finances effectively. Hopefully with the savings tips that SHD Academy By sharing, international students can reduce financial pressure and study with peace of mind. In addition, SHD Academy always ready to support students in stabilizing their lives when starting their vocational study abroad journey. Don't forget to visit the page vocational study abroad news to update the latest information about vocational study in Germany!