German universities are undoubtedly among the most prestigious institutions in the world. They are known for their high-quality education and excellent research facilities. However, the cost of studying in Germany is becoming a major question among Nigerian students who want to gain access to one of the best educational systems in the world.
Nevertheless, many scholarship opportunities are open to Nigerian students seeking to study in Germany. In addition to government-provided scholarships, many reputable organizations offer scholarship programs designed explicitly for Nigerian students.
This makes it possible for even those without strong financial backgrounds to cover their tuition fees and living expenses while studying in Germany. With that said, let’s look at the cost of studying in Germany for Nigerian Students.
Table of Contents
Cost of Studying in Germany for Nigerian Students
We will examine the various costs of studying in Germany from Nigeria, such as;
- Cost of Tuition fees
- Cost of Living Expenses
- Cost of Rent in Germany
- And others
Cost of Tuition Fees in Germany for Nigerian Students
Tuition fees are the first thing Nigerian students usually think of when planning to study abroad. Luckily, you will be relieved in Germany because, in 2014, the German government, through its parliament, opted to abolish the payment of tuition fees by local and international students in public schools.
The elimination of tuition fees has immensely improved international enrollment at German universities. In fact, in 2021, Statistics showed that over 380,000 international students now more than ever are enrolled in German universities and colleges.
Although tuition fees are not required at public universities in Germany, however, students must pay an administrative charge per semester, which is usually no more than 250 EUR (₦192,500) per semester. So far, private universities continue to charge tuition. Several private institutions operate in Germany, despite the fact that public universities make up most higher education providers. So when choosing a higher institution in Germany, we recommend that you opt for a government university if your budget is thin.
But, if your pocket is large and you want to study at a private university in Germany, you should know that many private universities offer varying tuition fees.
Your annual tuition at a private German university will likely cost you roughly 30,000 EUR (₦23,100,000). This is significantly less expensive than what you would pay in other popular study destinations like the UK and the United States.
A list of private universities in Germany is provided below, along with an estimate of their tuition costs in Naira.
- Bard College Berlin – €28,700 (₦22,099,000)
- CODE University of Applied Sciences – €9,800 (₦7,546,000)
- EBC Hochschule – €10,000(₦7,700,000)
- Friedensau Adventist University – €3,500 (₦2,695,000)
- GISMA Business School – €20,000 (₦15,400,000)
- Hertie School of Governance – €32,500 (₦25,025,000)
- Munich Business School – €24,000 (₦18,480,000)
- SRH Hochschule Berlin – €10,000 (₦7,700,000)
- WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management – €15,000 (₦11,550,000)
- University of Applied Sciences Europe – €1,400 (₦1,078,000)
Additional note: Be aware that the cost of the tuition fees in Naira might change because of the constant fluctuation and fall of the naira currency. Please check with your bank or financial institution for the exact rate.
Costs of living in Germany for Nigerian Students
Apart from tuition fees, one crucial thing to consider is the cost of living. They comprise food, utilities, accommodation, transport, etc., at a specific price.
According to German law, every international student must have at least €11,208 (₦8,630,160)
in their German-blocked bank account to support their studies for at least the first year. This law assumes that a foreign student spends at least €934 (₦719,180) per month. Learn how to open a german blocked account in Nigeria.
To help you come up with more accurate and customized calculations regarding the cost of living in Germany, below is the list of average prices for food, utilities, lodging, and transportation.
| Meal For a Single Person | €10.00 (₦7,700) |
| Local Public Transport | €2.70 (₦2,079) |
| Taxi Tariff/km | €2.00 (₦1,540) |
| Utilities (Monthly) | €215 (₦165,550) |
| Rent for Apartment (1 bedroom) | €530 (₦408,100) |
The advantage of the cost of living in Germany is that, unlike tuition costs, you may have a major impact. You can save a lot of money by making suitable adjustments to your spending habits and choosing cheaper alternatives. Such behaviors are pretty essential for any random student.
For example, if you share your flat with other students, you will pay less for your housing. You might also choose to rent an apartment in the suburbs, where rent is substantially lower than in the city. Similarly, you can learn to cook and save a lot of money you would otherwise spend eating out.
Cost of Rent in Germany for Nigerian Students
Even though we briefly mentioned the cost of rent in Germany above, we will go into greater detail below.
As we all know, the cost of rent in advanced countries like Germany can be very high compared to Nigeria. However, most Nigerian students have a way of getting around this. You can cut down on the cost of rent by living in student housing or by sharing a flat with a fellow student.Â
In Germany, students have several options to reduce their rent costs. These are elaborated on in the paragraphs below.
Regarding finding housing in Germany as a Nigerian student, there are three main options: Student Halls of Residence, shared apartments (flatshares), or private accommodation.
Student Halls of Residence
Student Halls of Residence offer an affordable option for Nigerian students who wish to live on-campus or close to their university. These halls are usually managed by the universities themselves or by student unions that specialize in providing affordable student housing options. In addition, they provide a sense of community among students from different backgrounds and cultures, making it easier for international students to settle in.
But, due to the high demand for student halls of residence, it is essential to apply as early as possible and adhere to the registration dates and process often advertised on student union websites. In Germany, a student hall of residence normally costs roughly €350 (₦269,500) per month.
Shared apartments (flatshares) are another popular option for Nigerian students in Germany. It’s an excellent way for students to live together and split rent and utility bills while still having private spaces. Flatshares can range from two to ten people living together in an apartment, sharing the kitchen, bathroom, and common areas.Â
Generally, the cost of a shared apartment is between €450 (₦346,500) and €800 (₦616,000) per month on average. Therefore, if you want to live in a shared apartment in Germany, we recommend starting your search a few months before your arrival.
Private accommodation
Private accommodation refers to renting a room or Apartment from an individual rather than a university or student housing facility. This option provides more flexibility and independence, giving students the freedom to choose their preferred location and amenities. One great advantage of private accommodation is that it often comes fully furnished with all essentials, such as beds, tables, chairs, and kitchen appliances. However, the downside of this option is that it is more expensive, and paying rent and utilities on your own might be a financial burden. On average, the cost of private accommodation for students is €750 (₦577,500).
ScholarshipsÂ
After all is said and done about the cost of studying in Germany as a Nigerian student, one way to reduce the heavy financial burden is through scholarships.Â
Nigerian students in Germany can apply for a variety of scholarships. Various types of scholarships include partial, merit-based, and state-specific scholarships. These scholarships are provided by either the government or non-governmental groups. Furthermore, universities provide various scholarships to outstanding international students. We have thoroughly covered this topic in a previously published article; please refer to it for more information.
Hence, depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for one of these scholarships, which can significantly reduce the overall cost of studying in Germany as a Nigerian.
The scholarships listed below are available in Germany.
- The Deutschlandstipendium
- DAAD Scholarships
- Erasmus +
- Humboldt Scholarships
- Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarships
- Helmholtz Scholarships
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s further consider some common questions from Nigerian students looking at the cost of studying in Germany:
How much does it cost to study in Germany full?
The average cost of programs offered by private universities is around ₦20,000,000 – ₦23,100,000, and the cost of accommodation is approximated at ₦408,100.
How much is the German student visa fee in Nigeria?
A German student visa in Nigeria costs €75 (about ₦57,750 as of August 2021). The cost for applicants under 18 is €37.50 (equal to ₦28,875 as of August 2021). The fee must be paid at the same time as your visa application.
How much does it cost for a student to study in Germany?
As of 2023, the official estimate for international students’ monthly living expenses in Germany is roughly 934 EUR. Therefore, studying in Germany requires approximately 11,208 EUR (₦8,685,600) per year. Plus, a semester administrative fee of 250 EUR (₦192,500) if studying at a public university.
Is Germany a good place to study for Nigerians?
Yes, most German universities offer free or very reduced tuition fee programs to Nigerian students. You will also benefit from a high-quality educational system and the opportunity to enhance your career, learn a new language, meet new friends, and socialize.
Conclusion
Reading this far means you now understand the total cost of studying in Germany from Nigeria. This European country is one of the world’s top study destinations, and we recommend taking into account not just the cost of studying but also the cost of living, rent, and other expenses. Fortunately for you, we have all these covered on this page. So please forward this post to a friend. Thank you.