As a student in Germany, one of your most important priorities is to manage your expenses well and provide for yourself while pursuing your dream. Education in Germany is generally affordable, but some German cities are more expensive than others. As a student, you should choose the most suitable city for your budget to make sure that you don’t stress too much about the living expenses. That’s why in this article, we will tell you more about the most affordable cities in Germany for international students.
1- Chemnitz:
Chemnitz is the third-largest city in the German state of Saxony after Leipzig and Dresden. It is a city with a rich cultural history, and it has been consistently ranked as Germany’s lowest-cost city for students. It provides a supportive environment for international students and offers excellent value for money.
Living Expenses:
Living in Chemnitz is really affordable. Rents on a one-bedroom apartment are around €250 per month, and utilities cost €110, public transport costs €45, and restaurants and Leisure cost €90.
Universities:
Chemnitz has Chemnitz University of Technology is the largest technical university in Germany. It’s popular among international students. It’s considered a leader in innovation and research and offers programs in mechanical engineering, natural sciences, and information technology.
Part-time Jobs:
Students can find part-time jobs in Chemnitz in restaurants, retail, or as a student aide in the lab, but most of these jobs require proficiency in German. Chemnitz University of Technology also offers a Student Buddy mentoring program, and students get a cheap public transport pass included in their semester fees.
2- Gera:
Gera is situated in the state of Thuringia. It’s the third-largest city in Thuringia with a helpful community and an extremely low cost of living.
Living Expenses:
It’s an affordable place to live in as a one-bedroom flat is around €270 per month, and so it is a great choice for students on a budget. The utilities cost around €110, public transport costs €45, and restaurants and leisure cost €90.
Universities:
Gera-Eisenach Cooperative State University is an outstanding university located in Gera. It offers dual study programs that combine academic learning with practical experience.
Part-time Jobs:
Many of the international students work part-time jobs in shops, cafes, and restaurants. The Studentenwerk local provides help in a student job market portal for Thuringian universities.
3- Magdeburg:
Magdeburg is the capital of Saxony-Anhalt. Magdeburg was one of the largest and most prosperous German cities and a notable member of the Hanseatic League. It attracts students with its affordable living costs.
Living Expenses:
The city offers low prices for students, as one-bedroom flat costs around €320 per month. The utilities cost around €140, public transport costs €50, and restaurants and leisure cost €120.
Universities:
The city has two excellent universities:
Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg: The university has about 13,000 students in nine faculties. It is known for its programs in engineering, business, and computer science, with a focus on innovation and research.
We are proud that two of our brilliant students received offers to complete their studies at Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg. The first one will study the Master of Science in Data and Knowledge Engineering in the next winter semester. The second one is an IGCSE Student and has four A* grades in Mathematics, Arabic, Physics, and Computer Science. He will study a bachelor’s in Engineering Science in the next winter semester. We wish them the best.
Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences: It offers practical courses in social work and environmental engineering. It is a public university of applied sciences with two campuses.
Part-time Jobs:
Part-time employment for students is common in retail, hospitality, or on campus (libraries, labs, or as a tutor), normally through local job agencies or university job adverts. The Studentenwerk Magdeburg also offers free seminars on working in Germany, visas, and contracts.
4- Gelsenkirchen:
Another very cheap German city for international students is Gelsenkirchen, in North Rhine-Westphalia. It is known for its industrial heritage and low cost of living. It provides excellent access to larger metropolitan areas.
Living Expenses:
Rent is cheap in Gelsenkirchen as it costs around €300 for a one-bedroom apartment, and daily costs are low. The utilities cost around €130, public transport costs €55, and restaurants and leisure cost €110.
Universities:
The city’s largest higher educational institution is Westphalian University of Applied Sciences. It’s focused on business, technology, and engineering, and it has strong industry connections.
Part-time Jobs:
Students can work part-time jobs in factories, warehouses, or local logistics and retailing enterprises. Consulting services for student and local student job placements are provided by the Essen-Duisburg Studentenwerk, helping internationals with work.
5- Bremerhaven:
Bremerhaven is a city on the east bank of the Weser estuary in northern Germany. It is known for its harbor and museums, and it remains one of the busiest ports in the country. It has a rich history and offers affordable living costs.
Living Expenses:
The rent for a small apartment in Bremerhaven is €330 per month, and the utilities cost around €135, public transport costs €60, and restaurants and leisure cost €100.
Universities:
The city has an outstanding university, which is Bremerhaven’s Hochschule (Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences). The university is known for its focus on logistics, maritime studies, and renewable energy. This university provides hands-on learning experiences.
We are proud that two of our amazing students received offers to complete their studies at Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences. The first one studied the Master of Science in Process Engineering and Energy Technology (PEET) in the previous summer semester. The second one will study the Master of Science in Process Engineering and Energy Technology (PEET) in the next winter semester. We wish them the best.
Part-time Jobs:
Many international students find part-time jobs in the port and tourist industry in hotels, restaurants, or tourism services at the harbor and museums. Bremen Studierendenwerk offers living, dining, and counseling facilities to the students.
Choosing the right city for you can help in keeping living expenses and improving your life as a student in Germany. If you want to start studying in Germany and stay in one of these amazing cities, all you have to do is fill out our Eligibility Form, and with the help of our team, you can achieve this dream soon.
