How to Save Money as a Student in Germany

Moving to a German university town is exciting. A new city, new people, your first real place of your own, and plenty of free time. But then, the first month’s rent, the student contribution, health insurance, and grocery bills arrive in rapid succession, and your bank account starts to look much smaller than you had expected. If you can relate to what I have just described, then you are definitely not alone. Most students experience this exact same thing during the first couple of months of being away from home.

The biggest challenge is that Germany’s cost of living continues to rise at the same time students’ financial resources remain limited. On the other hand, Germany has many student-related benefits available to students; some of these include low-cost meals in university cafeterias, as well as a semester ticket that can be used on public transportation. Many students do not take advantage of most of these services because they are unaware of their availability. The following list identifies money-saving tips for students, from paying rent and buying groceries to BAföG, student discounts, and everyday habits.

Tips For Saving Money as a Student In Germany

Start With A Budget You Can Live With

No one likes to budget; however, it can easily be made simple. First, list everything that is paid out from your bank account each month: rent/mortgage, medical insurance, telephone bill, food (groceries), transportation costs, and then the “fun” things you like to do. Then check your list weekly during the initial two months. Usually this will help you see where you’re losing money.

A rough way to split things:

• Fixed costs: rent, insurance, phone, subscriptions
• Daily living: groceries, transport, small things
• Fun money: a set amount per month, and when it’s gone, it’s gone

A free app or a plain spreadsheet does the job. Some students keep a separate account just for rent and bills so they can’t accidentally spend it.

Rent Is The Big One

The cost of student housing is the biggest part of each student’s budget, and the problem continues to grow. According to a new report on student housing, the average price for a small student flat is approximately 567 euros including heating costs (“warm”). Munich is the most costly city in this report, while only Chemnitz has prices that can be completely covered by the existing BAföG housing subsidy of 380 euros.

So where can you save?

• Choose a WG (Wohngemeinschaft). Sharing a flat is the classic German student move. You split rent, internet, and utilities, and often the cleaning supplies and the big bag of rice too.
• Apply for a Studierendenwerk dorm room. These are usually cheaper than the private market, but waiting lists are long. Apply as soon as you have your admission, even if you’re not sure yet.
• Look slightly outside the center. With a semester ticket, living twenty minutes out can save you real money every month.
• Watch for extra costs. Ask what “warm” includes, and check whether electricity and internet are included in the price.

Get Your Transport Sorted

The majority of students in Germany pay a semester fee that includes a ticket. Many universities have extended this ticket to cover the entire country rather than just the university’s location. Until the 2026 summer term, the price of the Deutschlandticket for students was €34.80 per month. Beginning in the 2026/27 winter term, the price increased to €37.80 per month; therefore, the cost will be €226.80 for each term. This is 60 percent off the standard price, which has been €63 per month since January 2026.

Two things worth knowing:

• You generally can’t cancel the semester ticket or deduct it from your semester fee, so there’s no point buying a second ticket on top of it. Use the one you already pay for.
• Not every university has the nationwide version, and some students (part-time, distance learning) may be excluded. Check with your Studierendenwerk or student council.

Since you’ve already paid for it, use it. Weekend trips to other cities, visits home, a day in the countryside: all of it costs nothing extra. A used bike is also a great investment, especially in flatter cities. It pays for itself within a few months.

Eat Well Without Overspending

This is one of the very important tips for saving money. Food is where you have the most day-to-day control.

• Use the Mensa. University canteens are subsidised, and a full meal usually costs a few euros. Not every meal is a highlight, but it’s reliable and cheap, and many canteens offer vegetarian options.
• Shop at discounters. They are a lot cheaper than most other supermarkets, and the own-brand products are normally just as good.
• Buy fresh produce at the local market late in the day. Many stalls drop prices shortly before closing.
• Plan your week. A rough idea of five dinners prevents a lot of impulse buying and wasted food.
• Rescue surplus food. Many bakeries, shops and community groups give away or sell leftovers cheaply at the end of the day.
• Cook in batches. One big pot of lentil soup or pasta sauce covers three meals.
• Cook with flatmates. A shared dinner once or twice a week is cheaper per head and honestly a lot more fun.

Eating out isn’t banned. Just make it an occasion, not a habit. And bring your own coffee in a thermos. Those three-euro takeaway coffees add up faster than you’d think.

Books, Software And Course Materials

You almost never need to buy every book on the reading list.

• Check your university library first. Many have e-book access and short-term loans.
• Ask older students for second-hand copies, or check local second-hand shops and student notice boards.
• Split costs with coursemates for books you’ll only need for a few weeks.
• Only buy new when it’s a book you’ll use through the whole degree.
• Sell your books afterwards. Someone else needs them next semester.

Also check what your university offers for free. Many give students office software, cloud storage, or specialist programs at no cost. Always check before you pay for it yourself.

Use Every Student Discount

Your student ID is worth more than most people realize. It can get you:

• Reduced prices at museums, theatres, cinemas and swimming pools
• Cheaper software, music and streaming subscriptions
• Discounts on tech and clothing at many shops
• Reduced fees at the university gym, which is normally far cheaper than a commercial one

Get in the habit of asking, “Gibt es einen Studentenrabatt?” The worst answer is no.

Look Into BAfög And Other Financial Support

Even though the vast majority of students believe that they are ineligible for BAföG funding because their parents earn too much money, it is possible for some students who are uncertain about whether they qualify for funding to apply. Most people do not realize that the guidelines used to assess eligibility for BAföG funding can often be flexible.

As of now, students who do not reside with their parents and also have their own health insurance may qualify for as much as 992 Euros each month under the BAföG program. While that is the absolute highest amount possible, and many students will receive less money, every little bit helps. There are numerous other aspects of BAföG.

• A minijob of up to 603 euros a month doesn’t count against your BAföG in 2026.
• The housing subsidy will increase by 60 euros from 380 euros per month to 440 euros per month; however, this change won’t take place until the summer term of 2027, and the proposed reform is still in the legislative process. Therefore, don’t include these increases in your current financial plans.
• Apply soon. It may take some time before your application is processed, and most likely, the payment will be based on the date of your application.

If BAföG is not a viable option for you, consider applying for scholarships provided by various foundations; the Deutschlandstipendium; and potentially, emergency funding available through either your Studierendenwerk or student organization. It appears that most students do not even attempt to receive financial assistance in the form of a scholarship because they believe that their chances of being selected are slim.

Earn A Bit On The Side

Having a part-time job will help you pay for things, as well as add experience to your resume. You can check with your school for student assistant positions (“hiwi” jobs), as these will typically be able to accommodate your schedule and possibly be related to what you’re studying. There are also opportunities to tutor students, work in coffee shops/stores, and even freelance if you have skills such as writing, designing, or coding.

A student can earn money working part-time. For example, the minimum wage will be €13.90/hour in 2026. Therefore, even if you only work a couple of hours per week, it can still have an impact. Be aware of how much you may earn without losing your insurance coverage or BAföG eligibility. Make sure that you do not allow your job to take over your studies.

Small Habits That Add Up

• Get a cheap prepaid or flat-rate phone plan instead of an expensive contract.
• Compare electricity and internet providers if you hold the contract yourself.
• You can purchase used clothing and furniture. Used items can be found at flea markets and other local used goods stores.
• Sell what you don’t use anymore.
• Pfand is actual cash, and it can quickly accumulate on one side of your kitchen counter.
• Hold on 48 hours for each unnecessary item you plan to buy. Approximately 50% of the items will be gone from your memory by then.
• On the day you receive your paycheck, create an automatic transfer of a small amount of money (even as little as €20-€30) into your savings account.

The last point above is more important than it appears to be. A small buffer can make all the difference between being slightly annoyed by something such as your laptop dying or having your bicycle stolen, and having a major panic attack over those same events.

Final Thoughts

There is no need to lead an austere lifestyle while studying in Germany. Focus on getting the basics right: housing costs (rent), travel expenses (transport), and food costs. Utilize the existing resources available to you as well as other ways to save money, such as student discounts and financial assistance programs. Begin by making one or two small changes to your budget during this month, and then gradually increase those changes as you become comfortable with them. Your future self will be grateful for your efforts with these saving tips.

Check with your student union about prices and regulations for BAföG and the semester ticket because they are subject to change.

FAQ

1. How much money does a student need per month in Germany?

It depends heavily on the city. Rent is the biggest factor, and Munich is far pricier than Chemnitz or Leipzig. Many students plan around 900 to 1,200 euros a month, but a WG and careful food shopping can bring that down.

2. Do I have to pay for the semester ticket?

At most universities, the fee for this is required and part of the money you pay each semester. Usually you can neither get out of paying for it nor do you have an option to take the cost off what you owe for the semester. Contact your university to find out exactly how things work there.

3. Can I get BAföG if my parents earn well?

Possibly. It will depend on what your parents make, how you live, etc. Most students receive less than the maximum possible. However, most also receive some type of financial assistance; therefore, it is always better to apply for assistance and know exactly what you are eligible for, as opposed to assuming you are not.

4. How much can I earn without losing BAföG?

In 2026, you will be able to earn up to 603 euros a month through a minijob without paying any taxes. If you earn more than this, your payments may be reduced; therefore, you should check first if you plan to work more hours.

5. What’s the cheapest way to eat as a student?

You should take your lunch at Mensa, purchase your groceries from a discount store, and then make a large quantity of food to eat throughout the week. When possible, find discounted food that is being sold before it expires and cook with your roommates.