Why Germany Remains a Top Choice for Nepalese Students
Germany persists as one of the most favored destinations for Nepalese students wishing to pursue higher education. The country offers tuition-free public universities, a robust higher education system, increasing number of Nepalese residents, and remarkable value for academic reputation, making it hard to resist.
(The above image depicts the growing trend in International Student Growth in Germany, source)
But how much does it really cost to study in Germany from Nepal? Let us systematically analyze all costs starting from the preparation stage in Nepal all the way to graduation in Germany.
Cost Overview for Nepalese Students (2025)
|
Expense Category |
Approximate Cost (NPR) |
Approximate Cost (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
|
Pre-departure Costs |
4,00,000 - 5,50,000 |
€2,800 - €3,900 |
|
Blocked Account |
11,20,000 |
€8,000 |
|
University Fees |
15,000 - 30,000 per semester |
€100 - €200 per semester |
|
Living Expenses (Annual) |
11,20,000 - 16,80,000 |
€8,000 - €12,000 |
|
Health Insurance (Annual) |
1,40,000 |
€1,000 |
|
Total First Year |
28,00,000 - 35,00,000 |
€20,000 - €25,000 |
Pre-Departure Costs: Expenses Incurred in Nepal After Getting Admission but Before Traveling
There are several steps you need to take while still in Nepal prior to venturing into Germany, such as applying for the following:
- Language Preparation (€700-1,200 / NPR 98,000-1,68,000)
With most undergraduate programs conducted in German, you are expected to have at least a B2 level of proficiency. If you are applying for Master’s programs or any English-taught programs, having German language skills in one’s arsenal is handy.
German Language Course Costs in Nepal:
- Basic A1 level: NPR 15,000-20,000
- Complete A1-B2 Package: NPR 80,000-150,000
- Certification from Goethe Institution: NPR 18,000 – 25,000 per level of examination
Rushing language acquisition is the number one reason Nepali students struggle in their first semester,” Rajesh Sharma, an educational consultant with Study Abroad Nepal, suggests starting to study the language 12-18 months in advance.
- Test Preparation and Exams (€500-800 / NPR 70,000-112,000)
As per the requirements of your program, you might need:
- TestDaF or DSH (German language proficiency): NPR 25,000
- IELTS (for English program): NPR 25,500
- GRE (for some Master’s degree programs): NPR 27,000
- Test preparation classes: NPR 15,000-40,000
- Academic Document Preparation (€150-250 / NPR 21,000-35,000)
- Translation of documents: NPR 10,000-15,000
- Authentication and endorsement: NPR 8,000-12,000
- Application service uni-assist (three universities): €75 (NPR 10,500)
- Visa Application Procedure (€180-200 / NPR 25,000-28,000)
- Visa application charge: NPR 8,400 (€60)
- Insurance post hospitalization travel: NPR 5,000-10,000
- Fees for Blocked Account: NPR 10,000-15,000
- Flight Tickets (€600-800 / NPR 84,000-112,000)
- Seasonal variation on one-way flights from Kathmandu to major German cities hover from NPR 80,000-110,000.
Complete procedure for the visa application tailored for Nepalese students.
If you are well-prepared, the student visa process for Germany may appear to be complicated, but it is rather simple:
- Acceptance to a university comes first.
- Apply to 3 to 5 universities using the uni-assist system or direct applications.
- They take about 4 to 8 weeks to make a decision regarding admission.
- Applications open for the Sperrkonto or blocked account
- Units of ~NPR 12,09,600 should be deposited for a year which equals EU 8640.
- The best providers for this service include Deutsche Bank, Fintiba, or Coracle.
- It takes about 2 to 3 weeks to have the account opened.
- Schedule appointment with the German Embassy which is located in Kathmandu
- You should book these appointments 2 to 3 month in advance because of the high demand.
- Make sure that you prepare every single document that is required.
- Comprehensive financial documentation should be prepared.
- Blocked account certificate.
- Letter from a scholarship assuming one is available.
- Financial statements from the parents that showcase income.
- Claimant should have elaborate education loan documents assuming they are applicable.
- Attend the visa interview and have confidence in yourself.
- It is essential to be ready for questions surrounding the motivation to study in Germany.
- Explain how you plan to return to Nepal after your studies.
- Speak the German language and demonstrate to the panel that you know how to use it.
- The applicant has to wait until the visa is processed.
- This takes around 4 to 8 weeks.
- You should not make any travel plans that are non-refundable until your visa is approved.
"Nepalese students are among our most dedicated international students, but many underestimate the importance of language preparation. Those who invest in solid German skills before arrival typically complete their degrees faster and with better grades, ultimately saving money," explains Prof. Dr. Michael Weber, International Student Advisor at Technical University of Munich.
University Expenses: Not as Off-Putting as You Might Think
Unlike many Western countries, public German universities offer significantly lower tuition fees:
Tuition Costs
- Öffentliche Universitäten: keine Studiengebühr + €100-350 Semesterverwaltungsgebühr
- Private Hochschulen: €5,000-20,000 per year (rarely selected by students from Nepal)
- Fachhochschulen: €0 tuition + €100-250 Semestergebühr
What the Semester Fee Includes:
- Student services
- Administrative costs
- Public transportation ticket (very beneficial)
- Student union membership
Academic Materials (€200-400 per semester):
- Books
- Course content
- Printing and photocopying
- Lab work (for science/engineering students)
Living Expenses: The Real Cost of Studying in Germany
As with most other developed countries, tuition in Germany is comparatively low, while the ongoing expenses is where most Nepalese students incur their costs.
- Accommodation (€300-600 monthly)
Options and average monthly costs:
- Student dormitory (Studentenwohnheim): €250-350
- Shared private apartment (WG): €300-450
- Studio apartment: €450-700
Cost fluctuations per city:
- Munich/Frankfurt/Hamburg: Add 20-30%
- Berlin: Average costs
- Leipzig/Dresden/smaller cities: Reduce by 15-25%
Finding accommodation:
- Apply to University housing spaces 6-8 months before their arrival
- Enlist in student Facebook pages/groups “Nepali Students in [City]” for shared apartments.
- Use WG-gesucht. de which is the most popular platform for student accommodations.
- Food Essentials and Groceries (~€200-300 per month/NPR 28,000-42,000)
- Mensa (University cafeteria) lunch price: €3-5
- Aldi/Lidl are discount stores with grocery shopping from €150-200 monthly.
- Restaurant meals occasionally: €50-100 monthly
- Private Health Insurance (~€110-120/month/NPR 15,400-16,800)
Health insurance is compulsory for every Indian international student in Germany:
- Public insurance (TK, AOK, Barmer): close to €110 per month
- Covers all essential medical services, doctor visits, hospital stays
- Usually, private insurance is not advisable for students.
- Transportation (€0-90/month NRP 0-12,600)
- Semester ticket (including fee): public transportation across the city/region is free.
- Bicycle purchase: one-time fee of €100-250 (It’s recommended)
- Deutsche Bahn weekend travels: €30-60 per trip.
- Communication (€15-30/month/NPR 2100-4200. )
- Mobile plan with internet: €10-20 monthly.
- Internet connection (not covered by the rent): €20-30/month.
- Other Essential Expenses
- Residence permit extension: €100 every 1-2 years.
- Liability insurance (recommended): €60-80 annually.
- TV/ Radio (mandatory if not in dormitory): €17.50 monthly per apartment.
- Leisure activities: €50-150 monthly.
"Prospective students should confirm they can meet the required proof of financial resources, currently over €11,000, and begin financial arrangements at least 12 months prior to their planned studies to ensure a smoother transition." advises an expert from Edupark Consultancy.
Funding Your Studies: Scholarships
Scholarship Opportunities for Nepalese Students
- DAAD Scholarships: Full funding for outstanding students.
- Erasmus+ Programs: For exchange semesters.
- University-specific scholarships: Check with each university.
- Nepal-specific scholarships: Limited but available through bilateral agreements.
Cut-off dates for application submission: Most available bursaries require applications to be submitted from 12-18 months before the commencement of studies.
Cost Comparison: Programs w/ a Bachelor’s and a Master’s Degree
Bachelor’s Programs (3-4 years)
- Language skills required are higher (typically German B2-C1)
- Duration is longer (3-4 years)
- Estimated total cost: €32,000-45,000 (NPR 44,80,000-63,00,000)
Master’s Programs (1.5-2 years)
- Much more options taught in English
- Duration is shorter (1.5-2 years)
- Part-time job opportunities in your field are better
- Estimated total cost: €16,000-25,000 (NPR 22,40,000-35,00,000)
Conclusion
German education is unrivaled when compared to competing destinations like Australia, the US or UK. Germany however offers unmatched value to Nepalese students due to its world class education and comparatively affordable tuition fees, the ability to work during and after studies, and a strong Nepalese community supportive of students studying abroad.
The first monetary challenge (around NPR 12 - 15 lakhs for preparation and blocked account) brings you:
- Internationally acknowledged qualification
- Work experience in Europe
- Likely an 18-month post-study work visa
- Potential employment opportunities in Nepal or other countries
For most Nepali learners who manage to gather the necessary funding, it becomes evident that pursuing an education in Germany is not only worthwhile financially, but an opportunity that can transform one’s life and offer a great ROI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q - Is it possible to study in Germany from Nepal without IELTS?
A - Yes, IELTS is not required if:
- You are applying to German-taught programs (TestDaF/DSH needed instead)
- Your previous degree was awarded during an English-medium institution
- Your university accepts other English proficiency documents.
Q - Can I study in Germany for free from Nepal?
A - Publicly funded universities do not charge tuition fees, but you still need to cover:
- Semester fees (€100-350)
- Annual living cost (minimum €8,000)
- Health insurance and other ancillary expenses
Q - How much money is needed in a blocked account for German student visa from Nepal?
A - For 2025, the amount required is €8,640 (NPR 12,09,600 approximately) in a blocked account, which caters for a year’s minimum living expenses of €720 per month.
Q - Is an IELTS score mandatory for a German student visa from Nepal?
A - Not exclusively for the visa, however:
- For English taught programs: IELTS (usually 6.5+) or equivalent
- For German taught programs: TestDaF (TDN 4 minimum) or DSH (level 2)
Q - What is the Process for Applying Educational Loan for Studying in Germany from Nepal?
A - Some banks in Nepal provide specialized education loans to study in Germany like:
- Nepal Investment Bank
- NIC Asia
- Himalayan Bank
- Usually these loans require a collateral property and an admission letter.
- Interest rate sits between 11 to 15 percent annually.
