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CyprusCost of a first year
Germany vs Switzerland: what a year of study costs
Germany is the cheaper of the two: about EUR 13,600 to 19,500 less for a first year.
fromup to Tuition, 12 months of living costs and the visa fee.
Side by side
| Figure |  Germany |  Switzerland |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition a year | EUR 200 to 700 | EUR 1,800 to 4,800 |
| Living costs, 12 months | EUR 9,600 to 18,000 | EUR 27,600 |
| Student visa fee | EUR 75 | EUR 0 |
| First year, all in | EUR 9,900 to 18,800 | EUR 29,300 to 32,300 |
| Money to show for the visa | EUR 11,900 | EUR 22,960 |
| Work during term | 20 hours a week | 15 hours a week |
| Stay to work after | 18 months | 6 months |
| Figures checked | 2026-09-24 | 2026-09-26 |
Every figure is from the Germany and Switzerland guides, where each one links to its official source with the date we checked it. Living costs are the published monthly range times twelve. Converted at the day's rate (2026-11-08). Rates by Exchange Rate API.
Questions
Is it cheaper to study in Germany or Switzerland?
Germany is the cheaper of the two: about EUR 13,600 to 19,500 less for a first year. A first year in Germany costs about EUR 9,900 to 18,800 and in Switzerland about EUR 29,300 to 32,300, counting tuition, twelve months of living costs and the visa fee, from each country's official sources.
How much money do I need to show for a student visa in Germany and Switzerland?
Germany: EUR 11,900 a year. Switzerland: EUR 22,960 a year.