Compare the type of expense as well as the amount. A tuition policy, a living-cost estimate and an immigration funding threshold answer different questions. The examples below are attributed to official education or government sources reviewed on 16 October 2026; they are not individual quotations or guaranteed future prices.
Germany: tuition exceptions and separate expenses
At state institutions, bachelor programmes and most master programmes normally have no tuition. Continuing education master programmes and private institutions may charge. Baden-Wuerttemberg charges non-EU citizens 1,500 euros per semester for bachelor, master, Diplom and state examination programmes, excluding doctoral students. Bavarian institutions may also charge non-EU/EEA tuition. [DAAD-F]
DAAD gives a semester contribution range of 70 to 430 euros, separate from tuition, and living expenses of 900 to 1,200 euros per month depending on the location. Its displayed 992-euro financial-proof amount is explicitly dated January 2025, so this guide does not present it as a confirmed 2026 requirement. [DAAD-F]
Italy and Slovakia: check the programme and language
The Italian consulate says each institution has its own tuition fees, admission criteria and deadlines. It does not establish a regional scholarship award or confirm an amount payable to an applicant. No Italy scholarship amount is included in this cost comparison. [IT]
The European Commission Slovakia profile says Slovak-language study may have no tuition, while foreign-language programmes, including English, cost approximately 750 to 11,000 euros per year. It describes a minimum living budget around 350 euros monthly and a more comfortable estimate of 500 to 700 euros monthly. These are profile estimates, not a programme quotation. [SK-E]
Lithuania and Latvia: distinguish tuition from living costs
The Lithuania profile lists annual tuition starting at 1,300 euros for bachelor study, 2,300 euros for master study and 8,400 euros for doctoral study. Its living-cost estimate is 500 to 800 euros monthly. Starting amounts do not describe every programme. [LT-E]
The Latvia profile estimates living costs of 450 to 700 euros monthly, including accommodation, food, local transport and study materials. Tuition varies by institution and programme and must be budgeted separately. [LV-E]
UK: a visa funding threshold is not a complete budget
Where financial evidence is required for the Student route, GOV.UK requires course fees shown on the CAS and living funds of 1,171 pounds monthly outside London or 1,529 pounds monthly in London, for up to nine months. Exemptions apply in specified circumstances. These are immigration evidence amounts, not a forecast of every applicant's actual expenses. [UK-F]
UAE: obtain the terms before committing money
The Dubai consulate advisory recommends checking written admission and payment terms, including refunds, and budgeting for accommodation, insurance and other expenses. This UAE advice is not a price estimate for all GCC countries. [UAE]
Planning questions
Build your own worksheet from the actual course fee, dated accommodation information and the applicable immigration rules. Mark unknown costs clearly, avoid counting an unconfirmed award as available cash and ask which payments are refundable before making a commitment.
Frequently asked questions
Does no tuition mean the whole course is funded?
No. DAAD distinguishes tuition from semester contributions and living expenses. A tuition policy is not evidence that an applicant has received a scholarship.
Are UK maintenance amounts a complete living-cost forecast?
No. GOV.UK states financial-evidence requirements for the Student route. Budget separately for actual course and personal expenses, and check whether an evidence exemption applies.
Official sources
Source text reviewed on . Estimates retain their stated scope; historical editions are not treated as current rules.
Study in Germany · Study in Italy · Contact ILMERA about your plans
Study planning services or discuss your questions with ILMERA.
← Back to articles