Why should you show € 8640 in your blocked account?

When you come to a new country, you will definitely be in a mind-set to calculate every penny you spend and you will be converting the money according to the exchange rates. A student is expected to show € 8640 in his / her blocked account to the visa approved. The breakdown of the average students’ expenses shows why.

Rent (Miete)

The German housing system is very robust. They have kaltmiete (cold rent) and warmmiete (warm rent), which is little bit confusing for a newcomer. But, you will get to know about it once you reach here. The house rent will vary from € 200 – 400 per month depending on which part of Germany you live and also depending on the amount of space that you would like to occupy. You can find many student apartments (Studentenwohnung), with partially furnished rooms; but most of the apartments are unfurnished and you are expected to buy your own desired furnitures.

Total cost per year(approx): 300*12= € 3600

Health Insurance (Krankenkasse)

It is mandatory for all the students to have a health insurance in Germany. This will cover your medical costs. It will cost around 80 euros per month and will be very helpful during some emergency cases. There are many companies that offer insurances, but we suggest AOK.

Total cost per year(approx): 80*12= € 960

Food (Essen und Lebensmittel)

The amount a student spends on this category will vary from one to another. If you can cook your own meals, then it will cost you less; but if you spend more on readymade foods and restaurants then it will burn a hole in your pocket. On an average, it may cost you anything between 80-150 euros, depending on your lifestyle.

Total cost per year(approx): 120*12= € 1440

Semester fees (Semester gebühr)

Even though most of the universities don’t have tuition fees, you are expected to pay a certain other fees to the university, which may consist of your semester-ticket that allows you to travel within a specified area for free. This may be a biannual or once in every semester payment, which may come around 250 euros per semester.

Total cost per year(approx): 250*2=€ 500

Shopping (Einkaufen)

Similar to food, this may also vary from person to person. If you are a shopaholic, then on an average you may go for shopping every two months once. There are so many brands and outlets, that you will feel as if you are on cloud-nine. On an average, it may come up to 100 euros for every 2-3 months.

Total cost per year(approx): 100*4= € 400

Vacations (Urlaub)

Once you get your visa, you are entitled to visit 18 different countries in the Schengen region. It is for sure, that you will be going on vacations along with your friends during the summer holidays or semester holidays. So let us assume that you are going to take a vacation once a year and you may end up spending 300 euros.

Total cost per year(approx): € 300

On the whole, if you calculate everything you will get an value of € 8320. This is the reason why, the you need to show 8640 euros in your blocked account during your visa application.