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Tuition and Fees

2026–27 Tuition and Fees

The fees listed below are for all students in the 2026-27 Academic Year. Fees are set each year by the Board of Trustees of Bard College, with the input of the Board of Governors of Bard College Berlin. They are subject to change each year.
 

Fee Type Amount (annual)
On-campus Comprehensive Fee €38,250
Off-campus Comprehensive Fee €27,500
Semesterticket (Transit Pass) Fee €453.60*
Reader Fee €10-90







*Prices are set by the regional transit authority and subject to change.

Tuition and Fees Explained

  • On-campus Comprehensive Fee 
    The on-campus comprehensive fee includes tuition, housing in a fully furnished room, a meal plan (breakfast, lunch and dinner Monday to Friday), on-campus mental health service, and access to a sport/fitness facility with a sauna. For new students, this also covers the Language and Thinking Program and orientation days.
  • Off-campus Comprehensive Fee 
    The off-campus comprehensive fee includes tuition, on-campus mental health service and access to a sport/fitness facility with a sauna. For new students this also covers the Language and Thinking Program and orientation days.
  • Semesterticket (Transit Pass) 
    The Semesterticket provides unlimited access to public transport in Germany’s full regional network excluding ICE, IC, and EC trains. The Semesterticket is issued per semester. Fall semester validity: July 1 - December 31. Spring semester validity: January 1 - June 30.
  • Reader Fee
    The reader fee is charged for course materials produced by the College’s library. This fee varies according to the materials required for each course a student enrolls in a given semester.

Estimated Indirect Costs

The table below includes estimates of costs that are not directly billed by the College and may be incurred during your residence in Germany. Individual budgets may vary.

Fee Type Amount (Annual)
Travel €2,000.00
Health Insurance €1,740.00
Living Expenses €2,240.00
Academic Materials €250.00
Residence Permit €100.00

Estimated Indirect Costs Explained

  • Travel
    The budget for travel is estimated for long-haul international flights and assumes that students will leave campus during the winter and summer semester breaks. Individual costs may vary.
  • Health insurance 
    Health insurance is mandatory for students in Germany. Students who do not have health insurance coverage that provides them with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) are strongly encouraged to sign up for German state health insurance. Students can expect to pay €145/month for a public insurance plan.
  • Living Expenses
    This budget is estimated for students living on campus for services and costs not covered by the comprehensive fee. Individual budgets may vary. Students living off campus are recommended to budget €550-750/month for rent and €450/month for groceries and living expenses.
  • Academic Materials 
    Estimated costs for required course resources, including textbooks, art supplies, and other materials. Course syllabi will indicate whether a course requires students to purchase materials.
  • Residence Permit
    Resident permits are required for non-EU/EEA citizens after arrival in Germany. Non-EU/EEA citizens should expect to pay about €100 for a new residence permit. The cost of a residence permit extension starts at €93.

Summer and Winter Break Housing Fees

Summer and winter break accommodation is not included in the on-campus comprehensive fee. Students wishing to stay on campus during summer and winter breaks have to pay for their housing separately. Students who do not wish to pay for housing over breaks should make travel arrangements in accordance with the academic calendar, which indicates when the residence halls open and close each semester.

Summer/Winter Break Fees Overview (Download PDF)

Further Information

Students who are not able to cover the full cost of study at Bard College Berlin may apply for financial aid from Bard College Berlin and are encouraged to consider other potential sources (foundations, governments, private sponsors). For further information about financial aid at Bard College Berlin, as well as external sources of funding, please consult the Financial Aid page.

Admissions Resources

Admissions Resources