Study Funding: All the Ways to a carefree time at University

How expensive is it to study in Germany?

The costs for studying can vary greatly and depend on several factors, such as the country, the university, the field of study and the personal living costs. Here are some typical costs that students should consider:

1. Tuition fees:
   • In Germany, tuition fees are generally low or non-existent at state universities, except in some federal states such as Baden-Württemberg, where international students have to pay up to €1,500 per semester. In Munich, international students at the TU Munich also have to pay a semester fee of €2,000. Private universities charge different tuition fees.
   • In other countries, such as the United States or the United Kingdom, tuition fees are often very high and range from 10,000 to 50,000 euros per year, depending on the university and course of study.
2. Semester fees:
   • Public universities also often charge a semester fee, which can range from 100 to 400 euros per semester. This fee covers administrative costs and often also a semester ticket for public transport.
3. Cost of living:
   • The cost of living depends heavily on where you live. In big cities like Munich or Berlin, students can expect to pay between €500 and €800 per month in rent. In smaller towns, rent can be cheaper.
   • On top of this, you will need to budget for food, leisure activities, learning materials, insurance and other personal needs. Overall, monthly living costs can range from around €700 to €1,200.
4. Additional costs:
   • In addition to the fixed costs, students also need to plan for additional expenses such as textbooks, study trips or special materials for their course of study.

Overall, studying in Germany can cost between €800 and €1,500 per month, depending on individual circumstances. In other countries, especially those with high tuition fees, the costs can be significantly higher.

Parental Support

Parental support is a common study funding option in which parents cover part of the costs of rent, living expenses and tuition fees. Some students choose to continue living with their parents because it is easiest and most cost-effective for them. In many cases, students are also entitled to child benefit, which is paid up to the age of 25 and can provide additional financial relief. However, this form of support depends on the financial situation of the parents and can vary from person to person. It usually offers more flexibility, as no repayment is required as with loans.

Earnings (Part-time job, Mini-job or Dual Studies)

Earning money through a part-time job, mini-job or dual studies offers you the opportunity to help finance your studies yourself. With a part-time or mini-job, you can work flexibly to cover monthly expenses such as rent or food. However, working hours may not usually exceed 20 hours per week during the semester in order to retain student status. A dual study program combines theory and practice, where you also receive a salary, which provides regular financial support. However, these options require good time management to balance your studies and work.

BAföG

BAföG (Federal Training Assistance Act) is a german state support for students who do not have sufficient financial resources to finance their studies. Half of it is granted as a subsidy that does not have to be repaid, and the other half as After your studies, you will have to repay the loan portion in installments, although the amount is capped to keep the financial burden low.

Scholarship

A scholarship is an excellent way to finance your studies without having to pay it back later. Scholarships are awarded by various institutions such as foundations, companies or universities and are often based on performance, social commitment or special criteria such as the field of study. There are also funding programs that provide financial support based on special personal or family backgrounds. The advantage of a scholarship is that it offers you financial security without having to work alongside your studies, which gives you more time for your academic and personal goals. The disadvantage can be that you have to comply with certain requirements during your studies.

Education Fund

An education fund is an alternative option for Study Funding, in which you receive financial support during your studies and only repay it after you have entered professional life. In contrast to traditional loans, repayment is income-dependent, which means that you only repay a fixed percentage of your future income over a certain period of time. This means that you do not take any risk if you earn less than expected after your studies. Education funds offer a flexible and low-risk financing option, although the total amount repaid is often higher than the original amount received.

Loans and Credits

A loan or credit is one way to finance your studies if other means are not sufficient. This means that you receive money from a bank or funding institution that you have to repay later, usually after you have completed your studies. Student loans often offer flexible repayment terms and low-interest conditions to reduce the financial burden. They can help to cover high tuition fees or living costs, but there is a risk of being in debt after your studies. It is therefore important to check the conditions carefully and to realistically assess your borrowing needs.

State Aid such as housing benefit, citizen's income, etc.

State aid such as housing benefit or citizen's income can help students to reduce the financial burden during their studies. Housing benefit supports you with rental costs if your income, including BAföG or other grants, is insufficient. Citizen's income (formerly known as Hartz IV) can be applied for under certain These benefits are means-tested and are intended to cover your basic needs so that you can concentrate on your studies without being overly burdened by financial worries.