Student Financing and Jobs
What does it cost to be a student?
According to the "Student Survey in Germany", the average cost of living during student's studies is around 1100 euros per month. By far the largest part is spent on living expenses, i.e. housing, meals and whatever else you need in everyday life. This also includes the semester fee that is customary at all universities and must be paid before each semester. It includes the semester ticket and contributions to the Student Services Bureau, the student governance (AStA and Stugas), and the administrative costs you have to pay at the University of Bremen.
BAföG Student Grant
If parents do not have enough money to cover the costs of ther child's living expenses during their studies, it is possible for German citizens (and others with a permanent residency permit) to receive a BAföG student grant (Federal Training Funding Act). The amount of the BAföG loan depends on the income and financial circumstances of the parents, the student or the spouse/partner. From the winter semester 2024/25, the maximum BAföG loan for students will be 992 Euros, provided you do not live with your parents and family health insurance is no longer possible. If you live with your parents, the maximum rate is 664 euros. The BAföG is usually granted as a 50% subsidy and the other half as an interest-free loan. Further information can be obtained from the BAföG office at the Student Services Bureau. You can also seek social counseling and advice on BAföG from the AStA.
Further interesting links for BAföG:
Deutsches Studierendenwerk
BAföG-Rechner
Scholarships
Scholarships aren’t just for highly gifted students, because in addition to exceptional academic performance, social engagement also plays a major role. Scholarship providers such as churches, political parties, companies, and labor unions select their own scholarship recipients; therefore, before applying, it’s advisable to learn about the principles and goals of the scholarship providers.
Find the Right Scholarship
These databases can help you find scholarships:
stiftungssuche.de and e-fellows.net
International Students
Students from the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland have unrestricted access to the German labor market and are treated practically the same as German students. However, if they work more than 20 hours per week, they must pay certain insurance premiums (just like German students). Special legal rules apply to students from other countries.
In this information flyer for international students, you will find information on the legal framework governing employment for international students and graduates.
Further helpful links for international students
- Tips from the International Office (including information on regulations regarding working during your studies and living expenses)
- DAAD: Study and Research in Germany, Scholarship Database
