Fees and funding

If you are planning to go university, it is essential that you find out in advance what costs this will involve. Below, you will find an overview of factors that may influence the cost of studying for a degree at Paderborn University and options for funding your studies:

How much will it cost me to go to university?

• Semester fees: Semester fees are a compulsory amount payable for enrolment on a course and for re-enrolment for subsequent semesters. 

• Health insurance: Health insurance is the only insurance compulsory for students. Up until their 25th birthday, students are covered by their parents’ insurance (and possibly longer, e.g. through a working spouse). As a rule, contributions must be paid into a (statutory or private) student health insurance scheme from the age of 25 (up to a maximum of 30 years old or the 14th semester); an extension may be possible in certain circumstances. Many insurance companies offer special rates for students (approx. €100 per month), which also cover nursing care.

• Living costs: As different students have different expenses, living costs can differ considerably from one student to another. Rent, food, clothing, social activities and course materials are usually the biggest cost factors. Costs can vary greatly depending on the university.

• Other costs: The cost of purchasing course materials can also vary significantly depending on the relevant course. Paderborn University Library generally has a good selection of textbooks; however, it is often useful or necessary to buy some textbooks yourself. In addition, students may also have to budget for participation in field trips or for special “work materials” (e.g. lab coats, sports equipment, sportswear). They also need to budget for TV and radio licence (GEZ) fees. Only students in receipt of BAföG federal grants or loans are exempt from GEZ fees.

Overview of average costs*

* Figures are nationwide averages from the 21st social survey conducted by the German National Association for Student Affairs (DSW) in 2016 for a student not living with their parents and enrolled on a first degree at a state university.

How can I fund my studies?

BAföG federal student grants and loans, scholarships, student loans and part-time jobs are (in addition to parental support) some of the most common ways to fund your studies.

You can find information on the different types of funding available on the following pages:

• BAföG contact persons at Paderborn University
• Overview of scholarship programmes
• Jobs
• Student loans
• Housing benefit
• Information on additional income while in receipt of child benefit and health insurance