University Fees.

Fee Structure.

Semesterbeitrag (Semester Contribution).

The Semesterbeitrag is a mandatory fee that all students at public universities in Germany are required to pay every semester. This fee is not related to tuition but covers various administrative and student-related services.

Amount:

• The Semesterbeitrag typically ranges from €150 to €400 per semester, depending on the university and state.

What it covers:

• Administrative costs: Processing student registrations and other university-related administration.

• Student services: Access to student counseling, extracurricular activities, and support services.

• Public transportation pass: Many universities include a ticket for local public transportation as part of the semester fee (called the "Semesterticket").

• Student unions: A portion of the fee often goes toward supporting student organisations and unions that represent student interests.

Studiengebühr (Tuition Fees).

Studiengebühr which are the fees charged for the actual education you receive at the university. These fees apply to the cost of your academic program.

Amount:

• In public universities, there are generally no tuition fees for undergraduate programs, including for international students (with a few exceptions for certain master's programs).

• However, in some cases, especially for non-EU students or certain master's programs, tuition fees can be charged, typically ranging from €500 to €3,000 per semester.

  • Some states may impose a fee for long-term students who exceed the standard duration of study.

What it covers:

• Tuition fees, if charged, contribute to the overall cost of running the academic programs, including teaching, facilities, and other program-specific services.