Financing of studies
© Detlev Müller / TU Bergakademie Freiberg
No tuition fees are charged at the state-run universities in the Free State of Saxony. Costs incurred depend, among other things, on housing conditions or, in general, on the demands placed on the quality of life. However, contributions for the services of the Studentenwerk and student representatives as well as for a semester ticket are unavoidable.
Only a few students are fortunate enough not to have to worry about funding their studies. There are various financing options for all others.
The German Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG) provides financial support to students.
Training grants are awarded only upon written application submitted to the Office of Training Grants of the Studentenwerk.
In addition to the income of the parents or spouse, the funding amount depends on a number of other criteria. Half of the BAföG funding amount is granted as an interest-free loan and the other half is a subsidy. The decision as to whether a student can be funded under the BAföG must be made on a case-by-case basis.
Repayments in monthly instalments of EUR 105 are socially viable and usually start five years after the end of the maximum funding period (standard period of study of the respective study programme). Completing the course of study quickly and successfully can help waive some part of the loan.
In addition to BAföG, the Studentenwerk offers many other funding sources. Some of them are:
- Student loan (KfW)
- Bridge loan (Darlehenskasse)
- Students with special needs (disability, chronic illness, students with children) through the Deutsches Studentenwerk
Education loan from the Federal Office of Administration
In addition to the BAföG funding, there are certain foundations that offer financial study support. In contrast to the BAföG funding, such funding need not be repaid, but requires a high degree of initiative on the part of the student when applying. The respective foundations and funding agencies require different specific criteria that the applicant must meet. In addition to good school grades, outstanding academic achievements are particularly advantageous. Social and public involvement of the applicant, e.g., in the fields of youth work or higher education policy, is welcome.
Other scholarships, funding programs, honours and prizes:
- Bundesverband Deutscher Stiftungen (Association of German Foundations)
- Deutschlandstipendium (National Scholarship Programme)
- Scholarships of the Industrieverein Sachsen
- Study abroad, including internships
More information in the following links:
- Stipendium Plus - Scholarships for outstanding students in universities
- Electronic Research Funding Information System
- Scholarship database
- Stipendientipps (Scholarship tips) - alphabetical list of funding options
- DAAD sponsorship offers and offers of other organisations that fund study visits to Germany
Student jobs
Students can pursue three types of employment:
- Mini job (EUR 450.00 monthly)
- More than mini job
- Job during semester breaks
