How much does it cost to live and study in Germany?
The THM is located in Hesse, one of the German federal states in which there are generally no tuition fees for most degree courses. However, you do have to pay some administrative fees each semester.
Keep in mind that you should expect approximately the following costs:
Semester fee per semester (incl. semester ticket) between €250.00 and €280.00. Here you can find the current amount of the semester fee for students as orientation.
As a rule, you have to pay a rental deposit of €250.00 once.
Possible costs per month:
Monthly rent in the dormitory (from 2 months onwards): 353.00 €
Health insurance approx. €110.00
Food approx. €170.00
University materials (books, learning material)
phone
Sports, culture, leisure
Since 01.08.2022, it has been officially calculated that you need a total of at least €934.00 per month. As a rule, you must also prove this amount for the extension of your residence permit.
There are several ways to finance your studies: part-time jobs, scholarships, financial aid and more.
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) provides an overview of the cost of living in Germany and tips on how to save money when shopping.
A good overview of the requirements and options you have as an international student to finance your studies can be found in the video of the "Deutsches Studentenwerk" (German National Association for Student Affairs - DSW).
WORKING WHILE STUDYING
How many hours are you allowed to work as an international student? How do I find a student job?
In cooperation with the "Studentenwerk Gießen " ( Giessen Student Services Organization), we have prepared an information brochure for you with the most important information on the topic of "Working while Studying". There you will find both legal information and tips on finding a part-time job in the region. You can find the document in the red box "Downloads" on the right.
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) website also includes tips and information on working while studying.
How do I apply for a part-time job? Take advantage of our advice to prepare your application documents and shape your search. You can find more information in the career entry section.
SCHOLARSHIPS AND OTHER FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Scholarships are also a good way to finance your studies.
If you demonstrate good academic performance in your degree course and are simultaneously involved in a club, association or other projects, you may want to apply for a scholarship.
Various public and private institutions (eg political and religious foundations) offer scholarships for foreign students. Although the requirements vary, it is generally expected that you can demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and active social, political and religious involvement. It would be a good idea to research the various scholarships that are available to find the right one for you.
An information sheet with a list of institutions that award scholarships to international students can be found in the red box "Downloads".
If you are still in your home country, you can also search for scholarships via the DAAD - Scholarship Database.
We have put together a few tips for you on how to apply for a scholarship in this Video and this PDF file
Prizes and awards recognize high-achieving and dedicated international students. More under Prizes and Awards.
International students with financial difficulties through no fault of their own can apply to the following institutions for financial aid:
IT G ("Evangelische Studierendengemeinde" or Protestant Student Association) (financial aid and scholarships)
KHG ("Katholische Hochschulgemeinde" or Catholic Student Association) (financial aid and scholarships)
Association for students with financial difficulties through no fault of their own (Association for students with financial difficulties through no fault of their own) (solidarity fund - funding offered by Giessen universities)
DAAD final-phase degree grant for international students
The DAAD final-phase degree grant provides aid to foreign students during the final stages of their degree, with a partial monthly scholarship of approx. €250.00. Application requirements:
In financial need
Not eligible for BAföG
Foreign nationality
School-leaving qualification abroad
APPLICATION DEADLINES: April 1St, October 1St 2022. NEW extended until November 1St 2022
The Hessian Ministry of Science and the Arts (HMWK) awards scholarships for particularly talented and high-performing refugee students, doctoral candidates and scientists at Hessian state universities within the framework of the "HessenFonds". The funding is intended for the continuation of studies or an academic career at a state university in Hessen. Students are to be supported primarily in the introductory phase of their studies.
requirements
Person entitled to asylum or status as a recognized refugee
Eligible applicants have generally not been registered in Germany for more than four yearsat the time of the start of funding, ie the application for asylum was submitted (after 01.04.2019) otherthe continuous stay in Germany does not exceed five years.
Subsequent applications must be justified separately
For students:
Enrolled at a state university in the Federal State of Hesse
Outstanding academic achievement
For doctoral candidates:
Accepted as a doctoral candidate and supervised at a state university in the Federal State of Hesse
Outstanding scientific achievement
For academics:
Confirmation of research or teaching post as well as supervision at a state university in the Federal State of Hesse
Outstanding achievement in research and/or teaching
Amount of support
The HessenFonds scholarship provides the following allowances:
Students: €300/month
Doctoral candidates: €1,150/month
Academics: €2,000/month
Funding period
1st april 2023 - 31st march 2023
Applying for financial aid
Applications are sent directly to the relevant Hessian university. The university nominates the applicant to the Hessian State Ministry of Higher Education, Research and the Arts. The relevant university manages the internal application process. Please note that the universities set the internal deadline themselves. A direct application to the Hessian Ministry of Science and Art is not possible!
The current application deadline is January 31, 2023.
Contact and advice: Sarah Homberger phone: +49 641 309-1337 e-mail: This email address is being protected from spam bots! To display JavaScript must be turned on!
Online office hours Tuesdays 10 - 11 am and Thursdays 2 - 3.30 pm
State grants are available through "BaföG", which stands for "Federal Education Assistance Act". These grants mainly provide support for German citizens. However, in certain cases, it is also possible for foreign students to receive this aid. In this case, however, certain conditions must be met. For further information, please contact the Giessen Association for Student Affairs (Student Giessen ).
German students and trainees whose parents cannot provide sufficient financial support for their university education are entitled to receive BAföG grants. This support is awarded in two parts: one half as a scholarship and the other half as a loan. This means that grant recipients only have to pay back half of their financial aid to the state. Foreign students who only have a residence permit to study in Germany cannot apply for state grants covered by BaföG.
However, the following foreign students can apply for state grants:
Displaced foreign nationals
Recognized persons entitled to political asylum who regularly reside in Germany
Foreign nationals with a settlement permit who regularly reside in Germany
Recognized refugees who regularly reside in Germany
Foreign nationals who enjoy protection against deportation and who regularly reside in Germany; Foreign nationals with permanent residence in Germany, as long as a parent or spouse is defined as German as per the German Federal Constitution
Trainees who, as a spouse or child, have the right to enter and reside in Germany in accordance with the requirements of Section 3 of the Law on the Freedom of Movement/EU, or who do not have this right as a child of an EU citizen only because they are over 21 years of age and do not receive any support from their parents or spouse
Trainees who are citizens of another European Union member state or citizens of any of the contracting states of the Treaty on the European Economic Area, and have secured employment in Germany before the start of the training period (in principle, there should be a link between the work completed during employment and the proposed training subject)
Foreign nationals who have resided in Germany for a total of five years before starting the eligible section of the training period and have been legally employed
Foreign nationals with at least one parent who has resided in Germany for a total of three years within the last six years before starting the eligible section of the training period and has been lawfully employed, otherwise from the time when these requirements have been met during the course of the training scheme. The requirements are also deemed to have been met for an additional training period if the trainee had met the admission requirements for the previous training period and then started the training period immediately. The requirement for a parent to have been employed over the last six years can be disregarded if they cannot meet this requirement for reasons beyond their control and they have been employed in Germany for a minimum of six months.
Giessen campus
+49 641 309-1333