THM is located in Hesse, one of the German states where most Degree Courses are tuition-free. However, you do have to pay a semester fee each semester.
Keep in mind that you should expect approximately the following costs.
The semester fee (including the semester ticket) is between €310.00 and €335.00 per semester. Here you can find the current semester fee for students for your reference.
You will usually have to pay a one-time rental deposit.
Possible monthly costs:
Monthly rent in student accommodation (from 2 months): €353.00
Health insurance approx. €140.00
Food costs approximately €200.00
Teaching materials (books, learning aids)
Phone
Sports, culture, leisure
In total, you will need at least €992.00 per month. You will usually also need to prove this amount to extend your residence permit.
There are various ways to finance your studies: part-time jobs, scholarships, financial support and more.
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research provide further information on proof of financial resources for international students. Here are a few tipsfor saving money while shopping. on housing The DAAD also has relevant information
The video from the German National Association for Student Affairs (Deutsches Studentenwerk) provides a good overview of the requirements and opportunities available to you as an international student to finance your studies.
WORKING AFTER STUDYING
How many hours am I allowed to work as an international student? How do I find a student job?
Together with the Giessen Student Union, we have created an information brochure for you with the most important information on the topic of "Working alongside your studies". There you will find legal information as well as tips for finding part-time jobs in the region. You can find the document in the red "Downloads" box on the right.
How do I apply for a part-time job? Use our advice to prepare your application documents and plan your job search. You can find more information in the section on starting your career.
SCHOLARSHIPS AND OTHER FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Scholarships are also a good way to finance your studies.
If you have a good GPA and are involved in a club, organization, or other projects alongside your studies, it may be worthwhile to apply for a scholarship. The International Office has compiled a list of foundations that support international students.
Various public and private organizations (e.g., political and religious foundations) offer scholarships for international students. The requirements vary. Generally, good academic performance and social/political/religious engagement are expected. It is worthwhile to research the different scholarship opportunities to find the most suitable one.
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 DAAD scholarship database search for scholarships
We've compiled some tips for your scholarship application in this video . You'll also find practical tips for your scholarship application in the red "Downloads" box.
The following institutions offer one-time financial grants to international students who have fallen into financial hardship through no fault of their own:
DAAD - STIBET scholarship program for international students
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), with funding from the Federal Foreign Office, supports the "Scholarshipand SupportProgram for International Students and Doctoral Candidates."
This is a partial scholarship of at least €300 per month for a period of at least one month and up to a maximum of six months. Applicants are nominated through a selection process.
In 2026, three scholarship categories can be funded:
Study completion scholarships: for international students in the final phase of their studies (Bachelor's or Master's). The Bachelor's or Master's thesis must already be approved/registered. Special commitment: for students with good academic performance and volunteer work. Equal opportunities: for scholarship recipients facing particular challenges in their studies (e.g., special caregiving situations involving children or dependent relatives, disability, refugee background).
General application requirements:
financial need
foreign citizenship
School leaving certificate abroad
Regularly enrolled students (excluding exchange students)
Application documents: Application form, current academic transcript, CV, and letter of motivation (max. 1 page).
Please feel free to contact us for advice and further information about this funding opportunity.
APPLICATION DEADLINES: March 31, June 30, October 31, 2026
The Hessian Ministry of Science and Research, Arts and Culture (HMWK) provides scholarships at state-run Hessian universities as part of the "HessenFonds for Refugees and Persecuted Persons – Highly Qualified Students and Researchers." The funding supports the Further study or academic career at a state-run Hessian university and typically lasts for one year. Students are primarily intended to receive support during the initial phase of their studies.
Funding requirements
Status as a person entitled to asylum or as a recognized refugee (usually according to §25 paragraph 1, 2 or 3 or §24 or §22 of the Residence Act)
Applicants eligible for funding generally have not resided in Germany for more than five years at the start of the funding period, or have been registered in Germany for a maximum of five years. Exceptions are possible for periods of childcare since arrival in Germany.
Subsequent applications must be justified separately.
Students:
Enrollment at a state university in the state of Hesse
Outstanding academic achievements
PhD candidates:
Outstanding achievements in studies and/or science
Acceptance as a doctoral candidate including a commitment to supervision at a state university in the state of Hesse (acceptance by the doctoral committee as well as an expert opinion from the supervisor including an assessment of the nominee's scientific achievements)
Scientists:
Outstanding achievements in research and/or teaching
A research or teaching position offer and a mentoring commitment from a state university in the state of Hesse (in the form of an expert opinion or letter from the university including an assessment of the nominee's scientific achievements, also with regard to integration into the research field)
Persecuted and endangered scientists and doctoral candidates (Researchers at Risk)
The HessenFonds also accepts nominations for researchers and doctoral candidates who are persecuted or threatened in their home countries for political, religious, or similar reasons. These nominees must also be submitted by a Hessian university.
Scope of funding
The HessenFonds scholarship includes the following scholarship rates:
Students: 300.00 euros/month
Doctoral candidates: €1,200.00/month
Scientists: €2,300.00/month
Funding period
October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027
Application
Applications are submitted to the respective Hessian university. The university nominates qualified applicants to the Hessian Ministry of Science and Research, Arts and Culture. Application forms are available at the Hessian universities. Direct applications to the Hessian Ministry of Science and Research, Arts and Culture are not accepted.
The current application deadline is June 30, 2026.
Contact person and advice: Sijie Wang +49 641 309 - 1337 This email address is protected against spambots! JavaScript must be enabled to view it!
The Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG) primarily supports German citizens. In some cases, however, international students may also be eligible for funding. Certain requirements must be met for this. Please contact the Student Union Giessen.
The Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG) provides financial support to students and trainees in Germany. Among others, students whose parents can provide little or no financial assistance for their studies are eligible. BAföG is granted as a 50% grant and a 50% loan. This means that BAföG recipients only have to repay half of the funding to the state later. International students with a residence permit for study purposes in Germany are not eligible for BAföG funding.
The following international students can apply for BAföG funding:
homeless foreigners,
recognized asylum seekers with habitual residence in Germany,
Foreign nationals with a permanent residence permit and habitual residence in Germany,
Recognized refugees with habitual residence in Germany,
Foreign nationals with protection against deportation and habitual residence in Germany; foreign nationals with permanent residence in Germany if one parent or spouse is a German citizen within the meaning of the Basic Law,
Trainees who, under the conditions of Section 3 of the Freedom of Movement Act/EU, have a right to entry and residence as spouses or children, or who, as children of a Union citizen, are not entitled to these rights only because they are 21 years of age or older and do not receive maintenance from their parents or their spouses
Trainees who are nationals of another member state of the European Union or another contracting state of the Agreement on the European Economic Area and who were employed in Germany before starting their training. There must generally be a substantive connection between the work performed in that employment and the subject matter of the training.
Foreign nationals who have resided in Germany for a total of five years before the start of the eligible part of the training period and have been legally employed or
At least one parent must have resided in Germany for a total of three years during the six years preceding the start of the eligible part of the training period and must have been lawfully employed. Alternatively, the requirements apply from the point at which these conditions are met during the further course of the training period. These requirements are also considered fulfilled for a single subsequent training period if the trainee acquired the entry requirements in the preceding training period and begins the training period immediately thereafter. The requirement of parental employment during the last six years may be waived if the parent was not employed for reasons beyond their control and has been employed in Germany for at least six months.
list of foundations that support international students.