How much does a university degree cost?

The costs of studying can be roughly divided into two areas:

1. The cost of studying:

Tuition fees are the costs charged by the university. At THM and other state universities, this is called the semester fee. Information on the amount and components of this fee in recent semesters can be found on the student services office's website .

In addition, there may be further costs associated with studying in certain cases. These depend on individual circumstances and the field of study. Examples include:

• Teaching materials
• textbooks
• Laboratory materials
• Material costs for models
• Etc.

Good to know: Tuition fees, such as those charged at private universities, no longer exist at state universities in Hesse!

2. The cost of living

Living expenses include costs such as rent, food, insurance, clothing , etc. A large survey of students revealed that between €700 and €1600 are needed to finance a degree, depending on the university, region, and individual needs.

For many students , housing is the biggest expense. Our information page on housing shows you the options Giessen, Friedberg, or Wetzlar. for finding an apartment , a shared flat , or a room in a student residence in

Students at THM generally have the option of remaining covered under their parents' health insurance (provided the parents are not privately insured) free of charge until they turn 25. Those who were privately insured through their parents before starting their studies can remain so, but cannot switch to public health insurance during their studies. Anyone beginning their studies must obtain a certificate of insurance from their health insurance provider before enrolling !

Options for financing your studies

There are several ways to finance your studies, which are listed here. Most students finance their studies through a combination of different methods.

1. Personal savings or financial support from others

This includes, for example, money saved during education or employment, or financial support from parents . State support is provided through child benefit , which is generally paid until the age of 25 during university studies. Further information, including details on parental obligations for financial support during studies, can be found on the website of the German National Association for Student Affairs (Deutsches Studentenwerk ).

2. Scholarships

A scholarship is the most affordable way to finance your studies, as you don't have to pay it back. Approximately three percent of all German students currently benefit from a scholarship. In addition to financial support, there is usually also non-material support. Our scholarship information section.

3. BAföG

BAföG is a government-funded student grant , the amount of which is based on parental income . The BAföG amount is determined on a case-by-case basis according to specific conditions. The current maximum rate is €934 . Because the calculation is highly individualized, we strongly recommend consulting the Studentenwerk Giessen Student Services). The BAföG calculator can also provide an initial estimate . Incidentally, with BAföG, only half of the money , up to a maximum of €10,010 , needs to be repaid; the other half is a government grant .

You can also submit your application online at: www.bafög-hessen.de.

Applying is worthwhile in most cases, because BAföG is also paid proportionally.

4. Working alongside your studies

Many students work to supplement their income. Usually, there's enough time alongside their studies to, for example, take on a part-time job earning 520 euros a month . However, it's important to pay attention to various issues, such as tax and insurance aspects. Detailed information on this can be found on the website of the German National Association for Student Affairs (Deutsches Studentenwerk).

If you are looking for a job , feel free to check out the job portal of THM or the job exchange of the Studierendenwerk Giessen .

The Student Union Giessen offers personal consultations .

5. Student and education loans

Taking out a loan means that after graduation (possibly with a short break), you have to repay – plus interest. There are numerous providers with different offers. The Student Union Giessen provides advice and support with the application process.

NOTE: Before taking out a student loan, please thoroughly examine all the options mentioned above and only opt for a loan if the other possibilities are insufficient!

6. Study fund

Student loan funds are another way to finance your studies, where the money received repaid – under individually agreed terms, as a kind of "reverse generational contract." However, the principle differs somewhat from loans or BAföG (German Federal Training Assistance Act), as it depends on individual opportunities in the future job market and repayments are made proportionally from your future income . Depending on your personal circumstances, this can be (significantly) more than you earned during your studies, but it could also be nothing if you have no income at all.

NOTE: As with loans, we recommend that you thoroughly research the terms and conditions of the various providers before applying for or deciding on a student loan fund.

Central students advisory service

To get an initial overview, students at THM the can contact central students advisory service directly . Please note that BAföG applications are processed and information is only available directly from the Office for Educational Support

Social and financial advice provided by the student union

Students at THM can continue to contact the advisory service of the Giessen Student THM – this service has already been frequently mentioned in the points above. The staff offer advice on the following topics:

• Working and studying
• Financial advice
• Insurance coverage
• Studying with a child
• Studying with a disability
• Advising international students