Germany 2016/17 - student fees and grants

National student fee

In all German Länder, studying is free of charge for both full-time and part-time students. In 10 Länder, low administrative fees are charged to all students.

Students in five Länder are liable to pay fees of EUR 500 (in Saarland, up to EUR 400) per semester when exceeding the regular study period. No HEI has actually done so.

There is no short cycle higher education programme in Germany.

Students from outside the EU and EEA countries do not pay fees either.

Student grants

General public student support (BAföG) is awarded as a grant for one half of the individual amount, and as an interest free loan for the other half. Total amounts range from EUR 10 to EUR 735/month for 12 months/year. It is available for full- time 1st and 2nd cycle and comparable studies (e.g. state exam studies in law, medicine). Eligibility and amount are determined by assessment of student need based on income, family situation, housing situation and disability. A maximum of EUR 10 000 needs to be paid back. The average amount paid for 2015 was EUR 5 376 per year (EUR 448 per month). Students need to be under the age of 30 (35 for master studies) to be eligible.

Loans

An education loan (Bildungskredit) covers living costs which are not covered by BAföG. The maximum amount that can be taken out is EUR 7 200. Repayment of EUR 120 per month must start four years after the start of the loan. The Federal Government guarantees the repayment credit and the interest. A study loan with favourable terms (KfW-Studienkredit) of up to EUR 54 600 is also available. Both loans are paid out in monthly instalments.

Family allowances

Students' parents receive a monthly family allowance (child benefit) of EUR 190 for the first two children, EUR 196 for the third and EUR 221 for any further child, or a lump sum tax relief of EUR 3 624 per annum, per child, per parent, until students are 25 years old.