Fees and funding

The good news is: in October 2012 Universität Hamburg abolished tuition fees. Thus, students only have to cover a semester contribution of EUR 285 per semester. 

Apropos semester contribution: it also covers the semester public transport pass that allows you to use public transportation in greater Hamburg all semester long. 

Here comes the breakdown of the semester contribution plus information.

You have to submit proof of health insurance with your application for enrollment. Some of you may continue to be part of their parents' family insurance plan, thus being spared from health insurance costs.

Students older than 25 or with a monthly income of their own that exceeds EUR 450 cannot be insured in the framework of family insurance. You have to buy your own health insurance, if this applies to you. Depending on the insurance company student health insurance rates are about EUR 65 per month. 

In addition to mere study expenses, there are the costs of living in Hamburg. If you do not  live with your parents anymore, you have to include rent plus utilities, food, clothing, leisure activities as well as all other living expenses.

Without additional costs for further insurances, private vehicles, etc. you ought to expect the following expenses:

• housing: ca. EUR 250–450 per month
  
• living expenses: ca. EUR 300–500 Euro per month
  

Are you looking for a part-time job? Stellenwerk, Hamburg's cross-University job platform  posts attractive job and internship advertisements every day.

• www.stellenwerk-hamburg.de
  

BAföG assistance, i.e. funding in accordance with the German Federal Education and Training Assistance Act (Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz), is the most popular and attractive funding option. Students can apply for BAföG funding at the BAföG-Amt (Office for Education and Training Assistance) in the Studierendenwerk Hamburg (student services). The designated assistance amount depends on the applicant's personal situation. Recipients must repay half of the total BAföG amount they received.

• Studierendenwerk Hamburg (financial affairs)
  

Fellowships, scholarships and grants present a convenient way to finance your studies. Multiple national and international options exist - for an overview check out: 

• Stipendienlotse (fellowship pilot) of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research ( Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung, BMBF)
• e-fellows.net-the online scholarship and career network
  

For detailed information and advising on funding options for students, please see:

• Studierendenwerk Hamburg (fellowships, scholarships, grants, and loans)

Universität Hamburg also provides fellowships:

• Fellowship guide for students
  

Student loans help to bridge financial squeezes. However, they also bear the risk of getting you into debt. You can apply for loans from the state-owned KfW bank (Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau). In addition several private financial institutions offer so-called education and student loans. We strongly recommend that you get advice at Studierendenwerk Hamburg (student services), before applying for a loan!

• Studierendenwerk Hamburg (student loans)