Study and life expenses in Göttingen
The study expenses at the University of Göttingen are relatively low since the tuition fees have been abolished. However, all university students still have to pay (administrative) semester fees, which amount to 300 Euros per semester. Among other things, the fees cover your transportation in Göttingen and around. The living expenses in Göttingen are moderate as well as compared to other cities in Germany. Depending on your lifestyle, you will need a minimum of 700 Euros for a decent standard of living. Even if the costs are not that high, securing funding for your studies is essential!
Semester Fees Cover
Scholarships
Unlike other countries, German universities normally do not offer scholarships. The most important scholarship provider for international students is DAAD - the German Academic Exchange Service (www.funding-guide.de). However, the University of Göttingen coordinates the Erasmus Mundus project EXPERTS, which provides scholarships to Indian students and scientists. There is an opportunity for students and scientists from a variety of academic fields at different levels of study (Undergraduate, Master, PhD, Post-Doc, and Staff). The scholarships cover subsistence allowances, travel costs, tuition fees and insurance costs. For more information, please refer to www.expertsasia.eu. You can also apply for scholarships from politically-affiliated foundations, religious institutions and business organisations. The following link will provide you with more information about various scholarship opportunities: www.uni-goettingen.de/financing-studies.
Earning Money
For many students in Germany, it is quite normal to work part-time whilst studying. As an international student, you are also allowed to work in Germany a total of 120 full or 240 half days per year. The German labour law restricts how many hours foreign students are allowed to work, since studying must be your main occupation. Many students work as university research assistants, others in cafés and restaurants, at trade fairs, as delivery drivers, etc. Please note that knowing German can significantly increase your chances of finding a parttime job.
Working in Germany after Graduation
Living Expenses
Estimated living expenses for one student per month (as for 2014):
Housing (rent + utilities) | 235 Euros |
Food | 160 Euros |
Clothing | 55 Euros |
Health insurance, medical expenses | 75 Euros |
Telephone, internet, radio and TV fees | 45 Euros |
Books/supplies | 50 Euros |
Going out | 50 Euros |
Total | 670 Euros |
Food Prices
Basic food items | |
Loaf of bread 1 kg | 1.50-3.00 Euros |
Rice 1 kg | 1.50 Euros |
Apples 1 kg | 1.90 Euros |
Tomatoes 1 kg | 2.00 Euros |
Beverages | |
Water 1 ltr | 0.60 Euros |
Orange juice | 0.90-2.00 Euros |
Milk 1ltr | 0.70-1.10 Euros |
Coffee 1kg | 6.00 Euros |
Eating out | |
Cup of coffee | 1.50-2.00 Euros |
Salad | 5.00 Euros |
Soup | 4.00 Euros |
Full meal | 5.00-13.00 Euros |