FAQ – Preparation: Financing

Before coming to Germany: You should make sure that your living expenses are financed. You must provide proof of this for the residence permit (§ 5 Abs. 1 Nr. 1 of the Residence Act).

Possibilities of proving:

• Blocked Account: Set up a special account where an amount is deposited that corresponds to at least 12 times the maximum monthly “BAföG” funding rate. From this account, you are allowed to withdraw a fixed amount each month.
• “Bürgschaft” (i.e. surety): Irrevocable guarantee at a German bank.
• “Verpflichtungserklärung” (i.e. declaration of commitment):
  • From a person residing in Germany (§ 68 of the Residence Act).
  • From a person residing abroad through a German diplomatic mission (e.g. embassy).
• Scholarship: Proof of monthly financial support in the amount of the maximum “BAföG” rate.

Be aware:

If you don't have a German bank account yet, you should bring enough cash for the first few months, as card payments are not accepted everywhere. Bank transfers from abroad often take a long time and are usually associated with high fees. Be sure to ask for a receipt for all important cash payments.

For non-EU students:

• You have a limited work permit in Germany, which is not intended to finance your studies. You are only allowed to work once your visa allows it.
• The basic financing for your studies must be secured before you enter the country, as this proof is regularly required when renewing your residence permit.
• You generally do not have the right to state funding.
• Information regarding financing can be found at  comeTOgether or  Link collection study financing.
• Additionally, you can get advice from our  Social Counselling or the  Service Point of Student Financing department.

For German and European students:
FAQ on Jobs - Here you can find answers to questions such as the types of employment available, how a job affects “BAföG”, and what to consider regarding child benefits, …

• Darmstadt is a popular place of study in the Rhine-Main region, which is why rental prices are higher than in other cities of comparable size. Plan on about 350-550€ for a room, plus around 50€ for additional costs like electricity, gas, phone, and internet.
• Tip: You can often find cheaper rents outside of Darmstadt in the surrounding cities.

The following graphic shows the cities along the S-Bahn and train lines between Darmstadt and Frankfurt a.M. that are very well connected - even if they are a bit further away. (With your semester ticket, you can use public transportation for free).

In Darmstadt, you should expect monthly expenses of around 875 - 1,300 €, depending on your lifestyle. These costs are broken down as follows (approximate figures):

• Rent (including utilities) 350-650 €
• Food 200 €
• Clothing 50 €
• Communication/Mobile 35 €
• Leisure 100 €
• Health insurance 130-150 € (or more if you're over 30 years old)
• Study materials (books, etc.) 50 €
• “Rundfunkbeitrag” (i.e. Public broadcasting licence fee) 18.36 € (unless you're exempt from it)
• Semester fee twice a year, approx. 340 €

There are several financing possibilities. Most students combine several of them:

• Parental support for education
• BAföG (half as a grant and half as an interest-free loan, with a maximum of 10,010€ to be repaid)
• Part-time jobs
• Scholarships
• Student loans
• Education loans
• Tuition fee loans
• Bridging loans in hardship cases
• Support for students with special needs (child, disability, or chronic illness)
• Benefits for students

For questions about “BAföG”, our Student Financing department can help. For advice on other financing options for your individual situation, you can contact our Social Counselling.

The public broadcasting licence fee is a contribution that households in Germany pay to finance the offerings of public broadcasting services in radio, television, and the internet.
The amount of the licence fee is calculated per household, meaning shared apartments can split the fee. You can find the current amount here: LINK

IMPORTANT: The licence fee must also be paid if you do not own a television.
The Contribution Service has compiled information about the licence fee for students on its website.