How much does it cost to go to university?
Solid student financing is crucial in order to focus on your studies and personal development. Issues such as student grants, scholarships, educational loans or part-time jobs offer various ways to ensure financial security during your studies.
Parents and students should find out about costs and financing options at an early stage and find the right solution together. Planning in good time creates clarity and security and enables students to have a carefree start to the new phase of their lives.
The good news is that the cost of living at HFU campuses is significantly lower than in other university cities.
Here's a brief overview of the average expenses and financing options for studying at HFU:
Expenses
The question of financing plays an important role in the decision to study. The total costs are essentially made up of two items:
Semester fee
All students at HFU have to pay a semester fee each semester. Internal link opens in the same window:More information on the semester fee
Living costs
Students must pay for their own living expenses. This includes costs for rent, health insurance, food, books, leisure activities, transportation and other expenses.
Depending on your lifestyle, the average cost of living during your studies at HFU is around €900 a month for accommodation, food, and other expenses.
IMPORTANT! Additional costs for non-EU international students
Non-EU citizens taking a full degree in Baden-Württemberg are required to pay tuition fees. Internal link opens in the same window:More information on tuition fees
They must also prove to the German authorities that they are able to finance their studies in Germany. At least the first year of study must be fully financed, and proof of sufficient funds must be provided. Internal link opens in the same window:More information on additional costs for incoming international students
Financing options
There are various ways to finance your studies, for example through parental support, money you earn from your job, state support through a student grant (BAföG), student loans, scholarships and social benefits. There are also benefits for students. Often, student financing will be a mixture of these options.
We at HFU are happy to advise you on financing options.
Student grants (BAföG)
BAföG, is state financial support in Germany for students to enable them to study or train regardless of their financial situation.
Information about BAföG can be found on the website of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research.
Educational loan
Students in advanced stages of their education can apply for an education loan from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) independently of BAföG. This low-interest loan amounts to up to €300 per month and can be granted for a maximum of 24 months. It is used for general student financing or to cover special expenses such as study materials, stays abroad or internships. Further information and the necessary forms can be found on the website of the External link opens in a new window:Federal Office of Administration (BVA).
Student loan
Students studying for their first degree can receive between €100 and €650 per month from the KfW development bank to cover their living costs. The funding usually runs for up to ten semesters. Applications for the KfW student loan are submitted via the online loan portal and then forwarded to KfW via Student Services (Studierendenwerk Freiburg). Further information on the student loan can be found on the KfW-Förderbank website.
Scholarships
A wide range of scholarships offer good opportunities to finance your studies. Depending on the respective structure, students can benefit from financial support. Here you can find some Internal link opens in the same window:information about scholarships.
HFU online job exchange
Enrolled students have access to an internal online job exchange where companies post offers ranging from internships, thesis topics or vacation jobs, to full-time jobs. There are also opportunities to earn extra money as a student assistant (Hiwi) at the university.
Studying part-time or on a cooperative programme
Many of our degree courses can also be studied on a cooperative or part-time basis, whereby students receive a salary from partner companies throughout their studies. You can find more information about these special courses here: Internal link opens in the same window:Information about studying part-time or cooperatively.
We're here for you!
If you have any questions or need advice about studying, please contact the coordinator for the programme you are interested in. You’ll find the contact information at the bottom of each Internal link opens in the same window:degree programme page.