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


  • Regional train transportation within the area of Lower Saxony.
  • Bus transportation in Göttingen
  • Library, computer and Internet facilites on campus
  • Reduced canteen prices
  • Reduced (or even free of charge) entrances to many cultural events in Göttingen


  • 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


  • After graduating from a German university, you are entitled to a residence permit for a duration of 18 months in order to find a job in accordance with your qualification.
  • During this time you may work as much as you want.
  • After working in an adequate job for at least 21 months and providing evidence of at least B1-level German language skills, a German settlement permit can be issued (if you don?t have the required German skills, after 33 months).


  • Living Expenses


    Estimated living expenses for one student per month (as for 2014):


    Housing (rent + utilities)235 Euros
    Food160 Euros
    Clothing55 Euros
    Health insurance, medical expenses75 Euros
    Telephone, internet, radio and TV fees45 Euros
    Books/supplies50 Euros
    Going out50 Euros
    Total670 Euros



    Food Prices




    Basic food items
    Loaf of bread 1 kg1.50-3.00 Euros
    Rice 1 kg1.50 Euros
    Apples 1 kg1.90 Euros
    Tomatoes 1 kg2.00 Euros
    Beverages
    Water 1 ltr0.60 Euros
    Orange juice0.90-2.00 Euros
    Milk 1ltr0.70-1.10 Euros
    Coffee 1kg6.00 Euros
    Eating out
    Cup of coffee1.50-2.00 Euros
    Salad5.00 Euros
    Soup4.00 Euros
    Full meal5.00-13.00 Euros