How much will my degree programme cost?

Especially at the beginning of the first degree programme, the question arises as to the costs that will be incurred during the course of your studies. There are expenses that are incurred by almost all students: These include the semester fee and costs for rent, depending on the standard of accommodation. However, some costs vary depending on age and length of study, such as long-term study fees or health insurance premiums.

Studying in the North West can be quite affordable. If you can get a place in our halls of residence, use the semester ticket instead of a car and have hardly any health insurance costs due to family insurance, you can get by on around 820 euros a month. The exemplary list is of course based on the favourable rent and thriftiness in normal living costs. You will probably have to pay more for rent on the open market, especially in Oldenburg. In any case, you should plan a buffer for unexpected or one-off expenses.

The minimum amount you should budget for studying in the north-west: approx. 820 euros per month

Living

In our student residences, rental costs of less than €200 are also possible in shared flats. These prices are unlikely to be found on the open market. Even in state-subsidised housing, flats are considerably more expensive and rare. The average inclusive rent in Studierendenwerk halls of residence is currently around €250.

Two recent nationwide studies from September 2024 calculated average housing costs for students in Oldenburg of 459 euros (general average) and "under 424 euros" (only for shared flats).

 

 

 

for living

Car, public transport

Students who live at the university generally do not need a car. Public transport in the north-west is provided at all universities by the semester ticket (or the Deutschland-Ticket for students), which is paid for with the enrolment fee (cost share e.g.: € 184.18 at the University of Oldenburg, € 96.55 HS Emden/Leer, as of winter semester 2024/25). In individual cases, the costs of the ticket can be reimbursed upon application after enrolment. The general student committees of the respective university are responsible for this: AStA of the university, AStA of Jade University, AStA of Emden/Leer University of Applied Sciences

Health insurance

In order to enrol at a university, you must provide proof of health insurance. This requires a certificate from your statutory health insurance provider. The type of health insurance has a strong influence on the corresponding costs. For example, children of parents with statutory health insurance can remain insured free of charge until the end of their 25th year, while other groups of people have to pay between €134 and €230 (as of winter semester 2024/25), in some cases even more per month.

Health insurance at a glance

Food, clothing, leisure, culture, sport

The Studierendenwerk offers canteens and cafeterias at all universities where students can enjoy delicious and affordable meals. There are often big differences in requirements and habits, especially when it comes to leisure time and clothing. It is up to each student to assess this for themselves.

to our canteens

Communication

Internet is a must, of course. WLAN is available pretty much everywhere at universities. And at home, DSL connections are easily affordable in a shared flat. In our halls of residence, internet is either included in the rent or can be booked at a very reasonable price. Broadcasting licence fees are an issue at the latest when you move into a flat at your place of study, although there is an exemption option if you receive BAföG. Whether the communication costs shown in the chart are necessary depends on your individual case.

more about the licence fee

Learning materials

Learning materials are running costs for library photocopiers, specialised literature, writing materials etc. However, these costs are very dependent on the subject. In general, it can be assumed that natural science subjects (e.g. due to excursions) are more expensive than social science subjects, for example. Procurement costs for computers or laptops are not included here.