TUITION FEES

According to the decision of the government of the state, every student who joins a university in Lower Saxony has to pay a so-called Study Contribution (in the following named "Tuition Fees") of 500 € per semester. This is valid for the standard period of study plus 4 semesters; after this period the tuition fees are increased phasedly ("erhöhter Studienbeitrag" = increased tuition fees). For the first two semesters of overdraft it comes to 600 €, the third and fourth semester cost 700 € each and from the fifth semester on the increased tuition fees amount to 800 €.

Who does not have to pay the tuition fees?

"Exempted from the imposition of tuition fees are those students, who

1. actually nurse a child to the spirit of § 25 Abs. 5 BAföG, which is under the age of 14 at the beginning of the semester in question,
2. care for a close relative, who is in need of care as testified by the medical care of the health insurance,
3. hold the office of the equal rights representative, without being given time off, for up to two semesters,
4. are already registered for a common course of study at another university to which the tuition fees are paid,
5. are absolving a period of study abroad as intended within the conditions of study,
6. are absolving a semester of practical training as intended within the conditions of study,
7. are absolving or evaluating their practical year according to § 1 Abs. 2 Nr. 1 in connection with § 3 Abs. 1 Satz 5 of the Medical Licensure Act for physicians or
8. are, according to § 12 Abs. 1 Satz 2 Nrn. 1 and 3 to 5, excluded from paying the administrative expenses share."

Extract from the Niedersächsisches Hochschulgesetz (= University Statute of Lower Saxony)

Loans and Scholarships

In order to finance the tuition fees a special loan for students has been introduced. You will find detailed information at "Niedersachsen-Studienbeitrags-Darlehen" (= Lower Saxony Study Contribution Loan).

The Student Administration Hanover Supports students coming from families in a financially difficult situation by granting scholarships concerning study contributions. You will gain further information at the page Scholarships for Study Contributions. The universities scholarships, too. Corresponding links you will find at the Internet portal science-hannover.de on the page Studienbeitragsstipendien.

Further Information

If you should have any further questions please contact the BAföG-Abteilung (Student Loan Department) or the Social Advice Centre of the Student Administration.

At the Ministry for Science and Culture of Lower Saxony (Niedersächsisches Wissenschaftsministerium) you will gain further information in German language.

SEMESTER CHARGE

Besides the tuition fees students have to pay a semester charge (for the Student Administration, the student union and SemesterCard) as well as an administration costs share for the university.

In Hanover, the so called "fully supplied" students (students of universities where the Student Administration runs refectories, cafeterias and dormitories) contribute 55 € at the time being. The charges for the student unions vary quite a lot according to the different universities.

For Hanover’s universities costs are incurred for the SemesterCard (Semester-Ticket Niedersachsen/Bremen of the Deutsche Bahn included), which entitles to the use of all lines within all GVH-fare zones (trams and busses within Greater Hanover) and all local traffic trains of the DB and several local trains of other companies in Lower Saxony.

In many states of Germany, registration fees or administration costs shares have been introduced. In Lower Saxony the administration costs share is 75 €.

Semester Charge (€) in Hanover, Winter Term 2009/2010

1 Without FHDW (private university), as special tuition fees are charged there.

2 including "Semester-Ticket Niedersachsen Bremen" of the DB

3 Regular tuition fees; increased tuition fees may rise up to 800 € (see above). 

Hochschule = university
StwH = share for the Student Administration Hanover
AStA = share for the student union
ÖPNV = SemesterCard (including Semester-Ticket Niedersachsen / Bremen of the DB)
Fahrr. = Bike Bonus for the cheaper use of bike repair shops
Verw. = admission costs share for the state of Lower Saxony
St.beitrag = tuition fees