How do I finance my studies?
Studying can be expensive. Housing, food, communication, leisure time and of course the cost of studying, including semester fees, can be between 750 and 1600 EUR, depending on your lifestyle and region. It can quickly become more. But don’t worry: the Studierendenwerk (student services organization) can help you with questions about financing your studies.
Here you will find a brief overview of the financial options available to you to finance your studies. Advice, applications and more information can be obtained from the loan office or the social counselling service.
BAföG
First choice = BAföG. Half of it is a gift and the other half is an interest-free loan! Whether you can get BAföG depends on various factors that the BAföG office has to check. You can find more information on BAföG directly on the website of the BAföG Service Centre or on the website of the Federal Office of Administration.
Loans
Unfortunately, it sometimes takes a while before a decision can be made on the BAföG application. We offer an interest-free bridging loan in the event of a temporary financial emergency or a delay in the calculation/payment through no fault of your own.
If you are looking for financial support in the next 2 semesters of your studies, we also offer a loan for graduation if students are in financial hardship through no fault of their own.
Social benefits
In principle, students are excluded from social benefits such as citizen’s allowance and housing benefit. However, there are exceptions for students in special circumstances.
Student loans
Financing your studies with a student loan makes sense in special situations. However, attention must be paid to the conditions. It is best to combine it with other financial alternatives. Student loans are available, for example, from the KfW-Student loan or the BVA Bildungskredit loan.
Scholarships
Scholarships are awarded by organisations that support gifted students, churches, political parties, companies, the government and your college/university. There are a number of scholarships aimed at specific target groups and also for students who, for example, are involved in voluntary work.
Education funds
Often provided by private organisations, education funds offer grants or loans for education costs. They require repayment of a certain proportion of income after graduation.
Contact
Patrick Sullivan | Emilia Schaaf
Phone: 0621 49072 - 531 | -530
Mensaria am Schloss
Bismarckstr. 10 | Entrance A | Room 04 (Access via Infothek)
68161 Mannheim
sozialberatung@stw-ma.de
Counselling and initial contact point at the Hochschule
Paul-Wittsack-Straße 10
Building J | Room 208
68163 Mannheim
beratung-hs@stw-ma.de
Open consultation hours
Social counselling in the Mensaria am Schloss
Tuesday: 12:30 - 15:00
Thursday: 10:00 - 13:00
and appointments by arrangement
Counselling and initial contact point at the Hochschule
Wednesday: 11:00 - 14:00
and appointments by arrangement
Postal address
Studierendenwerk Mannheim AöR
Sozialberatung
Postfach 10 30 37
68030 Mannheim