Finances
Estimate of Expenses
You do not pay tuition fees at Paderborn University! Paderborn University (like almost all universities in Germany) is a public university. The semester fee of around 310 euros includes a ticket for local public transport. This means that you can use buses and trains throughout North Rhine-Westphalia free of charge! See here for the validity of the semester ticket. In addition, your student ID card entitles you to many discounts , e.g. when opening a bank account, with mobile phone contracts or at the cinema or theatre. Discounted meals in our canteen cost from 1.70 euros per meal for students.
The following information should give you a rough idea of what it costs to live and study in Paderborn.
The average monthly living costs for students are roughly as follows:
| Rent | 400� |
| health insurance | approx. 140� |
| Food | 350� |
| free time | min. 150� |
| Semester fee | approx. 300� per semester (50� /month) |
| Miscellaneous | approx. 120� |
| total | approx. 1210� |
Please make sure that you have enough cash available when you arrive in Paderborn to avoid financial bottlenecks. In the first few weeks you will have to pay the first rent (about 400�) and a deposit (usually 1-2 months' rent). In addition, there are the costs for the semester ticket (approx. 300�), possibly the German course fees (DSH course: 500� per course level) and possibly the contributions for health insurance.
Financial support
Information on scholarships can be obtained from the German Embassy, departments of the Goethe-Institut and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). The DAAD offers a variety of scholarship programmes for exchange students and academics from all countries; however, there are no scholarship opportunities for undergraduate studies (Bachelor's degree programmes).
German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
Kennedyallee 50
D - 53275 Bonn
If you require informal confirmation that you fulfil the admission requirements for the desired Master's degree programme for a scholarship application, please contact us in good time. The processing time is approx. 4 weeks. We will need your degree certificate and a detailed overview of your subject areas and grades.