What Will My Degree Cost?

According to the 22nd social survey of the Deutsches Studierendenwerk (German National Association for Student Affairs), in 2021 the average national monthly expenses for a “focus group” student amounted to approx. 850 euros. The “focus group” is comprised of non-married students, who are living alone and doing a full-time degree, who have not yet obtained a master’s degree (or similar). Although the conditions in the federal states that belonged to the former GDR have now generally been aligned with those found in former West Germany, students living in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern still had less expenses: a student spent approximately 810 euros here.

In fact, the costs of studying in 2023 are likely to be higher both nationwide and in Greifswald than the results of the social survey suggest. On the one hand, at the time of the survey in 2021, travel costs, for example, were significantly lower than in the previous social survey in 2016. This is due to the fact that in 2021, little to no mobility was possible due to the coronavirus pandemic, which meant that no costs were incurred in this area. On the other hand, the effects of inflation were not yet reflected in the data collected in 2021; these will only become apparent from 2022 onwards. Taking both effects (coronavirus and inflation) into account, the actual average national costs of studying are likely to be around 950 euros, and around 920 euros if you have chosen Greifswald as your study location.

The monthly expenses are the total amount of regular expenses for covering living costs. The following costs were included:

  • rent (including related costs);
  • food and drink;
  • clothes;
  • study materials;
  • travel costs (e.g. to parents’ home address and within university town);
  • health insurance, doctors’ fees, medication;
  • telephone, internet, radio and television licence;
  • leisure, culture and sport.

Thus, the monthly expenses do not only include the expenses that are essential for covering living costs, but also the costs that belong to life in a university town (leisure & sports activities, cultural life).

The amount of expenses for study materials varied considerably. Roughly a third of students indicated that they spent less than 10 euros per month, whilst almost 5 % paid amounts of over 100 euros per month. The differences are partly caused by the fact that the expenses differ depending on the subject of the degree. For example, with more than 50 euros per month, students studying art, theology or medicine spent the most on study materials.

Also the travel costs showed significant differences: Those using their own cars travelled more expensively (112 euros) than those who used public transport (43 euros). 

The Semester Fee is not a Tuition Fee

A semester fee is due in Greifswald on enrolment (€ 135.00) or on re-registration (€ 109.00), at the beginning of the semester.

The semester fee is currently made up of:

  • Fee for the Student Body: € 11.00
  • Fee for the Student Services: € 93.00
  • Re-Registration Fee: € 5.00 (or Enrolment Fee of € 31.00 for freshers)

Payment of the semester fee entitles students, for example, to eat cheaply in the Mensa (cafeteria) and supports the student body, which represents the interests of the students towards the University governance. In fact, after paying your semester fee, you save more than you actually paid.