Financing your studies
Financing your studies
Semester fees, accommodation and living costs, and costs for learning materials: studying is expensive and needs to be paid for.
Studies are often financed from various sources.
The financing requirements and funding opportunities for international students who hold a residence permit for the purpose of study differ from those for German nationals.
Traditional financing options
Maintenance of parents
Parents are legally obliged to finance the education of their (adult) children until they obtain their first professional qualification. This means that parents are generally obliged to provide financial support until the end of their children's studies.
Child benefit
Parents of children aged 25 or under who are in full-time education are entitled to child benefit. This should be used to support the children.
BAföG – state educational assistance
You can apply for BAföG to finance your studies or living expenses. 50% of the BAföG is given as a grant, while the remaining 50% is paid out as an interest-free loan. It is important to submit your application in good time.
Working alongside your studies
Many students also earn their living with the help of part-time jobs. There are a few legal regulations to bear in mind here. Your studies should not be jeopardised in terms of time, and there should be no financial restrictions elsewhere as a result.
Working and studying: what to consider – Studierendenwerk Oldenburg
Tips and help for different types of jobs
Looking for a job?
Various job portals for students in Oldenburg:
Job offers are often posted on notice boards and bulletin boards on the campus, among many other things.
Scholarships for students
There are numerous opportunities to obtain financial support through scholarships or other funding programmes. Grades are not always the decisive factor. Support is also available for individuals who demonstrate commitment or social responsibility, for example.
Overview of scholarships at the University of Oldenburg
Overview of scholarships offered by the Oldenburg Student Services Organisation
Student loans
Another way to finance your studies is through loans.
Overview of loans – Oldenburg Student Services
Before applying, it is strongly recommended that you seek independent advice. The student finance advisory service at Studierendenwerk Oldenburg will be happy to help.
Loans and assistance programmes
For a variety of reasons, you may find yourself in financial difficulties through no fault of your own. Various forms of support are available to help you.
- SWO emergency fund (for students who find themselves in financial distress).
- AStA loan (short-term loans for payment difficulties)
- Start-of-studies loan (helps before the start of studies – finances enrolment costs)
Overview of loans and support programmes – Oldenburg Student Services
Additional financing options
If traditional financing options are not available or are insufficient to cover your needs, other sources may be able to help. We recommend visiting the Student Services social counselling service for advice.
Start-up assistance – only for first-year students
The study start grant is a one-off subsidy of €1,000 that students from low-income households can receive at the beginning of their studies. It is intended to cover typical costs associated with starting a degree programme, such as a laptop, moving expenses or a rental deposit.
The study start allowance was established in the summer of 2024 by the 29th BAföG Amendment Act.
Social benefits – only for students not receiving BAföG funding
Various social benefits such as unemployment benefit, housing benefit or social assistance may also be relevant for students in certain cases (leave of absence, hardship cases, additional needs in special circumstances, etc.).
Studying with a child
Financial assistance makes it easier for students with children to continue and complete their university education. Student parents may be entitled to various social benefits such as housing benefit, parental allowance, childcare allowance, etc.
Various counselling centres support students with children:
Studierendenwerk Oldenburg:
AStA Oldenburg:
Family services at the University of Oldenburg:
Students with disabilities
Some regulations are designed to compensate for disadvantages experienced by students with disabilities or chronic illnesses. The Disability Advisory Service at the Oldenburg Student Services Association provides support in this area.
Financial allowances for special needs – Oldenburg Student Services
Study funding for international students
The financial needs of international students differ from those of German students. What exactly is different?
Refund of the semester public transport pass
Students who are unable to pay the semester public transport pass fee as part of their semester fees (re-registration) can apply to the AStA for a refund of the semester public transport pass.