Funding for international students

The cost of living depends very much on lifestyle and consumer behavior. In Siegen, however, the cost of living is lower than in many large German cities. We recommend that students prepare for monthly expenses of approx. 800-1000 euros:

Despite the current price increase, the cost of living in Siegen is still relatively low compared to larger German cities.

Once you have arrived, there are one-off costs that you should take into account when planning your budget:

Additional costs may arise after you move into your apartment or room:

Furniture
The rooms in the student residences are comfortably furnished. If you rent unfurnished private accommodation, you will have to buy your own furniture. The cheapest option is second-hand furniture, which you can find on various portals or in second-hand stores (see below).

Cookware, crockery
Cookware and crockery are not usually included in studio apartments and rooms in halls of residence. You must provide your own kitchen equipment.

Bedding
Think about bedding and bed linen or buy bedding after your arrival. Student residences of the Studierendenwerk Siegen offer a bedding set
(pillow, blanket, pillowcase and comforter cover, sheet) for approx. 50 EUR.

Books
Basically, you don't have to buy all the books you need to study. In the university library (UB)
you can borrow, scan or view most of the textbooks digitally. Books that are not available at the University Library can be ordered via interlibrary loan.

There is also a book exchange shelf with language learning books and leisure literature in the Study Service Center (F-S building, Sandstraße 16-18). You can choose or swap books there for free.

Foodsharing
Foodsharing
is an organization that works with stores and collects unsold food at the end of the business day to save it from going to waste. Anyone can use this food and everyone is invited to take part. In the city of Siegen there are so-called Fairteiler cabinets
which you can help yourself to. You can find another Fairteiler in the LEO of the AR-Campus (former bistro). In the city center there is the Café Teilchen, where you can enjoy rescued food in a cozy environment for a small price or for free

Hardship application
Students who can prove that they have very little money can apply for ahardship case every semester at the AStA
a hardship case
and have the fees for the semester ticket reimbursed.

Clothes store and social furniture stores
In the clothes store, at HENRI
or other social furniture stores, but also on second-hand markets on the Internet, you can get used furniture and clothing in good condition at a relatively low price.

Deutschlandticket
With your Deutschland semester ticket
allows you to use public transport (only local transport) throughout Germany free of charge. A car is therefore not usually necessary. For longer distances, a carpooling service/carpooling center could be useful.

If you register your main residence in Siegen, you will receive a one-time refund of the fees for your semester ticket. Please contact the AStA for further information. Students in financial need can apply to the AStA for an exemption from the semester ticket fees (see hardship application).

Student halls of residence and shared flats
Renting a whole apartment is relatively expensive. Instead, try to get a cheap room in a hall of residence
or find a shared flat.

Siegen ID card
The Siegen ID cardgives you
gives you discounts on various offers in Siegen. To obtain the ID card, you must apply at Weidenau Town Hall in Department 5/2 Children, Youth and Family Support.

Siegener Tafel
People in financial need can get affordable food from the Siegener Tafel
affordable food. People with the Siegen ID card can take advantage of this offer.

Tax return
In various cases, it can also be worthwhile for students to submit a tax return.
tax return.

Many students in Germany work a few hours a week during their studies or during the lecture-free period. Please note that you will need a bank account in Germany to transfer your salary.

There are several service facilities at the University of Siegen that can help you find a part-time job or prepare your application (see info box below).

Regulations for international students:

Working as a student assistant is excluded from this regulation.

Student loan
It is very difficult for international students to obtain a loan. However, if you are married to a German partner, a refugee, a national of an EU or European Economic Area country or have a permanent residence permit, you can applyfor a student loan.

BAföG
Under the Federal Training Assistance Act, commonly referred to as BAföG, students enrolled at universities or secondary schools receive financial support for their studies and training, which must be repaid on a pro rata basis after graduation. Only international students from EU countries and countries of the European Economic Area are eligible to apply.

A scholarship is the easiest way to finance all or part of your studies. In most cases, scholarships are awarded by foundations or political or religious organizations as well as companies. Unfortunately, it is not that easy to get a scholarship.

Most scholarships are aimed at students with excellent academic achievements and/or a high level of social or political commitment. This is not the only reason why it makes sense to get socially involved.

Most scholarship applications include a letter of motivation, a CV, a letter of recommendation or a report from a tutor, supervisor or professor, as well as proof of language skills, academic achievements or social commitment. Remember that the letter of motivation and letter of recommendation are important components in which you have the opportunity to present yourself and your enthusiasm for your studies.