Semester fee
The semester fee
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Semester fee
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335,65 €
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General Student Committee
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11,50 €
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Sports program
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1,75 €
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Germany semester ticket
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208,80 €
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Faculty assignment (student councils)
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2,60 €
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Administration and hardship
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1,00 €
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KStW administrative fee
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110,00 €
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Every semester, all students at the University of Cologne pay a semester fee that supports many different areas of university life. But what exactly is this money used to finance? Here you will find a brief overview of what the semester fee covers and learn how you can benefit from it — from affordable cafeteria meals to a semester ticket!
Why do I have to pay to study at a state university?
The semester fee is not a tuition. The funds are used for the general student body and thus indirectly benefit each individual. Apart from the portion that finances the Kölner Studierendenwerk (KStW), the funds are administered by the General Student Committee (AStA) – that is, us. The AStA uses the funds to support the various faculties with their individual student councils, student projects, and various events organized by the AStA, among other things. The largest portion of the semester fee goes directly toward financing the semester ticket.
Kölner Studierendenwerk (KStW): 110 €
Around 30 percent of the semester fee is allocated to the Kölner Studierendenwerk (KStW). This enables the university-wide cafeteria and catering services, which provide us all with discounted food and drinks. The KStW administrative fee also subsidizes the KStW’s student residences and enables low rents for students, which are usually hard to find in Cologne. In addition, the KStW offers psychological help, social and learning counseling, and various coaching services.
Germany semester ticket: 208,80 €
A large part of the semester fee goes towards the Germany semester ticket. This allows you to use public transport throughout Germany and you still get 30 free minutes per trip with KVB bikes in Cologne. If you have difficulty financing the ticket or can prove that you are unable to use it, you can apply for a refund from the hardship committee. If your application is accepted on the grounds of financial hardship, you can still continue to use the ticket.
General Students Committee: 11,50 €
The work of the General Student Committee is financed by the corresponding part of the semester fee. The General Student Committee provides a wide range of services, such as BAföG and social counseling or legal advice for students. In addition to the wide range of services, the General Student Committee independently organizes events through its departments. An annual highlight is the “festival contre le racisme.” Another popular service among students is the bicycle repair shop, which is currently located in the university’s bicycle garage. There, you can repair your bicycle at cost price under the guidance of staff members.
Faculty assignment: 2,60 €
In addition to the General Student Committee, which represents the entire student body, there are also individual student representatives at each faculty. These are structured differently at the various faculties, but in most cases are divided into student councils. They offer a wide range of services for students in the relevant degree programs. The orientation phases for new first-year students at the beginning of their studies are particularly popular. In addition, the student councils offer many other services. The amount of funding each faculty receives is based on the number of students in the faculty.
Sports program: 1,75 €
Together with other general student committees in Cologne, we offer student sports. As students at the cooperating universities, you can take advantage of the wide range of sports on offer, most of which are free of charge. Only a few activities require a contribution towards expenses—for example, if you want to obtain a sailing license or book accommodation. The activities range from wheelchair basketball and yoga to gliding.
Administration and hardship: 1,00 €
If students face financial challenges, they can submit an application to the General Student Committee for a refund of the semester ticket fee. If the application is approved, the refund will be paid from the fund into which the administration and hardship contribution flows. Since the applications must be carefully reviewed by staff, an administration fee is also included.