Back in the summer, the Secretary General of the German Academic Exchange Service, Christian Bode, said that, in his opinion, education in Germany is ripe for becoming fee-based. German education will be able to compete with other systems only if 'costs are covered by appropriate contributions'. Arguing his point of view, Bode cited quite impressive figures - in the next 20 years, the international education market will grow fourfold, and, if the popularity of German education remains the same, Germany will account for 800,000 students. It is indeed not easy to 'carry' the free education of this entire army.
We emphasize that the words expressed only the opinion of Bode himself. According to our information, the issue of switching German higher education to a fee-based basis has not been discussed in German government structures, although it is raised from time to time at universities.
German education remains free. But this does not mean that studying in Germany does not entail any expenses. Here are the expenditure items that every student going to Germany should know about.
1. Study tax (18-46 euros per month). The university spends these funds to maintain its gyms, canteens, and dormitories in decent condition. Students at some universities also pay 92 euros for a six-month travel pass.
2. Insurance (281 euros for six months). It is mandatory for students at German universities. Students must insure themselves for all years of study. Students who have not reached the age of 30 go through this procedure in public insurance funds, while those who have reached it go to private insurance companies for this purpose.
3. Textbooks and auxiliary materials (230-300 euros for 4-5 years of study) from the moment of entering the first year until graduation.
4. Pre-university preparation in language courses and preparatory departments of Studienkolleg.
Before going to university, students often undergo preliminary training. They usually go to a language school to prepare for the DSH exam, which is required for admission to any German university.
If a person is only on nodding terms with the language and sciences, they go to Studienkolleg. Here, more than half of the time students learn German through intensive programs. All other classes are devoted to the disciplines they will encounter at university.
Relatively recently, it was not necessary to pay for studies at state language courses and preparatory departments. However, now there are fewer free pre-university institutions. For example, the preparatory department of the Chemnitz University of Technology was free until recently. But this year, the university decided to end charity. It charges 3,800 euros per year from those who intend to undergo pre-university preparation.