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Financing

What must be financed during my study abroad?

Tuition Fees
As a rule, tuition must be paid at foreign universities. Tuition costs can vary depending on the country, university and faculty. In addition, one's length of stay abroad, matriculation status, nationality and mehtod of payment can all play a role in determining tuition costs. Find out from the host university what your estimated cost of attendance will be. Inquire about possible tuition reductions or remission as early as possible. If you are the recipient of a stipend, find out what percentage of tuition costs are covered by the stipend.

Note: When participating in a Viadrina exchange program, you can often count on 100% tuition remission at the partner university!

Costs of Living
Daily living costs are not just something that affect you when abroad: you also have living costs whilst in your home country. When planning finances for your study abroad, please don't forget or underestimate the following:

  • Travel to the host city
  • Rent/housing costs (European rental guide)
  • Utilities (phone, electricity, etc.)
  • Food
  • Clothing
  • Health and accident insurance
  • Medications
  • Public transportation fares
  • Repairs (auto or bicycle)
  • Bank fees
  • Entertainment
  • Possible agency fees

Tip 1: Please do not forget that cost of living in some countries and regions (i.e. Great Britain, USA and Scandinavia) is higher than cost of living in Germany.

This list is not all-inclusive; however, it should provide you with an idea of what costs you should prepare to cover. Inform yourself in a timely manner--such as during the application process--of the estimated cost of your stay abroad. You may be able to find some information in the Department of International Affairs; visiting the home pages of the partner university and the appropriate embassy is also recommended.

When applying for a stipend or if you are receiving one, please read the conditions of allowance for information on to what extent (if any) travel costs are covered.

Tip 2: Please do not forget that a stipend will not usually cover a period of vacation following completion of your semester or year abroad.


How can I finance my stay abroad?

 

BAföG
In its current form, receipt of financial assistance from the federal act for educational funding ("Bundesgesetz über individuelle Förderung der Ausbildung" - Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz [BAföG]) is dependent on fulfilling specific criteria such as citizenship, age, income and aptitude.

Because determination of BAföG varies occasionally with regard to award amounts, prerequisites and eligibility, it is best to visit the appropriate internet sites and find answers to the following questions:

  • When am I entitled to BAföG for study abroad?
  • Where is my local BAföG Office (BAföG Offices for study abroad are generally not the same BAföG Offices of the Studentenwerk )?
  • What deadlines need to be met?
  • How will my stay abroad affect my total length of assistance?
  • What BAföG allowance am I able to receive?

Note: Even if you are not entlitled to receive BAföG in Germany, you might be eligible for Study Abroad BAföG. It is always worth a try!

Bildungskredit
Of course you always have the option of financing your study abroad with private resources. One method is by using Bildungskredit. This is a loan that offers reasonable terms and is made available for educational financing.

Further information can be found here...

EU-Funding
If you are participating in a Socrates or other EU-program, EU-funding is available to you. If you are accepted into one of Viadrina's EU-programs, you are entitled to receive EU-funding.

These EU-programs offer financial support for German students abroad as well as for foreign students in Germany. Students participating in EU-programs always receive their funding from their home univeristy.

In general, post-secondary educational institutions in EU Member States may participate as well as selected neighboring countries--especially those in Eastern Europe.

Application for an individual stipend ("free mover stipend") is only possible within Germany if the educational institution has submitted an application to receive such funds. The European University Viadrina has not applied to receive EU-funding for free mover stipends.

To inquire about EU Funds, you must first contact the appropriate faculty member or the designated representative in the Department of International Affairs.

  • Cultural Science Students: Mrs. Klück
  • Law Students: Mrs. Klück
  • Economics and Business Administration Students: Mr. Glase

Please be aware that direct application for an EU Stipend is not possible.

Scholarships
Numerous organizations and endowments exist that grant funding in the form of stipends to students wishing to complete a portion of their studies abroad. Each of these organizations has its own application procedures and its own selection criteria; it is necessary to follow all of the guidelines carefully. Personal income and aptitude are usually the biggest determining factors with regard to being selected for a stipend. Deadlines need to be followed carefully, because deadlines for private-sector stipends are usually much earlier than for other forms of stipends.

Caution: Applying for a study abroad program and a stipend are two different matters! Therefore, you will have to apply for each individually!

Please be aware: Receiving financial assistance from more than one source simultaneously is forbidden! Only for EU Stipends and BAfö G do some exceptions exist .

Some important stipend sources are:

Deutsche Akademische Austauschdienst
(DAAD-German Academic Exchange Service):
Deadlines for DAAD Stipends depend on the country where study abroad will be completed and the type of stipend.

Fulbright Commission (only for study abroad in the USA):
Fulbright Commission Stipend applications are usually due each May. These stipends are only available for students with German citizenship.

Other foundations:
Contact other foundations directly to inquire about their application deadlines.

Viadrina Scholarships
The European University Viadrina has developed a few financial support programs to assist in completing time abroad. These stipends are usually for foreign students, and they are mainly performance based.

Further information can be found here...

Integrated Study Abroad Programs
Select study abroad programs include assistance from DAAD. Please be aware that this assistance is only available to German students. Contact the Department of International Affairs for details pertaining to DAAD Stipends.

This applies to the following programs:

  • University of California - Berkeley/USA (only for Cultural Sciences!)
  • Universidad Católica de Córdoba/Argentina (only for Economics and Business Administration!)
  • Instituto Tecnólogico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (only for Economics and Business Administration!)

Note: DAAD assistance is only available to German students!