Tuition fees

International students who are not nationals of an EU/EEA Member State are required to pay tuition fees of 1,500 euros per semester. The standard semester fees must also be paid.

Exemptions based on official verification (automatic)

In the following cases, the fee is automatically waived:

• Students from the EU and the EEA
• Students with a German educational background (e.g. German higher education entrance qualification) in accordance with Section 58 of the Higher Education Act (LHG)
• Students on the Weißenhof Programme and doctoral students
• Exchange students and double-degree students in certain circumstances

In the case of the so-called Deltaprüfung, vocational qualifications and other recognised prior education, the following additional conditions must be met:

• the higher education entrance qualification on which the Deltaprüfung is based, in accordance with Section 58(2)(4) of the LHG, must have been obtained in Germany,
• the advanced vocational training examination in accordance with Section 58(2)(5) of the LHG must have been obtained in Germany,
• the vocational training and experience required under Section 58(2)(6) of the LHG must have been completed in Germany,
• further prior qualifications recognised by the Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs must have been obtained in Germany (see Section 58(2)(12) of the LHG).

Note: Proof of eligibility for higher education in accordance with Section 58(2)(7) to (11) of the LHG does not exempt the holder from the obligation to pay fees; in particular, a Bachelor’s degree obtained in Germany (Section 58(2)(8) of the LHG) is not sufficient to exempt the holder from the fee.

Exemptions from tuition fees

Sections 5 and 6 of the State Higher Education Fees Act (LHGebG) provide for a number of exemptions from tuition fees. To check whether one or more of these exemptions apply to you, please complete the relevant information form as part of the online enrolment process. This form must be completed truthfully and submitted together with the relevant supporting documents if you wish to claim an exemption.

Under Section 10(1), first sentence, of the LHGebG, you are obliged to report without delay any changes in circumstances that are relevant to the exemption, waiver or reduction, or in respect of which declarations have been made in connection with the exemption, waiver or reduction.

Section 8 of the State Higher Education Fees Act (LHGebG) provides for exemptions from the obligation to pay fees, in particular

• for those who are already liable to pay fees as international students (in accordance with Section 8(1), third sentence, LHGebG)
• for the study of an additional subject as part of a teacher training programme (in accordance with Section 8(3), second sentence, of the LHGebG)
• for a postgraduate programme (in accordance with Section 8(1), first sentence, and Section 20(1), third sentence, of the LHGebG)
• where the second degree programme is mandatory under professional regulations for the purpose of obtaining a professional qualification (in accordance with Section 8(3), first sentence, of the LHGebG)
• where the first degree programme was completed abroad and no undergraduate or consecutive degree programme has yet been completed in Germany (in accordance with Section 8(1), first sentence, of the LHGebG)

Note: Exemptions are generally registered during the application and enrolment process.

To check whether you are liable to pay second-degree tuition fees, please complete the relevant information form as part of the online enrolment process. This must be completed truthfully and submitted together with the relevant supporting documents.

Exemption upon application

You may submit an application for exemption from tuition fees after accepting your place at university and receiving the fee notice:

• Students on a leave of absence, provided that the applications for leave of absence and exemption were submitted before the start of the lecture term (in accordance with Section 8(4) in conjunction with Section 6(2)(1) of the LHGebG)
• Students on a practical study semester that forms part of the standard period of study (currently only degree programmes leading to a Master of Education) (in accordance with Section 8(4) in conjunction with Section 6(2)(3) of the LHGebG)
• Students with a disability that significantly impedes their studies in accordance with Section 2 of Book IX of the Social Code (SGB IX) (in accordance with Section 8(4) in conjunction with Section 6(7) of the LHGebG)

Students who enrol on a second or further undergraduate degree programme (Diplom or Bachelor’s programme) or on a second or further consecutive Master’s programme following the completion of a higher education degree in the Federal Republic of Germany (second degree programme) must pay tuition fees of 650 euros per semester, as well as the standard semester fees.

Note for international students: If you are undertaking a second degree, you must pay the tuition fee for international students (1,500 euros). The tuition fee for the second degree (650 euros) is only payable if you are exempt from the tuition fee for international students.

Exceptions

Tuition fees are not charged:

• for those who are already liable to pay fees as international students (in accordance with Section 8(1), third sentence, of the LHGebG),
• for the study of an additional subject as part of a teacher training programme (in accordance with Section 8(3), second sentence, of the LHGebG),
• for a continuing education master’s programme (in accordance with Section 8(1), first sentence, and Section 20(1), third sentence, of the LHGebG),
• where a second degree is mandatory under professional regulations for the purpose of obtaining a professional qualification (e.g. oral and jaw surgery) (in accordance with Section 8(3), first sentence, of the LHGebG),
• if the first degree was completed abroad and no undergraduate or consecutive degree programme has yet been completed in Germany (in accordance with Section 8(1), first sentence, of the LHGebG).

Note: Exceptions are generally registered during the application and enrolment process.

Exemption upon application

You may submit an application for exemption from tuition fees after accepting your place at university and receiving the fee notice:

• Students on a leave of absence, provided that the applications for leave of absence and exemption were submitted before the start of the lecture term (in accordance with Section 8(4) in conjunction with Section 6(2)(1) of the LHGebG)
• Students on a practical study semester that forms part of the standard period of study (currently only degree programmes leading to a Master of Education) (in accordance with Section 8(4) in conjunction with Section 6(2)(3) of the LHGebG)
• Students with a disability that significantly impedes their studies in accordance with Section 2 of Book IX of the Social Code (SGB IX) (in accordance with Section 8(4) in conjunction with Section 6(7) of the LHGebG)

See also the ABK Stuttgart’s Tuition Fees Regulation.