Keep an eye
on your finances

To allow you to concentrate fully on your studies, you should arrange your finances in advance and check your options.

Compared to other places, Saxony is not overly expensive. Nevertheless, it is good to know what costs you will have to pay and how you can finance your studies. Particularly important: If you are not a German citizen and are applying for a visa, you must prove that you have sufficient financial means to study in Germany. You can do this with a “blocked account” (Sperrkonto), for example.

In addition to living costs such as rent, food, and clothing, you will have to pay an individual semester fee at universities in Saxony. This ranges from around 100 to 300 euros. At many universities, this will also include a semester ticket that allows you to use public transport in the region. Payment must be made before the start of each new semester.

There are numerous funding opportunities available in Saxony to help you supplement your student budget. One of the first places to go for funding opportunities is the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). But the universities themselves, party-affiliated foundations, denominational institutions, and business-related organizations also provide financial support. Before you apply for a scholarship, you should find out as much information as you can, as the selection criteria are strict and there is no general entitlement to funding.

You can earn a little extra money alongside your studies with a job, for example as a waiter or waitress, research assistant, or tutor. However, you should bear the following in mind:

If you want to work more hours, you will have to register with the Employment Agency and the immigration authority (Ausländerbehörde). Individual arrangements will then be made if necessary. If you are unsure about what you are and are not allowed to do, it is best to contact your Student Services. For example, students attending a language course or studying on a preparatory course are generally only allowed to work with the approval of the Employment Agency and the immigration authority.

What can you earn from a part-time job? As a student, you will usually receive the minimum wage in Germany. Since January 1, 2024, this is set at 12.41 euros per hour. In some sectors, for example as a research assistant, the pay may also be somewhat higher. But be careful: The current upper earnings limit before having to pay tax is 538 euros per month. If you regularly earn more, you will need a tax number, which will be used to deduct a certain amount from your salary each month. These are social security contributions consisting of health insurance as well as nursing care, pension, and unemployment insurance. However, students can reclaim the deductions at the end of the year by filing an income tax return.