The proposed student support was increased in 2020
The monthly amount that students need varies depending on the city, living situation and individual expenses. However, some institutions and surveys suggest how much money should be budgeted monthly by students for college. In the Düsseldorf table, the currently proposed maintenance for students since 2020 is 860 euros per month. Previously, the monthly maintenance rate was 735 euros per month. Of the 860 euros, the Düsseldorf table calculates 375 euros per month for rent, which is one reason why students are confronted with ever higher study costs. Because the rent index is rising and especially in big cities like Hamburg and Munich, students are struggling with ever higher living costs.
BAföG and the Studentenwerk calculate similar study costs
However, not every family can afford the monthly maintenance of 860 euros. Many students earn extra money as mini-jobbers, temporary workers or working students. Students can also apply for BAföG under certain conditions. Since 2020, its maximum rate has been raised to 861 euros, similar to the estimates in the Düsseldorf table. With BAföG, the applicant does not have to pay any interest and has to repay a maximum of half. The BAföG estimates the basic requirement at 585 euros per month, of which 325 euros are for rent and 109 euros are for the surcharges for health and nursing care insurance. The 21st social survey of the German student union assumes a similar amount of 867 euros that students should have in their account monthly as living expenses.
How much money is spent on what?
The career center UNICUM has drawn up a list of costs for students, which shows how much money should be calculated for which cost item. UNICUM reports that students in Germany pay an average of 332 euros in monthly rent, although this can vary greatly depending on the city and the size of the accommodation. According to UNICUM, students spend an average of 154 euros a month on groceries and 48 euros a month on clothes. The students’ travel expenses amount to an average of 116 euros per month, a semester ticket costs an average of 163 euros per semester and, according to UNICUM, in most cases offers significantly better value for money than, for example, the car. According to UNICUM, 65 euros per month should be calculated for leisure activities such as going to parties, going to the cinema, membership in the gym or other activities. Contracts for mobile phones and the Internet cost students around 32 euros per month on average. Health insurance and medication cost students an average of 96 euros a month, plus the fees for books, which can vary greatly. In addition, the semester fee is due twice a year, which can also vary in amount.
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