Costs and Financing for International Students
Studying at the University of Bonn is free of charge, unless you are taking one of a handful of degree programs for continuing education. Securing the necessary funding can pose a challenge, however. As well as information on how much studying costs, therefore, this web page also gives you some tips on financing and funding opportunities.
Costs during your studies
Semester fee
The University of Bonn does not charge tuition fees. However, students have to pay a social contribution every semester, which is used to finance various services.
Living expenses
Living expenses for a student in Bonn amount to roughly €1,000 a month and will mainly go on your rent.
Health insurance
Students in Germany are required to take out health insurance when they enroll at a university. However, there are exceptions.
Evidence of funds
Students from non-EU countries will generally have to provide evidence of sufficient funds as early as when they submit their visa application or, at the latest, when they apply for a residence permit. This proves that you will have enough money for a degree program in Germany. Since October 01, 2024, the minimum requirement has been €992 a month or €11,904 a year.
The following forms of evidence will be accepted:
- Blocked account
- Proof of your parents’ income and wealth
- Scholarship approval notification from a recognized scholarship provider
- Bank guarantee
- Commitment made by someone resident in Germany to the Immigration Office confirming that they will cover your costs
You can get more information on this from the German Embassy or German Consulate in your country of residence.
Financing your studies
There are various ways to fund your studies at the University of Bonn. Numerous organizations and foundations award scholarships to international students. You can also look for a part-time job if your residence permit allows you.
Scholarships
For many students, scholarships are a good way of funding their studies. They are a form of financial support that does not need to be paid back. However, they will rarely cover all of your living expenses, so you will need to consider other funding options as well.
Loans
Loans are another way to fund your studies. Unlike a scholarship, a loan will have to be repaid at some point in the future. Before you apply, make sure you know exactly what terms are offered on loans to international students.
Studying and earning money
International students have the opportunity to earn money during their studies by taking a part-time job. If you have EU/EFTA citizenship, you do not need a work permit for this. For students from third countries with a residence title for study purposes, a restricted work permit applies during their stay.
Students on exchange programs such as Erasmus+ are able to apply for financial support from their university. Your home university can give you more details.
DAAD-STIBET I scholarships under the Global Exchange Program
International students who come to Bonn from partner universities as part of the Global Exchange Program can obtain a DAAD-STIBET I scholarship. Their partner universities put their names forward for the scholarship via email when nominating them for the Global Exchange Program. Applications are submitted to the partner university, which also makes the final selection decision.
The scholarship is worth €650 a month and can be awarded for up to 10 months.
International students working toward a degree at the University of Bonn can apply for a Degree Completion Scholarship. These scholarships are designed to support international students with good to very good study achievements who are expected to graduate within 12 months of receiving funding (i.e., by April 30, 2027).
Formal application criteria
- Enrollment at the University of Bonn as regular students (bachelor's, master's or state exam students, no exchange students)
- Foreign citizenship (dual nationals must not hold German citizenship)
- University entrance qualification from outside Germany
- Current average grade of at least 2.5
- Income from gainful employment of no more than €1,048 per month
To apply for a scholarship, students must fulfill all requirements. Please note that the scholarship may not be used for studies in a (neighboring) foreign country or for a semester abroad.
Selection criteria
- Completeness of application documents
- Academic performance (based on the average grade from the current transcript of records)
- Motivation for the scholarship (based on the letter of motivation)
Students who are confronted with special circumstances and challenges (e.g., refugee background, degree of disability or chronic illness, care of minor children in their own household) will be given preferential treatment if the formal requirements are met. In this case, please submit the relevant documentation (disability card, residence permit, children's birth certificates). The same applies to students who are particularly involved in volunteer work. Here, too, please submit proof of this.
Funding amount and guidelines
Worth €500 a month, the scholarships will be awarded for a period of five months from May 01, 2026 onward. The scholarships draw on funds from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and are granted in accordance with the DAAD’s guidelines. If you already receive financial support from the DAAD, further funding is not possible. If you receive funding from other public sources, only a top-up is possible.
Application documents
To be in with a chance of a successful application, please complete the application form and upload the following documents as PDF files:
- One- to two-page letter of motivation (please explain how the scholarship will help you complete your studies)
- Curriculum vitae
- Certificate of enrollment from the current semester (winter semester 2025/26)
- Transcript of records with current grade point average (excerpt from the campus management platform BASIS)
- Bank statements for the last three months prior to application
- If employed: current employment contract
- Confirmation from your examination office or degree program coordinator that you are expected to complete your degree program by April 30, 2027 (you can use this template)
- Copy of your identification document (passport or ID card)
- Optional: Proof of special circumstances or volunteer work
Application deadline
Submit your applications by February 28, 2026 using the application form. Incomplete or late applications cannot be considered.
Questions?
If you have questions on the scholarship program please contact:
Monique Trachsel
m.trachsel@uni-bonn.de
Explanatory video: Financial Matters
This video will give you important information on some of the financial aspects of your studies, including opening a blocked account or a normal bank account, managing your finances and applying for scholarships. (The presentation is in English; German subtitles can be added in.)
Financial Matters (©Universität Bonn \ Quelle: YouTube)
Bild © Universität Bonn / YouTube
Contact
Deborah Schwarz
0.003
Poppelsdorfer Allee 102
53115 Bonn (Germany)
Office Hours
- by appointment
Also see
Support for doctoral students
Details of the support available for doctoral students can be found on the Bonn Graduate Center web page.
Financing and support
More information on topics such as BAföG, scholarships and taking part-time jobs while studying is available from the Central Study Advisory and Counseling Service web page.
DAAD scholarship database
Information on various forms of support and relevant services provided by the DAAD.