Since winter semester 2017/18, the state of Baden-Württemberg has required tuition fees for second degree studies amounting 650 euros per semester.
If you want to read more about this decision, visit the website of the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts (MWK).
How will the funds be used
The total 650 euros for second-degree studies are allocated to the state budget for securing the long-term financing of university education.
Regulations on tuition fees for second degree studies
General information
Since winter semester 2017/18, all students who begin second degree studies will be required to pay tuition fees of 650 euros per semester. This applies to: second (or higher) undergraduate study programmes (bachelor’s or state examination programmes), second (or higher) consecutive master’s programmes after completing a first university degree in Germany or an equivalent degree. Tuition fees are due in addition to the other semester fees.
International students who already pay tuition fees for international students do not also have to pay the tuition fees for second degree studies. University degrees earned abroad are not taken into account.
Students who change their field of study within a study programme or change non-degree study programmes do not have to pay the fees for second degree studies. Teacher education students who study additional subjects within their teacher education programme also do not have to pay fees for second degree studies.
Students who are simultaneously enrolled in two or more different study programmes at one or more state universities (studying for two degrees), will only need to start paying tuition fees the semester after they have completed their first study programme. The date on the first examination certificate applies. Again, this does not apply to teacher education students who study additional subjects (major or minor) within their teacher education programme. If students are enrolled in two or more different study programmes at a university in Baden-Württemberg or in another German state, students have to pay second degree tuition fees for the Baden-Württemberg university starting the semester after they complete their first degree in the other state.
If the study and examination regulations allow or require students to study simultaneously at more than one university, they will only have to pay tuition fees at that university where the main focus of the study programme lies.
Exemptions
The following students can get an exemption from paying tuition fees by applying before the beginning of the lecture period:
- Students who take a leave of absence, as long as their application for the leave of absence is submitted before the start of the lecture period.
- Students completing a required internship semester.
- Students with a significant study-limiting disability in accordance with § 2 SGB IX (volume nine of the German social code).
No other exemptions are available.
Process and required documentation
As per state law, applicants and students have a comprehensive obligation to co-operate so the universities have legal certainty and not too much effort in deciding on exemptions. This means you must submit the application before the start of the lecture period (§ 10 para. 3 sentence 2 Landeshochschulgebührengesetz LHGebG (state law on higher education fees)).
Applications for exemption as per § 8 para. 4 LHGebG (state law on higher education fees)
Students who take a leave of absence, as long as their request for the leave of absence is submitted before the start of the lecture period. If you did so and you are granted a leave of absence, this is a legal ground for exemption. We will notify you accordingly.
Students completing a required internship semester (as per the examination regulations). We need written confirmation from the internship coordinator in your department.
Students with a disability that makes studying significantly more difficult as per § 2 SGB IX (German social code): Generally, we will only need your valid disabled person’s identification card or specialist medical documents. (Prospective) students are very welcome to consult the representative for students with disabilities and chronic illnesses.
If we can exempt you from paying tuition fees, you can have the amount already paid refunded.
No other exemptions are available.
Forms
Application for exemption from paying tuition fees for second degree studies
Application for deferred payment of tuition fees for second degree studies