Accomodation

Which housing possibilities do Student Services offer?

The advantages of Student Services flats are obvious: they are much cheaper than other flats. Prices start at 245 euros. Most of them are close to the university and some are rented furnished. In addition, you can quickly establish contact with other German and foreign students in a student residence complex.

Each Student Services residence complex is supervised by a tutor for foreign students, who will be happy to help you if you have any problems.

Housing in these complexes is very popular and therefore scarce. You should therefore apply as early as possible.

The International Office at Osnabrück University helps exchange students and scholarship holders to register for a Student Services flat, if students register early enough. All other students please apply directly at Student Service’s housing division.

In the "Housing" section you will find an overview of our residence complexes and detailed information on the application process.

Where else can I live?

You can also look for an apartment or a room in a shared flat (WG in German) on your own. But this may take some time, because living space is scarce in Germany. Therefore, you should look around early - preferably already from your home country.

Under the "Housing" section you will also find addresses for accommodation by private providers. Also, Osnabrück University offers a free online information platform for housing offers in the Osnabrück region. Or you can place your own ad to find an apartment.

A shared flat

When several people rent an apartment together and share the rent and ancillary costs, this is referred to as a flat-sharing community, or "WG" for short. In a shared flat all residents have their own room, but share a kitchen and bathroom. This model is widespread in Germany.

Living in a shared flat does not only save money. It is also a good way to make friends.

Financing

Let’s talk about money. You should know what the costs for studying in Germany are and what support there is for foreign students before you go abroad. Because going abroad to study only makes sense if you can afford it. Carefully calculate the costs you will have to bear, so that you do not end up with a mountain of debt.

And check what financing options there are. You can find out more about this in the Finances section.

Click here to find a short video "How do I finance my studies in Germany – tips for international students."

How much money do I need?

If you come to Germany without a scholarship, the German embassy in your home country and the so-called Foreigners’ Office in the German city where you will live during your studies require "proof of financing". This means that you must prove that you can finance your stay yourself.

The authorities expect you to have a minimum amount per month at your disposal.

You can find out from your university’s International Office how much this amount currently is and how you can give proof of it. They will also give you information on tuition and semester fees for your university or university of applied sciences.

How can I open an account?

In Germany, regular payments such as semester fees, health insurance or rent are usually made by bank transfer. You need an account for these transactions. With the debit card, which you will then receive automatically, you can withdraw money from ATMs.

Many banks offer students a checking account with no fees. Banks and ATMs can be found everywhere in Germany. Choose a bank branch that is conveniently located and open an account there.

If the account is only free for students, you must bring a certificate of enrolment with you. This must be presented at the beginning of each semester.

To open an account, you will need

• your passport,
• your notification of admission to your university and (certificate of enrolment)
• a registration confirmation from the city’s registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt), if you are an EU citizen or the Foreigners’ Office (Ausländerbehörde), if you are not from an EU state.

Are there scholarships for studying?

Yes, one way to finance your studies is with a scholarship. The advantage is that you do not have to repay the money. 

But competition is fierce, and many applicants are unsuccessful. Unlike in other countries, scholarships in Germany are awarded less by universities/colleges and more by the state, churches, associations, businesses, political parties or private institutions. The organisations themselves determine the criteria and purpose for awarding scholarships.

There are scholarships for first-year students, doctoral candidates, good grades, social engagement or exceptional study projects. Some of these grants are specifically aimed at students from abroad.

The following databases may be helpful when searching for a suitable scholarship:

• Deutsche Akademische Austauschdienst (DAAD) (www.funding-guide.de)
• Begabtenförderungswerke (www.stipendiumplus.de)
• Stiftungssuche (www.stiftungssuche.de/stipendien).

As an international student, do I get state funding?

The possibilities for state funding are limited for international students.

In addition, if international students wish to apply for state social benefits (e.g. housing benefit, citizen's income, etc.), it is essential that they seek advice beforehand, as receiving state benefits can have a negative impact on their residence permit.

The student finance division can advise you on benefits under the so-called BAföG.

Under certain conditions, international students can also receive benefits under the BAföG.

In simple terms, international students who have a residence permit that includes a permanent residence option and who are socially integrated are eligible for support, provided that they also meet all other requirements under the BAföG.  

Eligible groups include, for example, persons with a permanent right of residence in the EU, a permanent residence permit for the EC or a settlement permit.

Unfortunately, funding under the BAföG is not possible with a residence permit under Section 16 of the Residence Act (AufenthG).

For detailed requirements, please refer to our information sheet on BAföG for international students.

If you have any questions about financing your studies under the BAföG, please feel free to contact the Student Finance Department. 

Can I get an education loan?

The education loan is intended to finance the final phase of your education, additional or supplementary studies, postgraduate studies or an internship.

As the KFW education loan is granted under the same eligibility requirements as BAföG, it is only available to international students under certain conditions.

As the education loan also bears interest, there is a risk that rising interest rates could lead to debt.

What do I need to bear in mind when working part-time?

A part-time job offers the opportunity to gain experience, make contacts and supplement your study funding. It is very difficult to finance your study costs and living expenses in Germany exclusively through a part-time job. Time-consuming part-time jobs can interfere with your academic performance, which may prolong your studies and, in the worst case, jeopardise your residence permit.

German language skills are required for many jobs.

Students from the EU/EEA/Switzerland
Students from the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland are generally allowed to work under the same conditions as German students.

Students from third countries (§16(b) AufentG)
International students from third countries are generally allowed to work 140 full days or 280 half days per year (valid from 1 April 2024). Half days are working days with up to 4 hours of work. Half days and full days can be combined, and holidays or sick days do not count as working days.

Students with a part-time job must have proof of how many days per year they work.

Honorary work or other self-employed activities may only be carried out with the permission of the immigration office.

One exception is working as a research assistant or student assistant at the university, in the student services organisation or in the student council: as long as your studies are not jeopardised, you can do this for an unlimited period of time. However, you must still inform the immigration office.

Further information:
Jobs for international students (German)
Job regulations for international students in Germany (English)

How can I find a job?

There are various ways to find a job alongside your studies. The Bundesagentur für Arbeit offers an online job exchange. Further job exchanges can be found on university websites and on the notice boards of the respective internal systems (StudIP and Ilias). Sometimes it is enough to take a look at the notice boards and posters at the university and canteens or in the classifieds section of a regional newspaper.

Some students work as research assistants (colloquially known as ‘Hiwi’) at their university. They lead tutorials or research literature for professors. Anyone interested in this can ask about vacancies at their institute's office and keep an eye out for notices and advertisements at their university.

Outside the university: Typical student jobs ‘off campus’ include working in pubs and restaurants, tutoring, babysitting and courier services. 

Studying under special conditions

I have a child. Can parenthood be combined with studying?

The Studierendenwerk works closely with other childcare providers in Osnabrück, Vechta and Lingen. Children can play and learn there while you study in peace.

As demand for childcare places is high, you should contact them before you arrive if possible.
Osnabrück: Children and Family Service Office
Vechta: Spatzennest

Detailed information on support options for students with children, such as housing offers, free children's meals and counselling services, can be found here.

Studying with a disability. What do I have to consider?

Student Services offer personal advice for students with disabilities. Contact our psychosocial counselling division for a consultation.

Our housing division also offers barrier-free apartments.

We recommend contacting us as early as possible to discuss your individual needs. Detailed information on the wide range of support services available to students with disabilities can be found here.

Counselling and advisory services

Although studying in Germany is exciting, it can also be a great challenge - especially for international students. Fortunately, help and support are available. In addition to the various supporting offices and groups at your university or university of applied sciences, Student Services offer you the following:

Friend and helper: The Tutoring Programme

The first contact persons for your questions are the tutors in the student residence halls. Look out for the posters with the contact details of the tutor who is responsible for your residence and feel free to contact him or her for help, information and advice.

Psychosocial counselling of the Studentenwerk

Are you suffering from exam phobia, self-doubt, or due to conflicts with parents, partners or friends? Psychological problems make you ill. That's why you should seek advice in case of doubt. You are in good hands at the Psychosocial Counselling Centre (PSB).

The counsellors are trained to deal with the specific needs of international students and are well connected with other important contact points at the university.

Students turn to the Psychological Counselling Service with a wide range of problems. These include issues related to their studies, such as learning and work problems, exam anxiety or a drop in performance. Personal issues include questions of integration into the new culture and living environment, insecurity, loneliness, fears and depressive moods. Personal problems and academic difficulties can be interrelated and lead to withdrawal and academic failure.

Social counselling deals with issues relating to student employment, health insurance and residence regulations. Further support can be provided in communicating with government agencies and authorities.

If in doubt, seek advice. You are in good hands at the Psychosocial Counselling Centre (PSB).

Food, culture & leisure

In addition to your studies, there are a variety of opportunities to enrich your time in Germany.

Where can I go for a cheap meal?

Studying makes you hungry. The Studierendenwerk serves up delicious food at low prices with passion. Different culinary preferences and the environment are also taken into account.

You will find a Studierendenwerk canteen near every university. You won't find such high quality for such low prices anywhere else!

The canteens offer dishes for every taste: stews, salads, meat, fish, vegetarian and vegan dishes. There are typical German meals and dishes from all over the world. For example, our MENSA GLOBAL menu line stands for international cuisine and is 100% plant-based.

In addition to the cafeterias, there are cafés that offer a small selection of cold and hot snacks.

Detailed information and the menus can be found in the food section.

A cultural and leisure programme for Osnabrück, Vechta and Lingen?

Looking for leisure activities? The international offices at the respective universities and colleges offer day trips, theatre visits, discussion groups and more.

The team at the respective AStA, the student union, also organises a wide range of cultural activities and announces these primarily on its own social media channels.

The student union's canteens and cafeterias also offer opportunities to hang out and get to know other students. The hall of residence tutors also organise informal meetings and events. Don't want to miss any events?

Enjoy a particular sport or interested in trying a new one? Everyone is welcome to join in university sports.

The university communities also offer a wide range of activities for students.