Studierendenwerksbeitrag (Studierendenwerk Fee)

The social infrastructure (Cafeterias, Child Care Centers, Student Accommodations, and Counseling Services) at the various higher education institutions in Mannheim is partially financed through one part operation and service costs (rent, menu prices, etc.) and one part through the Studierendenwerk Fee. The Studierendenwerk Fee (sometimes called the semester fee) must be paid for upon enrollment and for the renewal of matriculation for the respective institution.

This principle of "Beitrag + Entgelt" (fee + costs) can be found at all higher education institutions in Germany. 

The Studierendenwerk Fee in Mannheim consists of two components: The actual Studierendenwerk Fee and a contribution for the ÖPNV-Semesterticket  which is paid directly to the transportation authority of the Rhein-Neckar (VRN).

Fee amount since the Fall/Winter Semester 2020/21

1. University of Mannheim students pay EUR 110,30 (EUR 35,30 is the Semesterticket contribution) per semester
2. University of Applied Sciences students pay EUR 110,30 (EUR 35,30 is the Semesterticket contribution) per semester
3. Mannheim University of Music and Performing Arts students pay EUR 97,80 (EUR 22,80 is the Semesterticket contribution) per semester.
4. University of Popular Music and Music Business students pay EUR 97,80 (EUR 22,80 is the Semesterticket contribution) per semester.
5. Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University Mannheim pay EUR 208,60 (58,60 is the Semesterticket contribution) per year.  Depending on the appropriate duration of studies the contribution can be paid per semester (EUR 104,30; 29,30 is the contribution to the Semesterticket).

The DHBW Mannheim collects the Studierendenwerk Fee for the whole year.  Additionally, the DHBW collects EUR 7,20 for the various activities and offers (e.g "Hochschulsport") which increases the sum of the Studierendenwerk Fee for the year to EUR 186,00 (215,80 since Fall/Wintersemester 20/21.

The Studierendenwerk Fee in Mannheim lies within the lower third of all the German Studierendenwerk despite the high number of services offered (number and high concentration of cafeterias and Cafés in the area, the Kinderhaus with its high reputation, psychological counseling center (PBS) with their various courses and counseling offers, social counseling, and financial support such as BAföG.)

The current "Beitragsordnung" from the Fall/Winter Semester 2020/21 (PDF).

The Studierendenwerk Fee is not the same as the administration costs

The Studierendenwerk Fee is often thrown into the same pot as or is mixed up with the administrations fees of the respective institution to the amount of EUR 70,00. To make things easier for the payment process, the Studierendenwerk Fee is put together with the administration costs and is to be paid together. The Studierendenwerk however does not receive a single cent of this.

Reimbursement of the Studierendenwerk Fee

The following typically applies: The fee cannot be remitted, discounted, or deferred. No right to partial reimbursement exists in the case of Exmatriculation or withdraw during the semester.

Reimbursement of the Studierendenwerk Fee is only allowed in accordance with the conditions in the Beitragsordnung:

Reimbursement is not possible in any other case not listed here.