How to cover expenses

What you need to know before applying to the FUSE program

The monthly costs to be covered by each student are approximately 1,000 EURO for:

  • at least 650 €/month for living (including rent, food, books etc.)
    • Rent: ~ 300 EURO - 450 EURO
    • Healthcare: ~ 100 EURO
    • Food: ~ 198 EURO (varies depending on individual lifestyle)
    • Working materials: ~ 50 EURO - 100 EURO
    • Recreation, culture and sports: ~ 65 EURO (varies depending on individual lifestyle)
  • Semester fees are approximately 392 EURO per semester.

Possible ways to cover the required expenses:

The complete expenses (including accomodation, semester contribution, food, health insurance, public transport etc.) for four semesters amount to about 30,000 EURO. Clearly, the exact sum depends on the individual way of living, price levels etc.

It is important that you are able to cover these expenses. German foreign authorities do not grant student visa without proof of sufficient financial means. The proof may be provided by ONE of the following:

  • disclosure of parents income and assets OR
  • a binding declaration of the parents to the German consular representative or the corresponding office that they will pay the expenses of the student OR
  • the placement of a deposit in a frozen bank account in Germany OR
  • a proof of a scholarship (apply e.g. at the DAAD) OR
  • the annually renewed placement of a bank letter of guarantee with a bank in Germany.

Furthermore, you must show evidence that you have a health insurance to cover corresponding expenses in Germany.

FUSE studies are very intensive, we strongly advise you NOT to take any jobs during the program. There is, however, a way to earn money, namely by finding a job as a so-called studying assistant in a lab where you typically work in a field related to projects within the FUSE program. In principle, it is also possible to find work outside the university. With student visa you are permitted to work 120 full days or 240 half-days per year.

More information on student financing and scholarships:

The student finance advisor at "Studierendenwerk Kassel" provides information and advice on student financing.