The semester fee (Semesterbeitrag) is the amount you pay each semester to your university, usually together with your re-enrolment. It is made up of several parts and is not the same as your health insurance. This guide explains the parts using the University of Münster as an example for winter term 2026/27.
Kurz beantwortet: The semester fee is a university charge. Depending on the university it covers contributions to the student services organisation (Studierendenwerk), the student body and often the semester ticket. The University of Münster lists a total of 369.50 euros for winter term 2026/27, of which 226.80 euros is the semester ticket (status: October 2026). You pay your health insurance separately to your health insurer.
Key points at a glance
- The semester fee is charged by your university, not by your health insurer.
- The amount differs between universities. Münster lists 369.50 euros for winter term 2026/27.
- The semester ticket is usually the largest item. In Münster it is 226.80 euros, about 61 percent of the fee.
- Student health insurance (KVdS) is not included and is paid to your health insurer.
- Exemptions and deadlines are set in the fee regulations of your university.
What is the semester fee made of?
The breakdown from the University of Münster shows how a semester fee can be structured. Other universities list the items differently or combine them. Always check the breakdown on your own notice.
| Item | Amount winter term 2026/27 | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Services of the student services organisation | 119.77 euros | Services such as canteens, housing and counselling |
| Semester ticket | 226.80 euros | Public transport during the semester |
| Tasks of the student body | 17.50 euros | Work of the student council (AStA) |
| Cultural semester ticket | 3.40 euros | as listed |
| Student sport | 1.40 euros | University sports |
| University radio | 0.40 euros | University radio |
| Additional insurance for students | 0.23 euros | as listed |
| Total | 369.50 euros | Total for winter term 2026/27 |
The semester ticket makes up the largest share, and the student services organisation receives the second largest. The breakdown does not show a separate item for university administration.
What do you pay per month?
A semester usually covers six months. Assumption: you divide the semester fee by six. At 369.50 euros this comes to about 61.58 euros a month. This helps with budgeting, even though you transfer the amount only once per semester. The semester ticket alone works out at about 37.80 euros a month.
What should you check before you pay?
- Read the notice and check that all the items you expect are listed.
- Note the payment deadline and method. The amount must arrive in time for re-enrolment to take effect.
- Check whether the fee regulations provide an exemption or reduction for your situation.
- Keep the notice and the proof of payment, for example for offices or insurers.
Example: the semester fee converted to months
The table below divides each item of the Münster breakdown by six, so you can see which part of your budget goes where. The values are rounded, so the total may differ by a few cents.
| Item | Total per semester | Per month (divided by 6) |
|---|---|---|
| Student services organisation | 119.77 euros | 19.96 euros |
| Semester ticket | 226.80 euros | 37.80 euros |
| Student body | 17.50 euros | 2.92 euros |
| Cultural semester ticket | 3.40 euros | 0.57 euros |
| Student sport | 1.40 euros | 0.23 euros |
| University radio | 0.40 euros | 0.07 euros |
| Additional insurance | 0.23 euros | 0.04 euros |
| Total | 369.50 euros | 61.58 euros |
The semester ticket therefore accounts for about 61 percent of the monthly burden. If you are unsure whether you will use it, compare this monthly amount with your actual journeys.
Re-enrolment and payment belong together
Re-enrolment is the step by which you register for the new semester. It often only takes effect once the fee has been paid, so check the re-enrolment portal before the deadline runs out. A screenshot or the proof of payment is the most important evidence if questions arise.
Many students transfer the amount shortly before the deadline. It is safer to allow a day of margin, because bank transfer times vary.
Why do semester fees differ between universities?
Each university sets its fees within its own regulations. The amount depends on the student services organisation, the student body and the semester ticket. The ticket price follows a regional agreement, so semester fees can differ considerably between cities, even for the same course of study.
The semester ticket shows this well. According to the Leipziger Zeitung, the Studierendenwerk Leipzig reported in February 2026 a price of 226.80 euros for winter term 2026/27, after 208.80 euros before (in German).
What is not part of the semester fee?
Health insurance is not part of the semester fee. If you are not family insured, you pay the KVdS to your health insurer. The contribution basis in 2026 is 855 euros a month (section 236 SGB V). The broadcasting fee is collected separately by the Beitragsservice. Private liability insurance is usually not included unless your notice lists it.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I do not pay the semester fee?
Your re-enrolment can fail, and the university may take further steps. The exact consequences are set out in its regulations. Pay on time and keep the proof of payment.
Can I opt out of the semester ticket?
There is no general answer. Whether and under which conditions you can be exempt is set out in the fee regulations and the ticket contract of your university. Ask the student services organisation or the student body before you assume anything.
Why is my fee higher than in the neighbouring city?
The total depends on the university, the regional ticket and the decisions of the student body. Compare the items one by one rather than only the total.
Do I pay the fee again every semester?
Yes, the semester fee falls due for each semester in which you are enrolled. The amount can change from one semester to the next, so check every new notice.
What to do next
- Open your current fee notice and compare it with the breakdown in this guide.
- Divide the total by six to get the monthly figure for your budget.
- Check the deadline and payment method on the website of your university.
- Clarify exemption options early, before you pay.
Related guides
- Semester Fee Deadline: Re-enrolment and Consequences
- Studying in Dresden: Costs, Housing and Semester Fee 2026
- Studying in Jena: Costs, Housing and Semester Fee 2026
- Student Health Insurance in Germany 2026: Key Figures
- Günstig unterwegs im Studium: Semesterticket und Deutschlandticket (in German)
Sources: University of Münster, semester fee winter term 2026/27 (in German), Section 236 SGB V, contributions for students (in German), Leipziger Zeitung (L-IZ), report of 13 February 2026 on the semester ticket (in German).
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
