Guides

What separates a university, a Hochschule and a Fachhochschule in Germany: doctoral rights, focus, degrees and student numbers for 2025/26.

How trainee teacher pay differs between primary and secondary school in Germany, which pay grade applies to you, and what to check for your Land.

What disability insurance costs as a student in total, shown with three worked examples and clearly labelled assumptions. Plus the tariff levers that matter.

How to calculate your pension gap: pension points, the 2026 pension value of 42.52 euros and a worked example with stated assumptions. Last updated October 2026.

Disability insurance during dentistry studies: naming the target profession, health questions under section 19 VVG and what affects the premium.

Some employers offer disability insurance through occupational pensions (bAV). Here is what to check before you rely on it when you start your career in Germany.

From 2027, a new state-subsidised model replaces the Riester pension. What the reform means for allowances, existing contracts and young professionals.

Disability insurance for pupils can secure favourable conditions. Here is what speaks for an early start, what parental consent means and how to choose an occupation.

What legal trainees (Rechtsreferendare) earn in the German states, why allowances and training allowances differ, and which health aid rules apply to you.

Student living costs in Germany 2026: BAföG rates, housing allowance and broadcasting fee as reference values, plus a budget example.