Study Financing

Our financing advisory service is available free of charge and without obligation to all interested parties and provides support in all matters related to financing. In addition, Alanus University offers various scholarships exclusively for its students.

General

Financing your studies is a challenge? We are happy to help.

Financing your studies and living expenses is a challenge for many students. Financing options often also depend on whether this is a first or second degree program, or whether our students are studying full-time or part-time alongside work. Many financing options are also tied to age limits. To help you keep track, our financing advisory service provides basic information and guidance – without obligation and free of charge.

Nola Bunke

General financing options Financing options exclusively for Alanus students Helpful tips Financing advisory contact Tuition fees Overview of degree program fees

The current fees for our degree programs are summarized here.

FEES

General financing options

BAföG

Scholarships

Scholarship databases

The chances of receiving a scholarship are generally better than many think. It is therefore worth investing some time and effort in research. With a bit of luck, a scholarship can help you finance your entire studies and become part of valuable networks.

The following scholarship databases provide an overview of available scholarships:

MyStipendium
Scholarship database by e-fellows
Scholarship database by ELFI (Electronic Research Funding Information)
Scholarship database by the DAAD for studies abroad
Scholarship database by the DAAD for studies in Germany for international students

Scholarship organizations for gifted students

You should apply to one of the scholarship organizations for gifted students as early as possible, ideally within the first two semesters of your studies. If you are considering applying to one of these organizations, it is worth visiting the joint website StipendiumPlus.

The following scholarship organizations for gifted students offer scholarships:

German Academic Scholarship Foundation
Konrad Adenauer Foundation (CDU)
Friedrich Ebert Foundation (SPD)
Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FDP)
Hanns Seidel Foundation (CSU)
Heinrich Böll Foundation (The Greens)
Hans Böckler Foundation (DGB)
Rosa Luxemburg Foundation (The Left)
Evangelisches Studienwerk Villigst
Cusanuswerk
Foundation of German Business
Ernst Ludwig Ehrlich Studienwerk
Avicenna Studienwerk (for Muslim students)

Further scholarship and funding opportunities

These funding opportunities are also aimed at talented (and financially needy) students

Funding opportunity for students who have lost one or both parents

Foundation for the Promotion of Talent in Vocational Education (sbb)

Advancement scholarship

The Advancement Scholarship offered by the Foundation for the Promotion of Talent in Vocational Education (SBB) is aimed at skilled professionals with completed vocational training and several years of work experience who would like to begin their first university degree.

Whether full-time study or a degree program alongside work can be funded depends on the funding conditions of the sbb and the individual requirements of the applicant. Further information can be found here.

Continuing education scholarship

The Continuing Education Scholarship offered by the Foundation for the Promotion of Talent in Vocational Education (SBB) supports highly qualified graduates of vocational training in their further professional qualification. Under certain conditions, university studies can also be funded.

Which of the two scholarships is suitable depends on the respective application requirements and the individual situation. Consultation with the Foundation for the Promotion of Talent in Vocational Education (sbb) is recommended.

Scholarship for Trailblazers

The scholarship from idealo is awarded every year and is intended for committed, talented, and creative minds who want to make a difference in the world. Further information on the application process can be found here.

Foundations

The Association of German Foundations has compiled an overview of foundations active in the field of student funding. Students can also use the German Foundation Center to research suitable scholarships and funding opportunities.

Deutschlandstipendium

For students:
Deutschlandstipendium – Your chance for funding

The Deutschlandstipendium supports high-achieving and committed students if their previous academic path and studies indicate outstanding performance – and if they are not currently receiving another scholarship for gifted students.

Social commitment, willingness to take responsibility, and special personal circumstances (e.g. family-related or financial challenges) may also be taken into account during the selection process.

The funding: Half of the scholarship funding comes from the federal government and half from private sponsors. Scholarship holders receive 300 euros per month from October to September.

Who can apply?
Anyone enrolled at Alanus University who meets the requirements can apply online via our internal university portal. The next application period is from 01/07–31/07/2026.

Requirements:

You are a German or international student at Alanus University.
You do not receive a scholarship from one of the 13 scholarship organizations for gifted students (www.stipendiumplus.de).
You do not receive an internal university scholarship.
You are within the standard period of study for your degree program.

If you are studying in a degree program without graded coursework, you will need an evaluation. Please have the relevant evaluation form completed by a lecturer who teaches you in the main module or with whom you have the most contact during your studies. Please upload this evaluation in the university portal.

Information for interested sponsors can be found here.

Deutschlandstipendium Coordinator:
Sabrina Birnbaum
T +49 2222 93211985

deutschlandstipendium@alanus.edu

FAQ

Who can receive the Deutschlandstipendium?

If you are enrolled at Alanus University and meet the eligibility requirements of the call for applications, you can apply online via the university portal at the appropriate time (summer). German and international students at Alanus University may apply if they are enrolled at the university and are not supported by one of the 13 scholarship organizations for gifted students (overview at www.stipendiumplus.de). In addition, they may not receive an internal university scholarship.

When is the Deutschlandstipendium not paid, and when does it end?

Payment requires that the scholarship holder is enrolled at the university awarding the scholarship. The scholarship is not paid during a leave of absence from studies. When studies are resumed after the leave of absence, the approval period of the scholarship will be adjusted upon notification by the scholarship holder.
Exception: The scholarship continues to be paid during a subject-related stay abroad.

In accordance with the legal provisions of the Scholarship Program Act, the scholarship ends at the end of the month in which the scholarship holder

has completed the final examination component; this is the case when the overall result of the successfully completed degree program is communicated to the scholarship holder, but no later than at the end of the second month after the month in which the final examination component was taken.
has discontinued their studies.
has changed their field of study.
is exmatriculated.

What obligations to cooperate apply to you under the Deutschlandstipendium?

Scholarship applicants must provide the information and documentation required to verify the suitability and performance requirements.

Scholarship holders must immediately and without being asked report all changes in circumstances that are relevant to the approval of the scholarship. In addition, during the funding period they must submit the proof of suitability and performance (including an evaluation form) required by Alanus University in order to review the continued existence of the funding requirements. Scholarship holders are also obliged to contribute artistic performances for subsequent scholarship recipients as part of an information event and the scholarship ceremony.

Who decides on the awarding of the Deutschlandstipendium and how does this happen?

A selection committee at Alanus University decides on all complete applications received on time, with the participation of two lecturers, one staff member from the examinations office, and the person responsible for the Deutschlandstipendium.

How will you find out as a new scholarship holder that you have been awarded the Deutschlandstipendium?

Selected scholarship holders first receive written notification by email with further details on the funding, payment, and important legal information. In addition, they receive their scholarship certificate in person at a ceremonial event.

How many Deutschlandstipendien are awarded, and how/where can you apply?

The university must first raise half of the scholarship funding from private donors. The other half is then provided by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR). The number of scholarships awarded each year therefore depends on the success of fundraising. It is announced in the scholarship call.

Applications are submitted exclusively online via the university portal.

Prospective first-year students who have already been admitted may only apply for the scholarship at the university where they will definitely begin their studies and are enrolled.

Education Fund – Deutsche Bildung

Student loan

CHE student loan test
In cooperation with Handelsblatt, the Center for Higher Education Development publishes the annual CHE Student Loan Test. It provides comprehensive answers to questions about student loans, study loans, and education funds.

KfW student loan
The KfW student loan is intended to finance living expenses during your studies. In principle, all degree programs (bachelor’s, master’s, Diplom, state examination) in first and second degree programs are funded, as well as postgraduate degree programs, doctoral projects, and part-time degree programs (including those alongside work). The KfW student loan is aimed at people between 18 and 44 years of age.

The loan is paid monthly in an amount between 100 and 650 euros.

Education loan
The education loan provides financial support for completing your studies (in an undergraduate degree program (Diplom) after the intermediate examination, in a bachelor’s degree program after the first year, or in a master’s degree program). The age limit here is 36.

The following cannot be funded:

Doctoral degree programs
Legal traineeships
Part-time degree programs and degree programs alongside work
Students with guest student status
Preparatory and follow-up internships related to studies
Retaking an examination to improve a passed grade (“improvement attempt”)

Student loans from banks
Loan conditions vary greatly from bank to bank and should definitely be compared carefully. In particular, you should make sure that repayment does not begin immediately after graduation, but no earlier than one year later.

Commerzbank offers the possibility of applying for a loan to repay BAföG. Further information can be found here.

Individual financial planning
An individual financial calculation of monthly living expenses helps you realistically assess your financial needs during your studies. On this basis, you can determine whether and to what extent a student loan makes sense. Such an overview helps you make sound financial decisions and plan your period of study with foresight.

Loans

International students

Special funding opportunity for international Alanus students
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) awards annual scholarships through the “STIBET I” program to international students who obtained their higher education entrance qualification abroad and are at least in the 3rd semester of a B.A. degree program. For one-year degree programs and master’s degree programs, funding is possible from the 2nd subject semester onward. Certain criteria must be met; you can find them on the pages of the International Office. The scholarship installments amount to at least 250 euros per month. The scholarship is granted for one semester (5 months). Application periods run from 01/12 to 31/01 for the spring semester and from 01/06 to 31/07 for the autumn semester.

DAAD scholarship
International students who obtained their higher education entrance qualification abroad can apply from abroad for scholarships from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). Further details can be found here.

Foundations and funding programs
International students can receive support from various foundations and organizations that offer scholarships and funding opportunities, such as:

Heinrich Böll Foundation
Friedrich Ebert Foundation
Konrad Adenauer Foundation
Avicenna Studienwerk for Muslim students

You can find more funding programs under the Scholarships tab.

BAföG even without a German passport
International students can also receive BAföG as financial support during their studies or schooling. Further information can be found here.

Deutsche Bildung education fund
EU citizens also have the option of financing their studies with the non-profit education fund from Deutsche Bildung. You can find more information here.

Further options
In addition to the information on this page, you will find further helpful details on the platforms listed below:

Tips for international students from the German National Association for Student Affairs
Overview of study financing in Germany for international students by Study in Germany

If you have any further questions, please contact the International Office.

Financing options exclusively for Alanus students Helpful tips Financing advisory contact Tuition fees Overview of degree program fees

Financing options exclusively for Alanus students

Architecture: Study with a practice partner

Fine Arts: Art-On Scholarship

Fine Arts: Karin Halft Scholarship

For outstanding academic achievement, the Alanus Foundation awards a support scholarship from the funds of the “Karin Halft Scholarship.” Each year, two applicants from Department 1, the Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) degree program, receive recognition of their work in painting, photography, video, sculpture, object art, and installation, etc., in the form of financial support.

The prize money amounts to 1,000 euros per scholarship.

Application

The scholarship is intended for students who have not yet completed a first degree program or vocational training. Students in the 2nd to 5th semester (B.F.A. degree program) may apply. Students who have already received the scholarship are excluded from reapplying.

The following must be submitted

A digital portfolio. The portfolio should provide insight into the various study contents that have been worked on and, beyond that, convey a personal and distinct profile of the student.
A brief written reflection on your own artistic position, max. one page (artist statement), as well as a current CV
The documents must be sent as a PDF via a service such as WeTransfer to karin-halft-stipendium@alanus.edu.

The call for applications begins on 1 May each year. Submission deadline: 31 August of the same year.

Background

Karin Halft was born in Trier in 1942. She did not follow her youthful wish to study art, but instead completed training as an industrial clerk starting in 1957. Together with her husband, she ran a textile business in Siegburg until 1996. After his death, she began studying art at Alanus University in Alfter at the age of 55, graduating with distinction in 2001.

Ms. Karin Halft has decided to provide lasting support for Fine Arts at Alanus University in Alfter. It is especially important to her to support talented and motivated students. For this purpose, the “Karin Halft Scholarship” is to be awarded in each academic year to students in the B.F.A. Fine Arts degree program.

Educational Science: Special funding for Waldorf Education

Business & Acting, performART: Starter Scholarship

Business & Acting: Study with a practice partner

Helpful tips Financing advisory contact Tuition fees Overview of degree program fees

Helpful tips

Working while studying

Housing benefit

Tax return for students

Universal basic income

Financing advisory contact Studienbeiträge Overview of degree program fees

Contact

Our colleagues are happy to help with any questions.

Financing Advisory Service

Mansoureh Fathi
Phone: +49 2222 93211011
Email: finanzierungsberatung@alanus.edu

Campus II, Administration Building
Room V/EG/23
Villestr. 3, 53347 Alfter

Hours
Monday to Friday
09:00 – 15:00

Appointments
By appointment only. Please send this online form in advance.

If you have questions about changing the payment method for tuition fees, account details, etc.:
Please contact our colleagues in Accounting. Simply send an email to: buchhaltung@alanus.edu

Alanus Hochschule

Tuition fees Overview of degree program fees

Tuition fees

General fees & tuition fees

Alanus University is a private university, which means it receives no public funding whatsoever and must finance itself entirely through tuition fees and contributions from sponsors. Listed below are all general fees as well as the fees for the various degree programs.

Enrollment fees

One-time fee upon conclusion of the study contract: 300 euros
One-time fee for the student ID card: 25 euros
One-time fee for secondary students and guest students in all degree programs: 300 euros
One-time fee for doctoral candidates upon application: 250 euros
One-time fee for doctoral candidates upon enrollment: 250 euros

Examination fees

One-time fee due upon application for admission to the bachelor’s or master’s thesis: 300 euros
One-time fee due for doctoral candidates upon admission to the examination phase: 500 euros

Germany semester ticket

Germany semester ticket fee Spring semester 2026 (full-time students only): 208.80 euros
Germany semester ticket fee Autumn semester 2026/2027 (full-time students only): 226.80 €

(This fee may increase from semester to semester depending on price adjustments by Deutsche Bahn and the transport association.)

Other fees

Returned direct debit: 7.50 euros

Overview of degree program fees

The current fees for our degree programs are summarized below and in the fee regulations.

FEE REGULATIONS

Overview of degree program fees

Architecture

Fine Arts

Educational Science

Eurythmy

Art Therapy

Acting

Mannheim Study Center