Costs of living

<b>Monthly costs of living</b><br /> <br /> Euro (Bild: Pixelquelle.de)Life in Bochum is relatively inexpensive compared with other german cities. However you will have to pay 570,- € but more likely 670,- € a month to support yourself in Germany<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blog.mint.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Cost-of-Living.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blog.mint.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Cost-of-Living.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br />     * Living: For a room in a student residence rent (bills for Water, electricity, heating and waste disposal are usually included) is about 204,- € to 305,- € a month.<br />     * Health insurance for students costs 77,01 € or 78,50 € a month.<br />     * Food should be expected to cost about 180,- € to 240,- € a month.<br />     * Clothing and personal hygiene cost about 50,- € to 80,- € a month.<br />     * You should allow for about 50,- € a month for Telephone, Internet and Radio License Fees.<br />     * Working material, photocopies and library fees and the like cost, sometimes depending on the subject studied, 10,- € to 50,- € a month.<br /> <br /> Added to this must be costs for the studies as well as expenses for free time activities, e.g. culture, sports or going out

Costs of living

Monthly costs of living Euro (Bild: Pixelquelle.de)Life in Bochum is relatively inexpensive compared with other german cities. However you...

Read more »

Help with Financial Problems

<br /> <b>Help with Financial Problems</b><br /> <br /> There are a few support possibilities for foreign students with financial emergencies. Sometimes this aid is only available to students at specific schools. If you have problems, the consultation office for foreign students will try to help you.<br /> <br /> <b>Emergency funds</b><br /> <br /> Many schools have an emergency aid fund to support international students in emergency situations. If you can prove that you are in a temporary emergency situation you may receive a one-time aid package from the Studentenwerk or the AStA. Such an emergency can occur for example due to illness, pregnancy or exam times – recurring or long term aid is, however, not possible!<br /> <br /> Further information at the counselling office for foreign student. oder Tutorenbüro.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.wecanhelp.ca/_images/_bannerRotate/banner2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://www.wecanhelp.ca/_images/_bannerRotate/banner2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> <b>Food stamps</b><br /> <br /> Needy students can also apply for food stamps that entitle them to a free or reduced meal at the Mensa. Food stamps are subsidized by the AStAs of the Ruhr-University and the Bochum University of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschule) as well as the AKAFÖ.<br /> <br /> To receive food stamps you must file an informal application and provide proof of your monthly financial situation. For this purpose pleas bring a bank statement with your income and expenditures as well as certificate of enrollment.<br /> <br /> Further information at the consultation office for foreign students or at the AStA of the Fachhochschule.<br /> <br /> <b>Association "Hilfe für ausländische Studierende in Bochum e.V."</b><br /> <br /> The association "Hilfe für ausländische Studierende in Bochum e.V." was founded based on the initiative of representatives of the Bochum universities, the AStAs of the Ruhr Universität and the Bochum University of Applied Sciences as well as the two Christian student congregations. The association organizes different donation actions and uses these means to support foreign students with a one time aid package (e.g. payment of monthly rent, health insurance contribution, etc.)<br /> <br /> <br /> <b>Hilfe für ausländische Studierende in Bochum e. V.</b><br /> <br /> Postfach 25 03 24, 44741 Bochum<br /> <br /> Donations account: Sparkasse Bochum, BLZ 43050001, Konto 33304700<br /> <br /> You can receive further information from the councelling office for international students, student counciland the two Christian student congregations.<br /> <br /> <b>Social Insurance Refund from the AStA</b><br /> <br /> The AStA of the Ruhr-University offers a reimbursement of the social insurance fee twice a year during the confirmation period. If you can provide proof of a financial emergency (e.g. with bank statements, income statement, or similar) the AStA can assume your social insurance partially or in full.<br /> <br /> <br /> Pay close attention to the deadlines for the social insurance refund! The dates are advertised in the consultation rooms and the AStA secretariat at the beginning of February and the beginning of August.<br /> <br /> <b>Social advice from the AStA of the Ruhr-Universität</b><br /> <br /> Studierendenhaus room 016<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.asta-bochum.de/">www.asta-bochum.de/</a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.asta-bochum.de/?page_id=1758">http://www.asta-bochum.de/?page_id=1758</a><br /> <br /> <br /> <b>AStA of the Fachhochschule (Raum BO -31/32)</b><br /> <br /> Lennershofstr.140<br /> <br /> 44801 Bochum<br /> <br /> Phone 0234/ 32-10728<br /> <br /> E-Mail: asta[at]fh-bochum.de<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.fh-bochum.de/asta/">http://www.fh-bochum.de/asta/</a>

Help with Financial Problems

Help with Financial Problems There are a few support possibilities for foreign students with financial emergencies. Sometimes this aid is...

Read more »

Perks for students

<br /> <b>Perks for students</b><br /> <br /> There are discounts for students in many different areas. For example you can get cheaper tickets for the movies, museums or swimming pools. Newspaper and magazine subscriptions as well as computer software are also available at discount prices.<br /> For students of all Bochum universities the student identification card is also a ticket for local public transportation (Semester ticket).<br /> You should always have your student ID card with you. And: If you’re not sure, go ahead and ask if there is a reduced price for students!<br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.thasisindirectfurthercredit.com/acctopen187963821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://www.thasisindirectfurthercredit.com/acctopen187963821.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> <b>International Student Identity Card (ISIC)</b><br /> <br /> In addition to the normal student ID card from the school you can also apply for an International Student Identity Card (ISIC) at the AStAs in any Bochum school or at a travel agency. With this card all students under the age of 35 are entitled to discounts in many countries of the world. For the application you will need a valid student ID card and a passport photo. The ISIC costs 12,- € and is valid for one year.<br /> The ISIC is not needed within Germany, it is more useful for traveling abroad or if you are planning a longer stay abroad. The card is available in September for the following year and is valid until December of that year (a maximum of 16 months).<br /> <br /> <b>TV and Radio license fee</b><br /> <br /> In Germany there is a mandatory fee for all Radios, TVs and computers with internet access. The 17.28 € a month fee (5.76 € if you only own a radio) is used to finance the public television and radio stations. The fees are mandatory even if the appliance or the public stations are not used. However, they are not automatically due, not until you have registered yourself at the toll collecting agency, the Gebühreneinzugszentrale (GEZ).<br /> <br /> The GEZ provides information once a year to students who live in AKAFÖ dorms about their duty to register such appliances. This visit will be advertised beforehand on posters hanging in the dorms.<br /> Theoretically it is possible to be exempted from these fees. But this is normally only the case if the student receives a state grant (BAföG), or if they can prove to be a so called "special case of hardship". Low income alone does not qualify as a special case – Questions can be directed to the GEZ-Hotline at 0180-501 65 65.<br /> <br /> It is nearly impossible for students from countries outside of the European Economic Area to be exempted from the license fees. Because you are required to show proof that you can finance your studies before you may begin, there is no chance of success for a "special case" application. In case of doubt, the only thing that helps is to sell all appliances subject to fees and give notice at the GEZ.<br /> <br /> <b>Discount telephone service</b><br /> <br /> If you are lucky enough to be exempt from TV and radio license fees or receive BAfÖG, you can apply for a discount telephone service at the Telekom. When you present proof of this in any Telekom shop you will receive a free credit of approximately 7,- € a month to call on the German Telekom network. However the basic fee for telephone service is still the same price.

Perks for students

Perks for students There are discounts for students in many different areas. For example you can get cheaper tickets for the movies, muse...

Read more »

Career entry

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://s.newsweek.com/sites/www.newsweek.com/files/styles/md/public/2015/08/05/0318056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://s.newsweek.com/sites/www.newsweek.com/files/styles/md/public/2015/08/05/0318056.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <b><br /></b> <b>Career entry</b><br /> <br /> <b>Overview websites</b><br /> <br /> There are many consultation sites and books on the subject of job-seeking and career entry. Some general tips and links can be found on the following internet pages:<br /> <a href="http://www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/beratungsportal/studium/4_danach/berufseinstieg.htm">http://www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/beratungsportal/studium/4_danach/berufseinstieg.htm</a><br /> <a href="http://www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/kobra/jobboersen.html">http://www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/kobra/jobboersen.html</a><br /> <a href="http://www.fh-bochum.de/kit/jobb.php">http://www.fh-bochum.de/kit/jobb.php</a><br /> <b><br /></b> <b><br /></b> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <b><br /></b> <b>Coordination and consultation center for career entry (KoBra)</b><br /> <br /> The organization "Koordinierungs- und Beratungsstelle für den Berufseinstieg" (Coordination and consultation for career entry "KoBra", now Career Service), was established at the Ruhr-University Bochum to support graduates during their career entry. KoBra offers competent consultation for students of the Ruhr-University such as job application training, an overview of job exchanges or review of application documents.<br /> Koordinierungs- und Beratungsstelle für den Berufseinstieg<br /> Studierendenhaus 2/208<br /> Ruhr-Universität<br /> Phone 0234/32-23866<br /> Fax. 0234/32-14001<br /> E-Mail: <a href="mailto:kobra@ruhr-uni-bochum.de">kobra@ruhr-uni-bochum.de</a><br /> <a href="http://www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/kobra">http://www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/kobra</a><br /> <b><br /></b> <b>Career portal from the University of Applied Sciences Bochum</b><br /> <br /> The Fachhochschule (University of Applied Sciences) Bochum has established its own career portal where you can find job offers as well as news and an exchange for theses.<br /> Career portal: <a href="http://fh-bochum.euni.de/">http://fh-bochum.euni.de</a><br /> <br /> <b>Academic team of the Agency for Employment</b><br /> <br /> The academic team of the Agency for Employment supports students, graduates and dropouts during study and work orientation and with the introduction into professional life. The academic team offers individual consultation on the following topics:<br /> on questions about the job market<br /> on personal employment prospects<br /> on strategies for finding your first position after your degree<br /> on professional training<br /> on changing your course of studies<br /> on withdrawing from studies<br /> Application training, workshops, lecture series, qualification for students, and tradeshows are also conducted by the academic team in cooperation with the Studienbüro, KoBra and others.<br /> Team Akademische Berufe der Bundes-Agentur für Arbeit Bochum<br /> Studierendenhaus 2/211<br /> Ruhr-University Bochum<br /> Phone 0234/32-22435<br /> E-Mail: <a href="mailto:bochum.hochschulteam@arbeitsagentur.de">bochum.hochschulteam@arbeitsagentur.de</a><br /> <a href="http://www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/studienbuero/h-team.htm">http://www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/studienbuero/h-team.htm</a><br /> <br /> Office hours:<br /> Mon 10-12 a.m. & 2-4 p.m.<br /> Tue 11-12 a.m. & 2-4 p.m.<br /> Wed & Thu 10-12 a.m. & 2-4 p.m.<br /> <br /> <b>Jobmarket of the universities</b><br /> <br /> Many companies use the university job exchange to search selectively for graduates of certain subjects.<br /> <br /> Jobmarket of the Ruhr-University:<br /> <a href="http://www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/php-bin/stellen/stellen.html">http://www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/php-bin/stellen/stellen.html</a><br /> Jobmarket of the FH Bochum<br /> http://fh-bochum.euni.de<br /> <br /> <b>Adjoining universities</b><br /> <br /> Jobmarket of the University Duisburg-Essen<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.uni-duisburg-essen.de/stellen">http://www.uni-duisburg-essen.de/stellen</a><br /> Jobmarket of the University Dortmund<br /> <a href="http://www.gosteps.uni-dortmund.de/dez4/htdocs/stellen.html">http://www.gosteps.uni-dortmund.de/dez4/htdocs/stellen.html</a><br /> <b><br /></b> <b>Regional center Women and Work middle Ruhr Area</b><br /> <br /> The regional center Women and Work for the middle Ruhr Area (Regionalstelle Frau und Beruf Mittleres Ruhrgebiet) offers information on topis such as qualification, job search or the compatability of children and career. The regional center offers career counseling in Bochum, Herne, Hattingen and Witten.<br /> Regionalstelle Frau und Beruf Mittleres Ruhrgebiet<br /> Willy-Brandt-Platz 2-6<br /> 44777 Bochum<br /> Phone 0234/910-3296<br /> Fax. 0234/910-2550<br /> <a href="http://www.fub-mr.de/">http://www.fub-mr.de</a>

Career entry

Career entry Overview websites There are many consultation sites and books on the subject of job-seeking and career entry. Some gener...

Read more »

Jobs & internships

<b>Jobs & internships</b><br /> <br /> <b>Internships</b><br /> <br /> During the studies internships are a great way to gain work experience and to make some money on the side. The conditions of study of some courses even stipulate internships. Towards the end of the studies internships can be meaningful when it comes to getting to know future employers.<br /> Internship market at Career Service<br /> www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/careerservice/<br /> Of course, it is great if you would find a side job that matches your studies and where you can put in use what you have learned. But many times you have to take other jobs as well, to make some money.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.brockport.edu/career/stories/images/Feature1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://www.brockport.edu/career/stories/images/Feature1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> <b>Arrangement of jobs for students at the labour office (Agentur für Arbeit)</b><br /> <br /> At the labour office (Agentur für Arbeit), Bochum, there is an office for the allocation of jobs for students. There you can get informations about offers for temporary side jobs in person.<br /> Online you can find jobs for students at "Arbeits- und Ausbildungssuchende" und "Stellenangebote suchen". At "Art der Nachfrage" choose the option "Ferienjob/Studentenjob" and refine your search if applicable (e. g. for the timeframe or the zip code).<br /> Arbeitsagentur Bochum<br /> Studentenjobvermittlung<br /> <a href="http://www.arbeitsagentur.de/">http://www.arbeitsagentur.de</a><br /> <br /> <b>Local newspapers and websites</b><br /> <br /> It's also worth it to look up the local newspapers for classifieds. On a frequent basis there are students wanted for temporary side jobs as help in the house, as a babysitter or as service staff in pubs and restaurants.<br /> Online you will find jobs for students in Bochum and surroundings at<br /> <a href="http://www.meinestadt.de/bochum/jobs">http://www.meinestadt.de/bochum/jobs</a> (e. g. in the categories "Minijobs" or "Helfer-Jobs").<br /> <br /> <b>Bulletin boards</b><br /> <br /> You can also find openings for side jobs at the bulletin boards of your university, e.g. at the AStA or at the foyer of the buildings.<br /> <br /> <b>Promotion- and event-agencies</b><br /> <br /> Many students from abroad work for promotion and event-agencies when in Germany and are employed as sales promoters or fair hostesses for example.<br /> You can find promotion jobs at:<br /> <a href="http://www.promotionbasis.de/">http://www.promotionbasis.de</a><br /> <a href="http://www.promo-24.de/">http://www.promo-24.de</a><br /> <a href="http://www.promoconection.de/">http://www.promoconection.de</a><br /> <a href="http://www.careerjet.de/">http://www.careerjet.de/</a><br /> <a href="https://www.alphajump.de/">https://www.alphajump.de/</a><br /> <a href="http://www.studentenjobs24.de/">http://www.studentenjobs24.de</a><br /> <a href="http://www.myjobnextdoor.com/">http://www.myjobnextdoor.com</a><br /> <a href="http://www.jobruf.de/">http://www.jobruf.de/</a><br /> <a href="http://www.jobsuma.de/">http://www.jobsuma.de/</a><br /> <br /> <b>Job exchanges</b><br /> <br /> Working as a graduate assistant at an academic institution or the Studentenwerk offers a big advantage for Students coming from Non-Eu-contries: in most cases the 120-days regulation does not apply. Pleas note - such part-time have to be some how linked with your academic education.<br /> Jobmarket of the Ruhr-University<br /> http://www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/php-bin/stellen/stellen.html<br /> Jobmarket of the University of Applied Sciences<br /> http://www.hochschule-bochum.de/studium/rund-ums-studium/arbeiten-jobben.html<br /> <br /> <b>Adjoining universities:</b><br /> <br /> Jobmarket of the University Duisburg-Essen<br /> <a href="http://www.uni-duisburg-essen.de/stellen">http://www.uni-duisburg-essen.de/stellen</a><br /> Jobmarket of the University Dortmund<br /> <a href="http://www.gosteps.uni-dortmund.de/dez4/htdocs/stellen.html">http://www.gosteps.uni-dortmund.de/dez4/htdocs/stellen.html</a>

Jobs & internships

Jobs & internships Internships During the studies internships are a great way to gain work experience and to make some money on the ...

Read more »

Working while you study (non-EU-countries)

<b>Working while you study – Regulations for students from non-EU-countries</b><br /> <br /> The regulations named here are valid for all foreign students that come from countries not in the European Union.<br /> These same restrictions also apply temporarily to most of the countries that joined the EU in 2004. This applies to students from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Bulgaria and Rumania.<br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.collegeturk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/turkey-work-and-study.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://www.collegeturk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/turkey-work-and-study.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <b>Regulations for language course participants</b><br /> <br /> Participants who take part in a language course<br /> but do not plan to study afterwards, are not allowed to work.<br /> Applicants who are preparing to study in federal territory and are participating in German courses, preparatory college (Studienkolleg) or a study-relevant internship are allowed to work 120 days or 240 half days respectively in a calendar year. They are also restricted time wise to vacation time, weekends and holidays.<br /> <br /> <b>Regulations for graduates/postgraduates</b><br /> <br /> You may remain registered as a student in Germany until the end of your doctorate. Other regulations apply to you afterwards.<br /> Guest academics receive a residence permit for exercising an occupation if the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment approved of the employment of foreigners for this career group by decree of law or if their consent is not required for this career group. In principle a concrete job offer is a prerequisite for the issue of a residence permit.<br /> Foreign academic personnel who aspire to live permanently in Germany can apply for a settlement permit (this is an indefinite residence permit status) right away. Family members who follow receive the same employment possibilities as the foreigner already living in Germany.<br /> <b><br /></b> <b>Regulations for regularly registered students</b><br /> <br /> <b>Work permit</b><br /> <br /> The residence permit authorises international students only to study. Working is restively regulated in this residence permit (freelance work is prohibited, only a limed number of work days per year allowed, etc.).<br /> Working illegally entails the deprivation of your residence permit. Employers incur a penalty when they hire someone without a work permit. Thus, working without a work permit is basically not allowed.<br /> <br /> <b>Working hours</b><br /> <br /> Without a special work permit you are only allowed to work up to 120 full workdays or 240 half days per calendar year. The occupation can be practiced year-round.<br /> Work days on which you work no more than four hours are considered half days. After four hours they count as full workdays. The adherence to the 120 day limitation is also monitored by the employer. When he hires a new foreign student he must have them confirm how many full or half days have already been used.<br /> <br /> <b>Working at the University</b><br /> <br /> If you do not have a work permit you may still part-time as graduate assistant at the university or another research establishment, or as tutor at the Studentenwerk. It is however, absolutely necessary that you inform the aliens office about any academic job you are taking up. There are no time restrictions when you work as a research assistent, i. e. the 120-days regulation does not apply here.<br /> General regulations however, do still apply. Health insurance campanies restrict working hours to 20 hours per week and there is an income limit set by the Pension Fund.<br /> <br /> <b>Further employment</b><br /> <br /> All further employment over the 120 full days or the 240 half days requires a work permit. In this case it is advisable to contact the proper aliens department beforehand. The aliens department will clarify whether or not a work permit can be issued in accordance with the employment office. In exceptional cases an amendment of the secondary clauses of the residence permit can be made. The processing of a work permit takes approximately 6 weeks.<br /> Alien department in the city of Bochum: http://www.bochum.de/auslaenderbuero/<br /> <br /> <b>Internships</b><br /> <br /> For internships that are required by your conditions of study or examination regulations you will not need a work permit. This means this time does not count towards the 90 full days or 180 half days. This also applies to diploma theses or PhD theses that are produced in a corporation.<br /> A volunteer internship however is viewed as working hours and subtracted from the 120 full days or 240 half days.<br /> <br /> <b>Looking for a job after graduation</b><br /> <br /> According to the Immigration Act, foreign students may look for a job and stay in Germany after they graduated. In this case they will be granted a purpose-related residence permit up to a year. The job has to be adequate to your degree and available for foreigners, i. e. the Federal Employment Office has to approve the employment.<br /> Note: The 120-days (or 240 half-days) restriction in the residence permit also applies for the time of the year. To obtain a visa for the job search you have to provide evidence of appropriate funding. All part-time jobs must be approved by the aliens office. Furthermore you have to pay the regular health insurance premium rates.<br /> <br /> <b>Further Information</b><br /> <br /> More Information about the immigration laws in Germany can be found on these Internet-Sites:<br /> DAAD: Information about working and immigration laws:<br /> <a href="http://www.daad.de/deutschland/studium/studienplanung/00491.en.html">http://www.daad.de/deutschland/studium/studienplanung/00491.en.html</a><br /> Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Information about immigration laws:<br /> <a href="http://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/www/en/willkommen/auslaenderrecht/zuwanderung_html">http://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/www/en/willkommen/auslaenderrecht/zuwanderung_html</a><br /> Federal Ministry of the Interior: Immigration rights:<br /> <a href="http://www.zuwanderung.de/english/index.html">http://www.zuwanderung.de/english/index.html</a>

Working while you study (non-EU-countries)

Working while you study – Regulations for students from non-EU-countries The regulations named here are valid for all foreign students tha...

Read more »

Working while you study

<b>Working while you study - General regulations</b><br /> <br /> There are several basic regulations that apply to all students independent of their country of origin (for the Germans also). They will be explained on this page.<br /> Aside from that there are no further restrictions for foreign students from countries that belonged to the European Union before 2004. This also applies to students from countries in the European Free Trade Association EFTA (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland), as well as Malta and Cyprus.<br /> The same employment regulations that apply to students from non-EU-countries apply initially to students from the countries that joined the EU in 2004 (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, the Czech Republic and Hungary). After a transition period of a few years they should receive the same rights as all other EU-citizens.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.master-and-more.eu/fileadmin/user_upload/Masters_Tips/Costs-Geld-Kosten-Aufstellung.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="http://www.master-and-more.eu/fileadmin/user_upload/Masters_Tips/Costs-Geld-Kosten-Aufstellung.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <b>Sozialversicherung</b><br /> <br /> Die Sozialversicherung ist in Deutschland in verschiedene Sparten aufgegliedert (Arbeitslosenversicherung, Krankenversicherung, Rentenversicherung, Unfallversicherung und Pflegeversicherung). Ob und wie viel Beitrag man für diese Versicherungen bezahlen muss, hängt zum einen von der Arbeitszeit und zum anderen vom Einkommen ab.<br /> Eine Übersicht über die Grenzen der Sozialversicherung finden Sie unter: <a href="http://www.unilife.de/bund/rd/29095.htm#Beschäftigung">http://www.unilife.de/bund/rd/29095.htm#Beschäftigung</a><br /> <br /> <b>Arbeitszeit und Krankenversicherung</b><br /> <br /> Studierende dürfen nicht mehr als 20 Stunden pro Woche arbeiten, sonst verlieren Sie bei der Krankenkasse den Studentenstatus und müssen höhere Beiträge bezahlen.<br /> Diese 20 Stunden sind ein Durchschnittswert über einen längeren Zeitraum. Natürlich können Sie z. B. in den Semesterferien auch ein paar Wochen ganztags arbeiten, solange Sie im gesamten Jahr unter der 20-Stunden-Grenze bleiben.<br /> <br /> <b>Einkommen und Sozialversicherung</b><br /> <br /> Bis zu einem Einkommen von 450,- € müssen Sie als Arbeitnehmer keine Rentenversicherung bezahlen. Auch der Arbeitgeber bezahlt bis 450,- € nur einen geringen Beitrag zur Kranken- und Rentenversicherung des Arbeitnehmers. Deswegen gibt es viele solcher 450-Euro-Jobs.<br /> Wenn Sie über 450,- €, aber unter 850,- € pro Monat verdienen, bezahlen Sie reduzierte Beiträge zur Rentenversicherung. Ab 850,- € müssen Sie den vollen Beitrag (knapp 20%) bezahlen.<br /> <br /> <b>Taxes</b><br /> <br /> On principle every student who is employed in the Federal Republic of Germany must pay taxes to the tax office starting at a certain income. If you must pay taxes the amount is adapted to your tax bracket, your marital status, children and other factors (e.g. special expenses). The tax free earnings limit in Income Tax Bracket 1 is approximately 8600,- € a year (7664,- € tax exempt plus a lump-sum for advertising costs, special expenses, etc.)<br /> Tax brackets and tax exemptions: <a href="http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lohnsteuerklasse">http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lohnsteuerklasse</a> (german)<br /> If you earn a lot of money in a few months (e.g. in the semester break) you will have to pay taxes at first. At the end of the year you can file a tax return and get the surplus taxes back. If you earned under the income tax limit for the whole year you get all your taxes back.<br /> <br /> <b>Income tax card</b><br /> <br /> For many side jobs you will need an income tax card which your employer uses to calculate how much tax to deduct from your pay – you will still need a card even if you earn so little that you don't have to pay taxes.<br /> You can get an income tax card at the registration office (Bürgerbüro in the town hall). It is best to apply for an income tax card directly after you register in Bochum. You can receive a new income tax card every year in the mail upon request.<br /> Normally everyone has only one income tax card. If you have more than one side-job at the same time, you can get more than one income tax card. All cards after the first one (normally tax bracket I) will have tax bracket VI.<br /> In income tax bracket VI you are required to pay taxes starting with the first Euro – you get the money back at the beginning of the following year after you file your tax return. So always turn in your tax card with the lower tax bracket at the job where you earn the most!<br /> <br /> <b>Further information</b><br /> <br /> Information for employed students from the Deutscher Gewerkschaftsbund:<br /> <a href="http://www.students-at-work.de/">http://www.students-at-work.de</a> (german)<br /> Tax lexicon:<br /> <a href="http://www.steuerlexikon-online.de/">http://www.steuerlexikon-online.de</a> (german)

Working while you study

Working while you study - General regulations There are several basic regulations that apply to all students independent of their country ...

Read more »

Scholarships

<br /> <b>Scholarships</b><br /> <br /> The schooling of scholars, students and would-be academics can be supported by scholarships. Scholarships are being granted either on the basis of social criterias or outstanding performances.<br /> Scholarships are allocated by governmental, churchly or political foundations as well as by the universities. The granted benefits are very diverse and range from interest-free loans to money for books to full support.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://cambridgesummerinstitute.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/student-scholarship-featured1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="334" src="http://cambridgesummerinstitute.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/student-scholarship-featured1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <b>Scholarships for language course attendees</b><br /> <br /> Foreign students can already receive a fund respectively a scholarship for the attendance of a language course:<br /> <br /> The DAAD allocates partial scholarships for attendance at language courses that last several weeks during the semester break.<br /> At different foundations and exchange programs you will receive a language course scholarship for attendance of an intensive language course at the Goethe-Institut or another state approved language school in Germany if your German skills are insufficient. The language course scholarship takes place directly before beginning of the study or the research work. Accompanying spouses can request a language course scholarship as well.<br />  The AStA of the Ruhr-University bears partial expenses for the AStA language courses for students who have financial problems.<br /> The Institut für Internationale Kommunikation in Düsseldorf (Institute for International Communication) supports learners of the German language with partial scholarships and travel allowances.<br /> <br /> <br /> <b>Scholarships for students</b><br /> <br /> In comparison to other countries scholarships for students are not very common in Germany, with the implementation of tuition fees the scholarship system is to be expanded. Since the funding often depends on good study performances, it often won’t begin before the first semesters of the studies have passed.<br /> DAAD database of scholarships<br /> Schlolarship reader of AStA of the Ruhr-University<br /> Stipendienreader.pdf<br /> <br /> <br /> <b>Scholarships for Graduates/Postgraduates</b><br /> <br /> Scholarship programs are more common for postgraduates than for students. At scientific- and engineering term faculties many postgraduates have a job at the university. In humanities this is rather an exception.<br /> Furthermore some companies offer interested postgraduates the possibility to write the promotion hands-on in the company. Most of the time the postgraduates are being offered a fulltime- or part-time job.<br /> DAAD database of scholarships<br /> Schlolarship reader of AStA of the Ruhr-University<br /> Stipendienreader.pdf<br /> Service point for electronic research information<br /> <a href="http://www.elfi.rub.de/">http://www.elfi.rub.de</a><br /> <br /> <b>Other links</b><br /> <br /> Scholarship link-database<br /> <a href="http://www.bildungsserver.de/zeigen.html?seite=2416">http://www.bildungsserver.de/zeigen.html?seite=2416</a><br /> <a href="http://www.studieren.de/verzeichnis/default.asp?area=17">http://www.studieren.de/verzeichnis/default.asp?area=17</a><br /> <a href="http://deutsche-kultur-international.de/dir/index.html?dir_id=93&lang=en">http://deutsche-kultur-international.de/dir/index.html?dir_id=93&lang=en</a><br /> Portal with scholarships for students of the EU (scholarships and Grants at "Studying")<br /> <a href="http://europa.eu.int/">http://europa.eu.int</a><br /> Sponsoring of talented students in the university field <br /> <a href="http://www.begabtenfoerderungswerke.de/">http://www.begabtenfoerderungswerke.de</a><br /> German Research Foundation<br /> <a href="http://www.dfg.de/en/index.html">http://www.dfg.de/en/index.html</a><br /> Index of German foundations<br /> <a href="http://www.stiftungsindex.de/">http://www.stiftungsindex.de</a>

Scholarships

Scholarships The schooling of scholars, students and would-be academics can be supported by scholarships. Scholarships are being granted ...

Read more »

State Grants - State student support – BAföG

<b>State student support – BAföG</b><br /> <br /> The German state supports students depending on parental income according to the Federal Education and Training Assistance Act (Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz - BAföG). Half of the financial support is a subsidy, the other half must be paid back after the end of one’s studies.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://www.hochschulkompass.de/fileadmin/_processed_/csm_TU_Berlin_Dahl_CampusCenter_75d007591a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://www.hochschulkompass.de/fileadmin/_processed_/csm_TU_Berlin_Dahl_CampusCenter_75d007591a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Under certain circumstances foreign students, too, can receive BAföG, for example if:<br /> <br />     You yourself are a recognised asylum seeker or refugee<br />     Mother, father or spouse have German citizenship<br />     You worked in Germany for at least five years before the beginning of the studies, an apprenticeship does not count.<br />     Mother or father have worked in Germany for at least three years within the last six years.<br />     You are an EU-citizen and have worked in Germany for six months prior to commencing your studies. This occupation must have had a connection to the university subject studied<br /> <br /> As conditions for the support of foreign students are closely linked to the immigration and foreign citizens’ laws, you should in any case consult the BAföG-Advice-System.<br /> <br /> When receiving BAföG, it is much less complicated to receive an exemption for the Radio Fees License, and you can get a "Sozialanschluss" for your telephone line, which means being granted a number of free calls.<br /> <b><br /></b> <b>BAföG-Advice-System</b><br /> <br /> Akademisches Förderungswerk<br /> Amt für Ausbildungsförderung<br /> Universitätsstr. 150<br /> 44801 Bochum<br /> Phone 0234/32-11010<br /> E-Mail finanzierung@akafoe.de<br /> http://www.akafoe.de/finanzierung<br /> <br /> The BAföG-Advice-System is located in the studierendenhaus (SH), level 1.

State Grants - State student support – BAföG

State student support – BAföG The German state supports students depending on parental income according to the Federal Education and Train...

Read more »

Opening a bank account

<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.careersinpoland.com/public/file/articles//845_845_bank_account-m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="http://www.careersinpoland.com/public/file/articles//845_845_bank_account-m.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <br /> <table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; margin-left: -.25pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 233.75pt;" valign="top" width="312"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"> <b>Opening a bank account</b><br /> <br /> If you are staying in Germany for a longer period of time, it is helpful to open a giro account (checking account). With a giro account, you can transfer payments for your rent, for example, or have your salary transferred from your employer – checks or cash payments are unusual for these purposes in Germany. With the bank card (the so called EC-card) you can also pay in many shops. Credit cards are less common in Germany.<br /> <br /> You can withdraw money from your account at automated tellers offered by your bank or their partners anywhere in Germany. This service is free of charge unless you are using an automated teller that is run by a different bank.<br /> <br /> To open a giro account, you need:<br /> <br />     your passport<br />     a certificate stating that you are participating in a German course or a certificate of enrollment (your student ID card is not enough)<br />     your tenancy agreement<br /> <br /> Almost all banks offer free accounts for students, but sometimes there is an age limit. However, there are differences in conditions (e.g. interest rate or overdraft credit).<br /> <br /> As long as you are still enrolled as a student, you can use a free account. At some banks (e.g. the "Sparkasse"), there is no age limit.<br /> <br /> If you cannot get an account for student conditions any more, you should compare the prices of different banks. Accounts with limited service are especially cheap and sometimes even free of charge; many fees are also reduced for online banking.<br /> <b><br /></b> <b>Banks in Bochum</b><br /> <br /> It is advisable to pick a bank near your school or your apartment. The following banks, among others, have branches in Bochum:<br /> <br />     Sparkasse Bochum<br />     Deutsche Bank<br />     Dresdner Bank<br />     Commerzbank<br />     Volksbank<br />     Postbank<br />     Targobank<br />     Sparda Bank<br /> <br /> Sparkasse, Postbank, and Volksbank have branches in the Uni-Center. Sparda Bank and Sparkasse have automated tellers on the Ruhr-Universität campus.<br /> <b><br /></b> <b>Some advice about your account</b><br /> <br />     If you lose your bank card, call your bank immediately to have your card "blocked". Every bank has a 24 hour phone service for this purpose.<br />     Please remember to close your account before returning to your home country.<br />     You can find technical terms and explanations related to payments at <a href="http://www.daad.de/deutschland/deutschland/leben-in-deutschland/04659.en.html">http://www.daad.de/deutschland/deutschland/leben-in-deutschland/04659.en.html</a> (english) or at <a href="http://www.zahlungsverkehrsfragen.de/frameset.html">http://www.zahlungsverkehrsfragen.de/frameset.html</a> (german)<br /> <div> <br /></div> </div> </td> <td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 211.75pt;" valign="top" width="282"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"> <b>Kontoeröffnung</b><br /> <br /> Wenn Sie sich länger in Deutschland aufhalten, ist es sinnvoll, ein Girokonto zu eröffnen. Mit einem Girokonto können Sie z. B. Ihre Miete überweisen oder sich vom Arbeitgeber das Gehalt überweisen lassen – Schecks oder Barzahlung sind in Deutschland in diesen Bereichen unüblich. Mit der Bankkarte (der so genannten EC-Karte) können Sie auch in vielen Geschäften bezahlen. Kreditkarten sind in Deutschland weniger verbreitet.<br /> <br /> Bei Ihrer Bank und bei deren Kooperationspartnern können Sie überall in Deutschland kostenlos Geld am Automaten abheben.<br /> <br /> Für die Eröffnung eines Girokontos benötigen Sie:<br /> <br />     Reisepass<br />     Bescheinigung der Teilnahme an einem Deutschkurs/Studienbescheinigung<br />     Mietvertrag<br /> <br /> Für Studierende bieten praktisch alle Banken gebührenfreie Konten an, teilweise sind die Angebote jedoch an ein Höchstalter gebunden. Auch bei den Konditionen (z. B. Zinssatz oder Überziehungskredit) gibt es Unterschiede.<br /> <br /> Solange Sie noch als Studierender eingeschrieben sind, können Sie ein gebührenfreies Konto nutzen. Bei einigen Banken (zum Beispiel der Sparkasse) gibt es dafür kein Höchstalter.<br /> <br /> Wenn Sie kein Konto zu Studierendenkonditionen mehr bekommen können, vergleichen Sie die Preise der verschiedenen Banken. Besonders günstig und teilweise sogar kostenlos sind Konten mit eingeschränktem Service, auch beim Online-Banking entfallen viele Gebühren.<br /> <b><br /></b> <b>Banken in Bochum</b><br /> <br /> Es empfiehlt sich, eine Bank in der Nähe ihrer Hochschule oder Ihrer Wohnung zu wählen. In Bochum sind unter anderem folgende Banken vertreten:<br /> <br />     Sparkasse Bochum<br />     Deutsche Bank<br />     Dresdner Bank<br />     Commerzbank<br />     Volksbank<br />     Postbank<br />     Targobank<br />     Sparda Bank<br /> <br /> Die Sparkasse, die Postbank und die Volksbank haben Filialen im Uni-Center. Auf dem Campus der Ruhr-Universität haben die Sparda Bank und die Sparkasse Automaten aufgestellt.<br /> <b><br /></b> <b>Tipps zum Konto</b><br /> <br />     Sollten Sie Ihre Bankkarte mal verlieren, rufen Sie sofort Ihr Geldinstitut an, damit Ihre Karte "gesperrt" wird. Bei jedem Geldinstitut gibt es einen Telefondienst, der rund um die Uhr Ihre Sperrung entgegennimmt.<br />     Denken Sie bitte daran, Ihr Konto aufzulösen, bevor Sie in Ihr Heimatland zurückkehren.<br />     Fachbegriffe und Erklärungen zum Zahlungsverkehr finden Sie unter <a href="http://www.zahlungsverkehrsfragen.de/frameset.html">http://www.zahlungsverkehrsfragen.de/frameset.html</a><br /> <div> <br /></div> <br /></div> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <br /> <br /> <div> <br /></div>

Opening a bank account

Opening a bank account If you are staying in Germany for a longer period of time, it is helpful to open a giro account (che...

Read more »

Costs of Studying

<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Kosten für das Studium</b></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Sozialbeitrag</span><br /> <span style="font-family: inherit;">  </span><br /> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Jedes Semester erheben die Hochschulen einen Sozialbeitrag, aus dem das Semesterticket, das Studentenwerk und die studentische Selbstverwaltung (AStA und Fachschaften) finanziert werden. Alle Studierenden müssen den Sozialbeitrag bezahlen, er ist jedoch keine Studiengebühr. Diese wird zusätzlich erhoben.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEgDhn4M9Rfw9zZ9HVfjA_6e7t4hRVo15fKoir-uucyEefzWEOo7ziw7dYjv1tFLnsSELhyaTxZBLIuym8Vk8xvniv1L-k4TDLaeo_WUyDgADy7mpTXEEMLbr9PdkoIM9dzcOdluo6XNPaaPCLv6V0R0IKC21DU4-zDLas1W6-ilILPK88L-qwE6km3jjQmQda8=" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://www.studying-in-germany.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/cost-of-study-.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Der Sozialbeitrag an der Ruhr-Universität beträgt 260,62 €. Hier gibt es aktuelle Informationen der Universität.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Der Sozialbeitrag an der Hochschule Bochum beträgt um die 261,62 €. Hier findet man die aktuellen Informationen der BO.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Der Sozialbeitrag an der Technischen Fachhochschule Bochum beträgt etwa 175,62 €. Hier geht es zu den aktuellen Informationen der TFH.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Der Sozialbetrag an der Evangelischen Fachhochschule beträgt 251,10 €. Hier geht es zu den aktuellen Informationen der EFH.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Der Sozialbetrag an der Hochschule für Gesundheit beträgt 260,62 €. Hier geht es zu den aktuellen Informationen der HSG.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Tuition fees</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">In Nordrhein-Westfalen you don't have not to pay an additional tuition fee.</span><br /> <br /></div> <!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.studying-in-germany.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2013%2F01%2Fcost-of-study-.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEgDhn4M9Rfw9zZ9HVfjA_6e7t4hRVo15fKoir-uucyEefzWEOo7ziw7dYjv1tFLnsSELhyaTxZBLIuym8Vk8xvniv1L-k4TDLaeo_WUyDgADy7mpTXEEMLbr9PdkoIM9dzcOdluo6XNPaaPCLv6V0R0IKC21DU4-zDLas1W6-ilILPK88L-qwE6km3jjQmQda8=" -->

Costs of Studying

Kosten für das Studium Sozialbeitrag    Jedes Semester erheben die Hochschulen einen Sozialbeitrag, aus dem das Semesterticket, das St...

Read more »