Finances
Fees
Tuition fees for the Neuroscience Program are covered to a great extent by the German government, with the exception of
- a nominal biannual semester fee between 160 and 235 Euros depending on the type of scholarship a student receives.
- a biannual student fee of 500 Euros which can be waived for non-German students receiving a fellowship from German public sources.
Living Costs
Living costs (including accommodation in a student dormitory and health insurance) in Göttingen range from 650 to 700 Euros per month for a single person.
Housing
Single rooms are available in student dormitories administered by the Studentenwerk Göttingen (monthly rent starting at approximately 150-220 Euros including internet connection and utitilies). The coordination office will, upon request, assist in reserving a dormitory room. Off-campus housing (mostly private) is usually more expensive, but offers a wide range of options. Assistance in finding off-campus housing is offered by the International Office of the University and the Studentenwerk Göttingen.
Health Insurance
German health insurance is obligatory for all students who are not citizens of the European Union. Special student insurance is available at low rates to all students under 30 years of age. This insurance covers the costs of normal medical treatment (including dental care) in Germany. The monthly payment is currently approx. 65 Euros.
Liability Insurance
Throughout the first year, the Neuroscience Program covers the costs for private liability insurance for all students.
Financial Aid / Scholarships
First Year (MSc studies)
The program supports every student with up to 750 Euros/month throughout the first year if the request for financial aid is well justified. Whether a student receives the full amount through a stipend from the program or whether financial aid is granted, in part, through a student loan, depends on the number of students applying for a scholarship and on the financial situation of the applicant.
Every student is required to declare all stipends, fellowships, grants etc. she/he receives from other sources to the coordination office. Students who obtain a full scholarship (600 Euros or more) from other sources (e.g. government, home university, DAAD, companies, etc.) will not receive additional funding from the Neuroscience Program.
In addition to basic support and scholarships, students may apply for a loan of up to 250 Euros/month. The loan, together with a moderate interest rate, is paid back by the student within 12 months upon entering the PhD phase of the Neuroscience Program.
Subsequent Years (PhD studies)
Students who qualify for a three-year doctoral project in one of the participating research groups after the first year receive funding of approximately 1,100-1,400 Euros per month from one of a variety of sources, including individual fellowships, research grants, corporate and foundation funds, or university and departmental funds. For students working on a Master's thesis, a limited number of projects funded by the respective departments is available.
