Student contribution to offset administrative expenses

As of winter semester 2005/2006, students have been required to contribute €50 per semester to cover administrative expenses in accordance with § 6a of the Hamburg Higher Education Act (HmbHG).

This contribution helps cover administrative costs for students and is not used to cover the costs of instruction. Similar administrative cost contribution schemes for students have been introduced in many other German states. 

This legislative amendment takes into account the requirements set forth in the decision of the German Federal Constitutional Court (Bundesverfassungsgericht) of 19 March 2003 with respect to its judicial review of the Baden-Wurttemberg State Higher Education Fees Act (Baden-Württembergisches Landeshochschulgebührengesetz). In accordance with the German Federal Constitutional Court decision, the “particular factual justification” (besondere sachliche Rechtfertigung) is set forth in § 6a (1) of the Hamburg Higher Education Act (HmbHG). The student contribution serves to partially offset administrative costs as well as the costs of any potential benefits and services as enumerated in the aforementioned subsection. A contribution, unlike a fee, does not require students to receive benefits or use services.

State institutions of higher education in Hamburg have calculated costs with respect to the amount of the contribution. The contribution of €50 falls well below even the lowest calculated costs.