Social contributions, semester ticket & the Studierendenwerk: Questions & answers.
Overwiew
- What is the semester fee?
- How does the Studierendenwerk or social contribution arise?
- Why is the semester fee for the 2026/27 winter semester increasing by more than 30 euros?
- Why is the Studierendenwerk raising the social contribution?
- Who decided to increase the social contribution?
- How does the semester ticket work?
- Can i have the semester fee refunded?
What is the semester fee?
The semester contribution, which students have to pay when they enrol and re-register, consists of three parts: the AStA contribution, the semester ticket and the Studierendenwerk contribution (also called the social contribution).
How does the Studierendenwerk or social contribution arise?
In order for the Studierendenwerk to be able to fulfil its task of providing students with social support as well as economic and cultural support, the Higher Education Act allows it to levy an appropriate contribution for this purpose. The amount of the contribution is set by the Studierendenwerk's administrative board and reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Science and Health of Rheinland-Pfalz. By the way: the students participate in the decision-making process - they are the most strongly represented interest group on the administrative board.
Why is the semester fee for the 2026/27 winter semester increasing by more than 30 euros?
The increase in the semester fee is due, in part, to the price increase for the Deutschlandticket. Since the price of the D-Semester Ticket is linked to the price of the regular Deutschlandticket (students receive a 40 percent discount under the semester ticket model), the fee for the D-Semester Ticket will increase by 18 euros per semester, in line with the price increase for the regular Deutschlandticket (63 euros as of January 1, 2026). Due to long-term contracts with the public transportation authorities, this price increase will not affect students until the 2026–27 winter semester.
For students at the Remagen campus of Koblenz University of Applied Sciences, the fee for the Linz–Kripp ferry will also increase by 0.15 euros.
On the other hand, the Koblenz Student Services Organization will also raise its social contribution by 15 euros starting in the 2026/27 winter semester. This is the first increase in the social contribution for the Koblenz Student Services Organization since the 2014 summer semester.
Why is the Studierendenwerk raising the social contribution?
Personnel and operating costs have been rising for years, in some cases significantly. This is due, on the one hand, to wage increases and, on the other hand, to general cost increases—for example, for food and energy. At the same time, the state subsidy to reduce the cost of student meals, for instance, remains unchanged. The Studierendenwerk must therefore bear the additional costs itself. An increase in the social contribution is necessary so that we can continue to offer our full range of services as usual and reliably fulfill our legal mandate. Without sufficient funding from the social contribution, a reduction in our services in the areas of campus dining, counseling services, daycare centers, and financial aid would be unavoidable in the long term.
We are aware that any additional financial burden poses significant challenges for many students. This makes it all the more important for us to continue being a reliable partner for students—and increasing the social contribution enables us to do just that.
Who decided to increase the social contribution?
The increase in the social contribution was decided by the Board of Directors of the Koblenz Student Services Organization and subsequently approved by the Ministry of Science and Health (MWG) of the State of Rhineland-Palatinate. The Board of Directors consists of three professors, the chancellor of the college or university, a public figure, the chair of the Koblenz Student Services staff council, and five student members. The student body thus constitutes the largest interest group within the Board of Directors.
How does the semester ticket work?
The semester ticket is a solidarity ticket for all students at Koblenz Hochschule and Koblenz University (except distance learning students). This enables inexpensive and environmentally friendly mobility for all students. Upon enrolment or re-registration, each and every student automatically receives the semester ticket and can use buses and trains in the respective area of validity for the entire semester - at no additional cost. We answer all questions about the semester ticket in the D-Semester Ticket FAQ.
The semester ticket results from a contract between the respective universities and the Studierendenwerk (student union) and the public transport companies. The student council is also heavily involved in the negotiations.
Can I have the semester fee refunded?
No. Both the student union fee and the semester ticket are a solidarity contribution. According to the principle of solidarity, everyone pays a share - regardless of whether he or she personally wants to use the services. This makes it possible to offer the services of the Studierendenwerk and the semester ticket at very favourable rates.
Only students with a severe disability, who are allowed to use public transport free of charge anyway, can have the semester ticket reimbursed.
