Social contributions, semester ticket & the Studierendenwerk: Questions & answers.
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.
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.
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.
