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Studying instead of financing
-No fees for education!

12 June 2025

12:00 p.m. - General meeting in the Audimax

Frederik-Paulsen-Hörsaal/Audimax
Christian-Albrechts-Platz 2
24118 Kiel

Afterwards - Demo to the state parliament

End 04:00 p.m.

What is it about?

The federal state of Schleswig-Holstein has a budget shortfall: the universities are underfunded one way or another and students are now expected to fill this hole. The Schleswig-Holstein Ministry of Science under the former leadership of Karin Prien (CDU) is planning to levy an administrative fee of 60 euros on every student - from the summer semester of 2026.

What has happened so far?

On January 16, a general assembly followed by a demonstration in front of the State Parliament building already took place. The petition surpassed the minimum number of required signatures within 24 hours and was discussed in the Petitions Committee. Since then, numerous discussions with political decision-makers have taken place — the student representatives have repeatedly emphasized the tense financial situation of students. It is often stated that the budget situation is difficult and everyone has to make savings. However, the fact that students are expected to cover costs out of their own pockets is not being further addressed by politicians.

The demand for a hardship provision in particular has been repeatedly raised by the student side — but so far without any concrete response from the political side. As a result, students are first pushed into financial hardship and then left alone without sufficient support.

In addition, the political decision-making process remains opaque: It is completely unclear when and how the administrative fee will be addressed in the state parliament or the education committee. Those affected are left in the dark — and that on an issue that directly impacts them.

What happens next?

Political pressure must be maintained — we cannot allow the younger generation to be the ones paying the price yet again.
If cuts in education continue — whether in schools or universities — the quality of education in Schleswig-Holstein will suffer in the long term.

To actively shape the decision-making process, the topic must remain visible. That’s why we are calling for a general assembly at the university on Thursday, June 12, followed by a demonstration in front of the state parliament. There will be various action booths set up in front of the parliament to express the protest.

What is it about?

The state of Schleswig-Holstein plans to close a budget gap by introducing administrative fees for all students. There is a funding shortfall of 200 million euros in the state budget, of which 7 million euros are allocated to the education sector, specifically to universities. In the future, students will have to pay an additional administrative fee of 60 euros per semester, in addition to their semester contribution. These fees will be collected directly by the state, not by the universities, thus burdening the students. No financial relief or compensation for the students is planned. The administrative fees are intended solely for the maintenance of the current standard, without any improvements. The state is asking students to pay because it is unable to adequately finance administration and education. The student bodies in Schleswig-Holstein strongly criticize this approach, as the state government has already caused a chronic underfunding of universities in recent years and is now trying to fix its own mistakes at the expense of low-income students.

What is the 60€ for and why is it 60€?

The administrative fees are intended to close a budget gap. Due to the current budget situation, the state is withdrawing around 7.3 million euros from the base budgets of the universities. These funds are to be returned to the universities through the 60€ fee, but they will now be paid by the students instead of the state as originally planned.

The calculation by the ministry is based on the amount withdrawn from the base budgets of the universities, which was then divided by the total number of students in Schleswig-Holstein. The problem is that the calculation was made based on numbers from 2022, and the student numbers have been declining for several years.

Why is this a problem?

Students are already threatened by poverty or are already affected under the current conditions. Despite this precarious situation, the state government sees no other option but to further burden the financially weaker groups. At the same time, it offers no support or financial aid for studying.

What happens to the semester fee?

The semester contribution is increased due to various cost factors, resulting in a increase of 102,40€ compared to the current winter semester. Overall, this means an increase from 269€ to 371,80€.