From the winter semester 2025/26, the social contribution for students of the Studierendenwerk Paderborn will be increased from the current 98 euros to 110 euros per semester. This adjustment has become necessary due to various economic challenges that the Studierendenwerk is currently facing. Despite the increase, however, the social contribution in Paderborn remains one of the lowest in North Rhine-Westphalia.
The decision to increase the contribution was carefully considered and is based on several factors. These include rising costs in many areas, such as higher prices for food, energy and staff. In addition, the previous support provided by special grants and coronavirus aid, which served as a financial bridge, has been cancelled.
However, the Studierendenwerk has emphasised that it is working intensively on increasing efficiency. Despite the increase in fees, there will be no adjustment to prices for students in catering and accommodation until at least March 2026. The range of services will also remain unchanged and of the usual quality. In addition, the Studierendenwerk is meeting the growing demands of new and diverse student needs with expanded services in the social and intercultural areas.
To illustrate the necessity of the fee increase, the Studierendenwerk would also like to take a look at its own financial structure. Around 20 % of the Studierendenwerk's income comes from social contributions, which are therefore a key element in financing the Studierendenwerk's activities. At the same time, sharply declining student numbers lead to lower income from social contributions. This transparency shows how important the contributions are in order to be able to continue to offer the wide range of services for students.
With this increase in fees, the Studierendenwerk would like to ensure that the extensive range of services for students at Paderborn University, Hamm-Lippstadt University of Applied Sciences and the Paderborn branch of katho NRW can be maintained in the future.
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