100,000 Euros for Students in Financial Need

The Förderverein Alumni Freiburg e.V. (University of Freiburg Alumni Association), the Maria-Ladenburger-Stiftung (Maria Ladenburger Foundation) under the umbrella of the Freunde der Universität Freiburg e.V. (Friends of the University of Freiburg), the Neue Universitätsstiftung (New University Foundation), the Wissenschaftliche Gesellschaft Freiburg (Academic Society of Freiburg), and many private donors from the University and the general public have all helped to make it possible for Rector Prof. Dr. Hans-Jochen Schiewer to hand over a symbolic check for 100,000 euros to Clemens Metz, the director of the Studierendenwerk Freiburg (Office of Student Services) a mere two months after the Studiennothilfe (Student Emergency Fund) was established. “We are extremely pleased by the solidarity and the feeling of being in this together that our University family has demonstrated in these times during the coronavirus pandemic,” Schiewer said. “The donors have played an essential part in providing support to our students in financial need. I want to thank them sincerely for their willingness to help and to be there for others.”

The University and Studierendenwerk established the Student Emergency Fund in reaction to the coronavirus pandemic. Because of the outbreak of Covid-19, many students have been unable to earn a living and are forced to take a leave of absence or even drop out of the university altogether. “The numerous requests for advice and assistance from students who lost their student jobs have shown us just how quickly and easily the conditions that allow you to be able to study without financial worries can deteriorate. That’s why I am very glad that the University and Studierendenwerk Freiburg have established the Student Emergency Fund,” said Carlotta Rudolph from the Board of the Verfasste Studierendenschaft (Student Union). Because the federal and state governments have since launched their own financial aid programs to help students specifically during the coronavirus pandemic, the University and the Studierendenwerk are expanding the Student Emergency Fund to include all students of the University of Freiburg who are in financial need through no fault of their own, regardless of the reason. The idea behind the emergency fund is to enable students to continue their studies, even when they’re temporarily unable to earn a living.

“In the name of all students, we want to thank the many donors for their generous support. We have already been able to help many students in need, so they do not have to drop out of the university for financial reasons,” said Metz.

The Student Emergency Fund provides 300 euro in financial aid each month and can be granted for up to three months. It is not a loan, meaning the money does not need to be paid back. “No one should be forced to drop out of the university or to take a long leave of absence due to financial difficulties,” stressed Schiewer, adding: “That is why we would be very glad if many donors would continue to participate in our financial aid program by giving donations. The program will continue to provide vital assistance even after the coronavirus pandemic.”  

Informationen zur Studiennothilfe / Information about the Student Emergency Fund

Studierendenwerk Freiburg (SWFR) / Student Service Office (SWFR)