Broadcasting Fee: Information on exemption possibilities for students in difficult economic times
Germany's Broadcasting Fee service is informing students about their rights to exemption or reduction of the broadcasting fee. Recipients of BAföG, in particular, can apply for exemption.
Cologne – Germany's Broadcasting Fee service is launching an information campaign targeting students, acknowledging the current economic challenges such as inflation and rising living costs impacting student finances.
The fee typically becomes applicable when students move into their first independent apartment, shared accommodation, or student dormitories. The service reminds that residents in shared housing can split the monthly fee of €18.36, with only one adult resident needing to be registered as liable.
Students receiving BAföG (federal student aid) or similar vocational training assistance are eligible to apply for an exemption from the broadcasting fee. Application forms and detailed instructions are available on the service's website. Information and FAQs are also provided in English for international students.
The Broadcasting Fee service is an administrative unit of ARD, ZDF, and Deutschlandradio, responsible for collecting and managing the fees that fund public broadcasting in Germany. Students are encouraged to consult the dedicated information portal at rundfunkbeitrag.de/studierende for full details.