In principle, the Studierendenwerke are financed from:
– Income from cafeterias, dormitory rents, etc.
– Semester fees from all students at the associated universities
– Subsidy from the state for ongoing operations and investments
For the Studentenwerk Dresden, these positions accounted for 70 %, 15 % and 15 % respectively in 2024.
In the current plans for the 2025/2026 bi-annual budget, the subsidies from the Free State of Saxony are significantly lower than necessary so that the Studierendenwerke can continue their work in their current form and quality. This primarily includes subsidies for ongoing operations, which are essential for financing the canteens, but also for counselling and cultural services.
The proposed budget also provides for the release of the Studierendenwerke’s reserves. This could be used to fill part of the funding gap, but not to the extent specified in the draft. The reserves are actually used by the Studierendenwerke to carry out renovations and refurbishments.
In addition, no financial resources for investments are currently planned in the subsidy programme. This means that there is no money for the refurbishment or new construction of canteens and halls of residence anyway. Necessary renovation work remains unfinished and will probably result in even higher follow-up costs in the future. The construction of new halls of residence with urgently needed living space is being postponed further into the future.
We believe that the Free State of Saxony has a duty to close the funding gap. The student services organisations are required by law to take on tasks. In order to fulfil these responsibilities, the necessary financial resources must also be provided. The costs must not simply be passed on to the students!
Members of the state parliament have until 13 May to table amendments to the draft budget. So now is the crucial time to shake up the budget planning.
That is why we are demonstrating together in front of the state parliament on 7 May for the meeting of the budget committee.
Parliament will then take the final decision on the double budget on 25 and 26 June.