A total of 57 student unions are responsible for the more than 450 universities throughout Germany. The student unions (with the exception of Rhineland-Palatinate) are responsible for enforcing the Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG), i.e. students can apply for BAföG at the Office for Training Assistance within the student union at their university. In addition, the student unions also offer other services and indirect funding. Among other things, they are responsible for the operation of canteens and cafeterias at universities, which are subsidised by the federal states. As a result, the food there is comparatively cheap.
The student unions are also responsible for the management of student residences. Rents are therefore significantly cheaper than on the free housing market. In addition, many student unions offer counselling services (social counselling, psychological counselling, counselling for students with disabilities or chronic illnesses, legal advice), which are generally free of charge.
There are also cultural programmes, childcare facilities for students with children and hardship funds (loan funds) for students in need. The student unions also provide support through services such as student job placement, travel services and rental services for computers and vans for moving.