A Studentenwerk is a semi-governmental ("public") institution in Germany that provides services to college and university students. (There are some other associations that call themselves Studentenwerk for historical reasons.) Usually there is one Studentenwerk for all colleges and universities in a city or region. Among the services provided are: Student residences, cafeterias, administration of government funds for students ("BAföG") and psychological assistance. Funding comes partly from mandatory fees paid by the students. The national association of all German Studentenwerke is the Deutsches Studentenwerk (German National Association for Student Services - linkbelow).
