- What is the Semester Ticket Office and where can I find it?
The Semester Ticket Office is responsible for applications for exemption and grant.
Current opening hours: http://asta.tu-berlin.de/semtix.
Address: Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623 Berlin, Room: TK 17
Phone / Fax: (currently not available)
E‑Mail: semesterticket@asta.tu-berlin.de - What exactly is the Semester Ticket and what does it cost?
The Germany Semester Ticket (“Deutschlandsemesterticket”) is a personal, non-transferable time‑ticket for local public transport (ÖPNV). At TU Berlin, since the summer semester 2024 it is available exclusively in digital form. University student IDs are no longer valid as tickets. The link to the semester ticket was sent by the Student Secretariat and is identical for all students. - How long is the Semester Ticket valid?
According to the contract, the ticket is valid one day before and one day after the start and end of the semester:- Summer semester: April 1st – September 30th
- Winter semester: October 1st – March 31st
- Where can I travel with it?
With the (Deutschlandticket) Semester Ticket, you can travel throughout Germany on all local public transport lines (ÖPNV) and regional trains. Only ICE and EC trains are excluded (observe notices at the train station). - Whom or what may I bring along?
The ticket allows free transport of children up to their 6th birthday (for ferries up to three children), luggage, one dog, and a stroller. Unfortunately, bicycle transport is no longer possible. Otherwise, the general terms of carriage of the respective transport companies apply. - Do I have to purchase the Germany Semester Ticket?
Yes. The (Deutschlandticket) Semester Ticket is a compulsory contribution for all regular students at TU Berlin, UdK, and ASH Berlin. Payment is a requirement for enrollment and re-registration. In special cases, an exemption from this contribution or a grant toward the ticket cost is possible. The details of how contributions are collected, as well as exemptions and subsidies, are regulated in the Semester Ticket Statute by the Student Parliament of TU Berlin, pursuant to § 18a IV of the Berlin Higher Education Act (Hochschulgesetz) of December 4, 2001. The statute is published in the Official Bulletin of TU Berlin (Amtliches Mitteilungsblatt der TU Berlin) No. 7/2002, and in the Gazette of the University of the Arts (UdK) No. 1/2003 p. 9. Applications for exemptions from ASH students are processed by the semester‑ticket department of ASH.
More info here: https://asta-ash.eu/referat-fuer-semtix/ - I already have an annual subscription for public transport. Do I have to pay twice now?
No. You can return your subscription. Once you have received the Semester Ticket, go to the season‑ticket office of the transport company where you bought the subscription. Unused monthly tickets can be returned, and amounts already paid will be reimbursed. We also support you in cancelling outside of regular notice periods. - I am also studying at another university. How does it work with the Semester Ticket?
If you are enrolled at another university in Germany, you are liable for the contribution at the university where you first enrolled. At the second university you can apply for exemption from the contribution liability. - How do I get the ticket?
Beginning with the Summer Semester 2025, the (Deutschlandticket) Semester Ticket in Berlin will be provided by S‑Bahn Berlin in digital form. Student IDs are no longer a valid ticket. For ticket inspectors, the ticket displayed on the ID will be shown as invalid.
Ordering process for TU Berlin:- Order the ticket at www.abo‑antrag.de/studiumVerification via ShibbolethReceive an order confirmation
Ticket retrieval via the S‑Bahn Berlin app:The ticket is available 1–7 days before the semester beginsIt is best to install the app no more than 2 weeks before semester startEnable automatic updatesIf ordering late, the display might take 24–72 hoursYour phone must be connected to the internet for updates
Students of UdK and ASH also find instructions at this link. If you have further questions, UdK students can contact IPA; ASH students can contact the Admissions Office. - Order the ticket at www.abo‑antrag.de/studiumVerification via ShibbolethReceive an order confirmation
- Problems with registering for the Semester Ticket
If there are technical issues during registration, please contact S‑Bahn Berlin using their contact form. - I always use bicycle/car. I don’t need the ticket. Can I be exempted?
No. Exemption is only possible for students who cannot use the ticket due to health or study‑related reasons (see item 12). If you could use it but choose not to, you must still pay. The Semester Ticket is based on a solidarity model: all students share the cost so that the service is significantly cheaper for everybody. - I’m an exchange student or a scholarship‑holder at TU / UdK / ASH Berlin. Do I also get a Semester Ticket?
Yes. Exchange students and scholarship holders who are temporarily enrolled must pay the contribution and receive the ticket. - I live outside Germany. Do I still have to pay?
Yes. Even if you live outside the ticket’s validity area, you must pay the full contribution, unless you are abroad for study‑related reasons for at least three months (e.g., compulsory internship or semester abroad). - What are the possibilities for exemption?
You may be exempt if:
– you are entitled to free transportation under the German Disability Act (Schwerbehindertengesetz). (Proof must be provided at the Campus Center of TU / IPA at UdK.)
– you cannot use the ticket for health reasons.
– you are study‑related away from Germany for at least three months. Note for ASH: Exemption for ASH students are not processed by us. Please consult the ASH information: www.asta-ash.eu/referat-fuer-semtix/. - What is the difference between exemption and grant?
Exemption: You receive a refund of the Semester Ticket contribution, but cannot use the ticket.
Grant You first pay, can use the ticket, and may receive a refund of the contribution if the grant is approved. - When can I reduce the amount for re‑registration with respect to Semester Ticket and the social fund?
If you receive a positive exemption decision before the re‑registration deadline, you can pay a reduced amount. We advise against reduced payment too early, as it may lead to late fees or even exmatriculation. - What happens if I submit my application after the re‑registration deadline?
Only full months can be exempted, and reimbursement is then done proportionally. - What happens if I do not pay contributions while my application is still under review?
Without payment, no re‑registration is possible. Grant applications require full payment up front. For exemption applications submitted too late, full payment is also required. For students re‑registering late, the university does not guarantee timely delivery of the Semester Ticket / student ID. Also, there is no guarantee for refunding any fares if the ticket arrives late. - I live within walking distance to campus. Do I still have to pay?
Yes. Even in that case, the contribution is mandatory. Applying for a grant may be sensible. - What happens after exmatriculation?
The ticket immediately loses its validity.- TU Berlin: Any remaining amount is reimbursed after you have provided your IBAN in the TUB Online Portal.
- UdK / ASH: Please contact the respective Registration Office (Immatrikulationsamt) directly.
- How do I apply for exemption or grant?
Forms are available at the Semester Ticket Office or online on our website.
Last updated: 15.09.25