What Studierendenwerk Thüringen does

Studierendenwerk Thüringen, Anstalt des öffentlichen Rechts, is a statutory public-law institution established by the Free State of Thuringia, Germany, headquartered in Jena. It operates as the sole mandated provider of social services for students enrolled at the 10 state universities and 2 private universities it serves across Thuringia, with physical facilities in seven cities (Jena, Erfurt, Ilmenau, Weimar, Gera, Nordhausen, Schmalkalden, Eisenach). Its service portfolio spans four pillars: (i) subsidized university dining through 10 mensas and multiple cafeterias with a web-based menu planner supporting allergen and dietary filters; (ii) student housing across approximately 78 dormitories with an estimated 7,000+ places, all-inclusive rents ranging from 187 to 431 EUR per month, an online application portal, a tenant Mietportal, a private-room marketplace (Privatzimmervermittlung), and a smartphone-based iLOQ electronic locking system rolling out from 2026; (iii) student financing administration, including processing of federal BAföG applications for Thuringia as the responsible Amt für Ausbildungsförderung, study start-up aid (Studienstarthilfe, 1,000 EUR under §56 BAföG), hardship and short-term loans, scholarship counseling across 14 federal foundations, and BMBF Bildungskredite up to 7,200 EUR; and (iv) counseling, childcare, and cultural services, including psychosocial, legal, and social counseling, campus daycare centers (e.g., Kita Campus Kinder Nordhausen), flexible childcare, a Kulturticket, and a Kulturförderung program allocating 30,000 EUR per half-year to student-led cultural, sports, and intercultural projects selected by a student-majority jury. A sub-brand, CampusBuffet, provides event catering.

Revenue is generated through four streams: (i) a mandatory semester fee of 95 EUR paid by every student at the partner state universities (with private universities opting in for BAföG processing); (ii) all-inclusive dormitory rents; (iii) cafeteria and event-catering revenue, with discounted pricing gated to the thoska student card; and (iv) state subsidies and federal reimbursement for BAföG administration. The organization does not publish traditional revenue figures; as a public-law entity, it is funded through these mandatory contributions plus appropriations from the Free State of Thuringia and the BMBF. For 2026, state funding was reduced by approximately 800,000 EUR relative to 2025 and the previously approved 3% inflation/tariff increase was suspended, while the student fee was held constant. The go-to-market model is community-led and relationship-driven: services are delivered through on-campus physical infrastructure and digital portals rather than commercial sales, and demand is anchored to enrollment at the partner universities.

The technology stack is conventional rather than proprietary: a multi-language website, online application and tenant portals, a static-filter menu planner, the third-party iLOQ locking system, and the federal BAföG Digital portal for application intake. Distribution is anchored by the physical building footprint, with digital channels (Facebook, Instagram, website) used primarily for awareness. Management disclosure is limited; Cindy Jacobi is publicly identified as Leiterin Mensen und Cafeterien, and detailed team and supervisory board (Verwaltungsrat) information is available via the organization's website.

Name

Studierendenwerk Thüringen

Legal name

Studierendenwerk Thüringen, Anstalt des öffentlichen Rechts

Website

https://stw-thueringen.de

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Statutory public-law institution of the Free State of Thuringia providing subsidized dining, student housing, BAföG administration, counseling, childcare, and cultural funding to students at 10 state and 2 private universities across 7 Thuringian cities, funded by a mandatory 95 EUR semester fee, rents, cafeteria revenue, and state subsidies.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Student Welfare Services

NAICS

Educational Services (611), Rooming and Boarding Houses, Dormitories, and Workers' Camps (72131), Educational Support Services (6117)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000)

akta.pro primary industry

Student Residence Halls & Dormitory Management (On-/Near-Campus) (EDAIALAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

University Dorms & Affiliated Summer Housing (THAMAGAA), Student Loan Programs & Servicers (Public/Nonprofit) (EDADAHAE), College Access, Scholarships & Student Success Nonprofits (BPAGADAE)

Keywords

• Student dormitory housing
• University cafeteria services
• BAföG financial aid
• Student counseling services
• Campus childcare services

Headquarters

HQ city

Jena

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices8 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Others, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Semester Fee (Semesterbeitrag): All students enrolled at state universities in Thuringia pay a mandatory base contribution of 95 EUR per semester to Studierendenwerk Thüringen. This fee funds the organization's social mandate including subsidizing student meal prices, supporting cultural initiatives, and co-financing counseling and other student services.
2. Student Housing Rent: Student dormitory rentals generate income. Monthly rents are all-inclusive flat rates (Pauschalmieten) covering utilities, water, electricity, and heating. Rents range from 187 EUR to 431 EUR per month depending on location and room type. Most rooms are furnished.
3. Campus Catering and Cafeteria Revenue: Revenue from meals sold in mensas and cafeterias across Thuringian university campuses. Student meal prices are subsidized via the semester fee. Pricing varies with special rates for students and staff paying with the thoska student card vs. regular guest prices for cash/card payments.
4. BAföG Administration Funding: As the responsible Amt für Ausbildungsförderung for Thuringia, Studierendenwerk Thüringen receives government funding to process BAföG (federal education promotion) applications for students at state and state-recognized universities.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Studierendenwerk Thüringen is a statutory public-law institution (Anstalt des öffentlichen Rechts) that operates subsidized dining halls (Mensen), student dormitories (Wohnheime), BAföG federal financial aid administration, psychosocial and legal counseling, campus childcare centers, and cultural funding programs for students at 10 state universities and 2 private universities across 7 cities in Thuringia, Germany. It is funded by mandatory semester fees (95 EUR per student), dormitory rents, cafeteria revenue, and state government funding.

Product overview

Studierendenwerk Thüringen operates as a public-law institution providing comprehensive student services across Thuringia. The organization offers a unified portfolio of student welfare services centered around four core areas: dining services (Mensen und Cafeterien) with web-based menu planning, student housing (Studentisches Wohnen) with online applications and the innovative iLOQ digital locking system, student financing (BAföG, loans, scholarships, grants), and cultural/health/social support services. Digital touchpoints include the Mietportal for tenant management, online housing applications, a private room rental marketplace, and web-based dining menus with allergen filtering. The organization serves all state universities in Thuringia and processes BAföG applications for both state and private institutions.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• CampusBuffet: Event catering and gastronomic services for university events, conferences, and celebrations organized by Studierendenwerk Thüringen.

Products and services

• Studentisches Wohnen (Student Housing)
• Mensen und Cafeterien (Dining Services)
• BAföG (Federal Training Assistance Administration)
• Studienstarthilfe nach §56 BAföG (Study Start-Up Aid)
• Kredite und Darlehen (Education Loans)
• Stipendien (Scholarship Counseling)
• Psychosoziale Beratung (Psychosocial Counseling)
• Rechtsberatung (Legal Advice)
• Allgemeine Sozialberatung (General Social Counseling)
• Kinderbetreuung (Campus Childcare)
• Kulturförderung (Cultural Funding Program)
• Kulturticket (Culture Ticket)
• Semesterticket (Semester Transportation Ticket)
• Wertmarken (Subsidized Meal Tokens)
• CampusBuffet (Event Catering)
• Privatzimmervermittlung (Private Room Exchange)

Quantifiable outcome

• 30,000 EUR per semester distributed to 21 student cultural/sports/intercultural projects
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• iLOQcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2026iLOQ is the provider of the digital locking system being implemented across all student dormitories of Studierendenwerk Thüringen starting in 2026. The system replaces traditional physical keys with smartphone-based access via the iLOQ app, enabling residents to open building entrances, individual rooms, and shared facilities (bicycle storage, laundry rooms).
• thoska (Student Card)coreTechnology or IntegrationThe thoska student card is used as the payment method for student-priced meals in dining halls. Students and staff receive discounted rates only when paying with the thoska. EC, Visa, and Mastercard payments result in higher guest prices.
• Friedrich-Schiller-Universität JenacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary university partner with 24 student dormitories, 8 dining facilities, and full BAföG administration. Largest student population served.
• Bauhaus-Universität WeimarcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity partner with Mensa am Park, Cafeteria Mensa am Park, Snackpoint, 12 student dormitories, and BAföG administration.
• Technische Universität IlmenaucoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity partner with 12 student dormitories, Mensa Ehrenberg, and cafeteria facilities.
• Fachhochschule ErfurtcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity of applied sciences partner with 9 student dormitories, multiple dining facilities, and BAföG administration.
• Hochschule NordhausencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity of applied sciences partner with Mensa Weinberghof, student housing, Kita Campus Kinder Nordhausen, and BAföG services.
• Hochschule SchmalkaldencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity of applied sciences partner with Mensa Blechhammer, Cafeteria, and student dormitories.
• Duale Hochschule Gera-EisenachcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity partner with Mensa Weg der Freundschaft (Gera), Mensa am Wartenberg (Eisenach), and student housing.
• Ernst-Abbe-Hochschule JenacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity of applied sciences partner with Mensa Moritz-von-Rohr-Straße and student housing in Jena.
• Universität ErfurtcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity partner with student services provided through Erfurt facilities.
• Hochschule für Musik FRANZ LISZT WeimarcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMusic university partner in Weimar receiving student services through Weimar facilities.
• IU - Internationale Hochschule ErfurtminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrivate university partner for which Studierendenwerk Thüringen processes BAföG applications.
• HMU - Health and Medical University ErfurtminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrivate university partner for which Studierendenwerk Thüringen processes BAföG applications.
• BAföG Digital PortalcoreTechnology or IntegrationFederal online BAföG application portal (bafoeg-digital.de) through which all BAföG applications are submitted. Studierendenwerk Thüringen processes applications as the responsible Amt für Ausbildungsförderung. Portal underwent full maintenance completion in November 2025.
• Begabtenförderungswerke (Talent Promotion Foundations)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStudierendenwerk Thüringen provides information on 14 BMBF-supported scholarship foundations including Cusanuswerk, Evangelisches Studienwerk, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung, Hans-Böckler-Stiftung, Hanns-Seidel-Stiftung, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, Stiftung der Deutschen Wirtschaft, Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung, Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes, Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung, Ernst Ludwig Ehrlich Studienwerk, and Stiftung Begabtenförderung berufliche Bildung.
• Weltoffenes Thüringen InitiativeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStudierendenwerk Thüringen participates in the Weltoffenes Thüringen (Open Thuringia) initiative, signaling commitment to internationalization and openness.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Studierendenwerk Berlin: Berlin's statutory public-law student services organization, providing the same integrated portfolio of housing, dining (Mensen), BAföG administration, and counseling to Berlin universities. Directly comparable in legal form, mandate, service mix, and statutory monopoly structure to Studierendenwerk Thüringen.
• Kölner Studentenwerk: North Rhine-Westphalia's Studierendenwerk serving Cologne's universities with student housing, dining halls, BAföG administration, and counseling. Direct statutory peer with comparable integrated service mandate.
• Studierendenwerk Hamburg: Hamburg's statutory student services organization operating dining halls, student housing, BAföG administration, and psychosocial counseling. Same legal status and integrated mandate as Studierendenwerk Thüringen.
• Studentenwerk München: Bavaria's largest Studierendenwerk, providing student housing, dining, BAföG administration, counseling, and childcare across Munich's universities. Directly comparable public-law peer with a similar integrated service mandate.
• Studentenwerk Frankfurt am Main: Hesse's Studierendenwerk serving Goethe University Frankfurt and other Hessian universities with dining, housing, BAföG processing, and counseling. Directly comparable statutory public-law student services peer.
• Studentenwerk Leipzig: Saxony's other major Studierendenwerk, operating student housing, dining halls, and BAföG administration across Leipzig universities. Directly comparable in statutory role, service mix, and operational scale to the Thuringia entity.
• Studierendenwerk Karlsruhe: Baden-Württemberg's Studierendenwerk serving KIT and other Karlsruhe universities with the same integrated portfolio of housing, dining, BAföG, and counseling services. Direct statutory peer to Studierendenwerk Thüringen.
• Studentenwerk Dresden: Saxony's Studierendenwerk serving TU Dresden and other Saxony universities with housing, dining, BAföG processing, and counseling services. Closely comparable peer in size, mandate, and service portfolio to Studierendenwerk Thüringen.

Others

• Deutsches Studentenwerk (DSW): National umbrella organization representing all 57 Studierendenwerke across Germany, coordinating policy advocacy and providing shared services. Closely related as the federal-level body governing the same statutory model Studierendenwerk Thüringen operates under.

Regional players

• CROUS (Centre Régional des Œuvres Universitaires et Scolaires): France's national network of regional public bodies providing student housing (résidences CROUS), subsidized dining (restaurants universitaires), and social support to French university students. Functions as the international analogue of the German Studierendenwerk system, with comparable public-mandate model.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks1 record

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@deutschesstudentenwerk
• Facebookfacebook.com/stwthueringen
• Instagraminstagram.com/stw_thueringen
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/studierendenwerk-thueringen

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Studierendenwerk Thüringen