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Johannes Gutenberg University

Mainz, Germany

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university Grade A Study in Germany →
Official site ↗
World rank #237
Tuition from ₹4.2 L per year, 5 courses
Courses 33
Founded 1477

About Johannes Gutenberg University

The Johannes Gutenberg University is a public research university in Mainz, Germany. It is a member of U15, a group of 15 major research and medical universities in Germany. Johannes Gutenberg University was founded in 1477. It is one of the oldest universities in Europe. Indian students must know there is no tuition fee at Johannes Gutenberg University and students have to pay just the semester fee.

  • Student Enrollment - There are 35,000+ students and staff from over 120 countries at Gutenberg University. There are 10 faculties at this university.
  • Acceptance Rate - Johannes Gutenberg University acceptance rate is around 28%. This means that students must have competitive academic record to get into this university. A general university entrance qualification is required for admission to UG courses of this university. Whereas, for admission to PG courses of Johnnes Gutenberg Uni, a Bachelor's degree is required.
  • Notable Alumni - A few notable names who have studied at Gutenberg Uni are Srinivas Kishanrao Saidapur (Indian Reproductive Biologist), Jonas Mekas (Founder of American Avante-Garde Cinema), Wolfgang Seiler (German Climatologist).

Over Shiksha Study Abroad portal, Johannes Gutenberg University has been rated 4 out of 5. As per an Indian student review for Johannes Gutenberg University is one of the best university for research-based courses. The people in Mainz are very welcoming and friendly. Shiksha has also rated 4 for student life and 5 for public transportation.

Facts about Gutenberg University

Gutenberg University is leading research university. As per a report of the German Research Foundation (DFG) in 2018, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz is one of the best universities in Natural Sciences in Germany. A few facts about this university are given below-

Particulars Stats
Founded 1477
Affiliation U15
No. of students 32,000+
Total faculties 10
Gutenberg University acceptance rate Around 28%

  • For selective Master's and Postgraduate degree programs, Johannes Gutenberg University Summer semester applications will open from Early Oct 2026. 

Courses and fees

Tuition as published by the source, converted to rupees. Per year unless the course page says otherwise.

Bachelor's (40)

CourseDurationTuition
B.A in Communication (In German) 3 years
B.A in Comparative Literature / European Literature (In German) 3 years
B.A in Educational Science (In German) 3 years
B.A in Egyptology/Ancient Near Eastern Studies (In German) 3 years
B.A in English Literature and Culture 3 years
B.A in Ethnology (In German) 3 years
B.A in Film Studies (In German) 3 years
B.A in History (In German) 3 years
B.A in Italian (In German) 3 years
B.A in Latin (In German) 3 years
B.A in Linguistics (In German) 3 years
B.A in Political Science (In German) 3 years
B.A in Protestant Theology (In German) 3 years
B.A in Slavic Studies - Polish Studies (In German) 3 years
B.A in Slavic Studies - Russian Studies (In German) 3 years
B.A in Sociology (In German) 3 years
B.A in Spanish (In German) 3 years
B.A in Sport & Sports Science (In German) 3 years
B.A in Theater Studies (In German) 3 years
B.Ed in Biology (In German) 3 years
B.Ed in Catholic Theology / Religious Studies (In German) 3 years
B.Ed in Chemistry (In German) 3 years
B.Ed in Computer Science (In German) 3 years
B.Ed in Education Studies (In German) 3 years
B.Ed in English (In German) 3 years
B.Ed in Fine Arts (In German) 3 years
B.Ed in French (In German) 3 years
B.Ed in Geography (In German) 3 years
B.Ed in German (In German) 3 years
B.Ed in Greek (In German) 3 years
B.Ed in History (In German) 3 years
B.Ed in Italian (In German) 3 years
B.Ed in Latin (In German) 3 years
B.Ed in Mathematics (In German) 3 years
B.Ed in Music (In German) 3 years
B.Ed in Philosophy/Ethics (In German) 3 years
B.Ed in Physics (In German) 3 years
B.Ed in Protestant Theology / Religious Studies (In German) 3 years
B.Ed in Russian (In German) 3 years
B.Ed in Social Studies (In German) 3 years

Master's (40)

CourseDurationTuition
Diploma in Fine Visual Arts 49 months
Extended qualification in Music 2 years
M.A in Book Studies (In German) 2 years
M.A in Communication - focus areaCommunication and Media Research (In German) 2 years
M.A in Communication - Media Management (In German) 2 years
M.A in Comparative Literature (In German) 2 years
M.A in Comparative Literature / European Literature (In German) 2 years
M.A in Comparative Literature / Lettres modernes (In German) 2 years
M.A in Digital Methodology in the Humanities and Cultural Sciences (In German) 2 years
M.A in Educational Science (In German) 2 years
M.A in Egyptology/Ancient Near Eastern Studies (In German) 2 years
M.A in Empirical Research in Democracy (In German) 2 years
M.A in English Literature and Culture 2 years
M.A in European Studies 2 years
M.A in Film Studies (In German) 2 years
M.A in French Literature and Cultural Contacts / Lettres modernes (In German) 2 years
M.A in German as a Foreign Language / German as a Second Language (In German) 2 years
M.A in German Studies (In German) 2 years
M.A in History (In German) 2 years
M.A in Human Geography -Globalisation, Media and Culture (In German) 2 years
M.A in Journalism (In German) 2 years
M.A in Linguistics (In German) 2 years
M.A in Media Culture Studies (In German) 2 years
M.A in Media Dramaturgy(In German) 2 years
M.A in Media Management (In German) 2 years
M.A in Medieval and Early Modern Studies (In German) 2 years
M.A in Musicology (In German) 2 years
M.A in Philosophy (In German) 2 years
M.A in Political Economy and International Relations (In German) 2 years
M.A in Romance Studies Intercultural (In German) 2 years
M.A in Slavic Studies (In German) 2 years
M.A in Sociolinguistics and Multilingualism (In German) 2 years
M.A in Sports Ethics and Integrity (MAiSI) (In German) 2 years
M.A in Theater Studies (In German) 2 years
M.A in Transnational Journalism (In German) 2 years
M.A in Turcology 2 years
M.A in World Literature (In German) 2 years
M.Ed in Biology (In German) 2 years
M.Ed in Business Education (In German) 2 years
M.Ed in Catholic Religious Education (In German) 2 years

At a glance

Type
Public
Course duration
2 years
Campuses
1
Student rating
4/5 (1 reviews)

Rankings

World rank#237
In Germany#21
Overall gradeA
SubjectGradeRankOther tables
Physics A #8 QS #121 · ARWU #51
Biology B+ #21 THE #301 · QS #301
Computer Science Engineering C+ #39 THE #601

Admission requirements

Documents

  • SOPNot required
  • LORNeeded for few courses
  • EssaysNot required
  • CVNeeded for few courses
  • Additional documentsRequired

Application fees

  • No Fees

Type of deadline

  • Depends on course

Intake Season & Deadlines

  • Summer1ˢᵗ Mar 2025
  • Winter15ᵗʰ May 2023 - 1ˢᵗ Sep 2025

Placements and recruiters

Internships: Available for some courses.

Careers service ↗

Campuses

Johannes Gutenberg University Campus Main

Forum universitatis 1 & 2,55099 Mainz Germany

Campus page ↗

Scholarships at Johannes Gutenberg University

K.C. Mahindra Scholarships For Post-Graduate Studies Abroad merit

Amount: ₹10 L · Deadline: 2026-04-30

Unimoni Student Stars 2023 merit

5 awards

Amount: ₹3 L ·

J.N. Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship merit

Deadline: 2026-03-29

Young Women in Public Affairs Awards merit

37 awards

Amount: ₹4.72 L ·

Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program merit

Amount: ₹42.37 L ·

GlobalScholarships.com $3,000 Scholarship both

1 awards

Amount: ₹2.83 L ·

Amberscholar Scholarship both

Amount: ₹47.13 L · Deadline: 2026-08-31

HEST 2025 - New Study Abroad Scholarship need

Amount: ₹3 L ·

Imported from public sources. Confirm amounts and deadlines with the university.

Why study at Johannes Gutenberg University

The Johannes Gutenberg University is a public research university in Mainz, Germany. It is a member of U15, a group of 15 major research and medical universities in Germany. Johannes Gutenberg University was founded in 1477. It is one of the oldest universities in Europe. Indian students must know there is no tuition fee at Johannes Gutenberg University and students have to pay just the semester fee.

  • Student Enrollment - There are 35,000+ students and staff from over 120 countries at Gutenberg University. There are 10 faculties at this university.
  • Acceptance Rate - Johannes Gutenberg University acceptance rate is around 28%. This means that students must have competitive academic record to get into this university. A general university entrance qualification is required for admission to UG courses of this university. Whereas, for admission to PG courses of Johnnes Gutenberg Uni, a Bachelor's degree is required.
  • Notable Alumni - A few notable names who have studied at Gutenberg Uni are Srinivas Kishanrao Saidapur (Indian Reproductive Biologist), Jonas Mekas (Founder of American Avante-Garde Cinema), Wolfgang Seiler (German Climatologist).

Over Shiksha Study Abroad portal, Johannes Gutenberg University has been rated 4 out of 5. As per an Indian student review for Johannes Gutenberg University is one of the best university for research-based courses. The people in Mainz are very welcoming and friendly. Shiksha has also rated 4 for student life and 5 for public transportation.

Facts about Gutenberg University

Gutenberg University is leading research university. As per a report of the German Research Foundation (DFG) in 2018, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz is one of the best universities in Natural Sciences in Germany. A few facts about this university are given below-

Particulars Stats
Founded 1477
Affiliation U15
No. of students 32,000+
Total faculties 10
Gutenberg University acceptance rate Around 28%

Johannes Gutenberg University Scholarships

A few of the scholarships are available for Indian students at Johannes Gutenberg Uni. A couple of JGU scholarships for which students can directly apply are given below:

  • Deutschlandstipendium: The scholarship holders of this scholarship will receive 300 Euros per month for 1 year. Half of the scholarship money is paid by a sponsor (private person, company, foundation) and half by Federal Ministry of Education and Research
  • Scholarships for finalizing a degree with DAAD: Foreign students at Johannes Gutenberg University who have obtained their certificate for admission to higher education not in Germany and who are about to finish their studies are invited to apply for scholarships for degree finalization
  • For Master’s in Physics Students (Excellent Track) - A limited number of students of the Excellent Track Program can apply for financial support. These scholarships are endowed with Euro 934 per month for a maximum duration of 2 years

Check the Top Scholarships in Germany for Indian students

Johannes Gutenberg University Courses & Fees

The Johannes Gutenberg University offers 250+ UG and PG courses. The study areas for the courses offered by Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz are Social Sciences, Humanities, Media Studies, Economics, Medicine, Art, etc. In he English language, 30+ courses are offered.

Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz Popular Courses

Some of the popular courses of Gutenberg Uni are MSc in Comptational Science, MSc in Sports Science Movement and Wellbeing, MSc in Cultural Anthropology (in German), BEd in English, etc. The duration of the Bachelor's courses at this university is 3 years, whereas, the Master's courses are of 2 years duration.

Is it free to study at Johannes Gutenberg University?

There is no tuition fee at Johannes Gutenberg University. But students at Mainz campus are required to pay EUR 366 per semester as administrative fees (Around INR 38k). In 2025/26 Winter semester, this fee was EUR 349.10

Cost of Living at Gutenberg University

If the students who want to live near the university's campus can have the housing prices around EUR 320 - EUR 450 (Around IRN 35k - INR 49k). Other expenses in Germany for a single student can be as follows-

Particulars Expenses
Food and Groceries EUR 200 - EUR 250
Health insurance EUR 125
Transport Included in semester fee or EUR 30
Mobile EUR 15 - 20
Other expenses EUR 100 - 150

JGU Notable Alumni

A few of the names included in JGU Mainz alumni are Doris Ahnen, Sonia Bacca, Walter Benz, Scott Rauland, Sabine Hark, etc. The professions of the notable alumni of this university are given below:

Names

Profession

Doris Ahnen

Politician

Sonia Bacca

Physicist

Walter Benz

Mathematician

Scott Rauland

Diplomat

Sabine Hark

Sociologist and Feminist

Hans Grauert

Mathematician

Johannes Gutenberg University Placements

Johannes Gutenberg Uni offers a no. of career services for its international students. There is a particular career center (Job Teaser) at JGU where students can find all events, career tips, ads for jobs or internships. Other career services offered by this university are advising and coaching, career fairs & events, seminar on career orientation, etc.

Can I work part time while studying at Gutenberg University?

Foreign citizens can work part time while studying at Johannes Gutenberg University. They are allowed to work 140 full days or 280 half days per year. Students cannot work more than 20 hours per week. Some of the popular part time jobs in Germany while working at Gutenberg Uni are-

  • Student Mentor
  • Research Assistant
  • Library Assistant
  • Teaching Assistant

Post-Study Work Visa in Germany - After studying at Johannes Gutenberg University Germany, students can appky for a Job-Seeker Visa. This allows them to stay in Germany for up to 18 months to search for a job.

Introduction

  • For selective Master's and Postgraduate degree programs, Johannes Gutenberg University Summer semester applications will open from Early Oct 2026. 

Johannes Gutenberg University Admission Process for Indian students

To get admission to Johannes Gutenberg University, Indian students should apply through official university specific application portal. The application fee is EUR 75 (Around INR 8k). The processing time can vary between 6-8 weeks.

Johannes Gutenberg University Application Deadlines 2026

There are two semesters in which Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz offer admission to Indian students in Summer and Winter semesters. The application deadlines are-

Intake Application Period
Summer
  • Selective Masters' courses: Early Oct - Nov 15, 2026
  • Non-Selective Master's courses: Early Oct - Mar 1, 2027
  • UG courses: Early Dec - Jan 15, 2027
Winter
  • Selective Masters' courses: Early Apr- May 15, 2027
  • Non-Selective Master's courses: Early Apr - Sep 1, 2026
  • UG courses: Early Jun - Jul 15, 2026

Eligibility to study at Gutenberg University

Indian students who want to take admission to Johannes Gutenberg University should submit APS certificate. Foreign students at Gutenberg Uni should prove German language proficiency. Most degree programs at this university require a proof of DSH 2. For this, students can submit Goethe Certificate C2, TestDAF with at least TDN 4 level in all four sections, etc.

  • UG: A general university qualification is required for admission to Gutenberg University's UG courses.
  • PG: For admission to the Master's courses of Johannes Gutenberg Uni, a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required.

Johannes Gutenberg University Ranking 2026

In the Shiksha Popularity Rankings 2026, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz is ranked at #21 in the Germany. Whereas, in the world rankings, Johannes Gutenberg University ranking is #237 in 2026. Subject rankings of the Johannes Gutenberg University are #25 for MA, #30 for MS, #38 for Business & Management, #49 for Engineering, etc.

By Other Ranking Bodies

In the world rankings by Times Higher Education rankings, this university ranks at #301-350 in 2026. Globally, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz QS ranking is #500 in 2027. It was ranked at #452 in 2026. The subject rankings as per QS are given below-

  • Communication and Media Studies: #101-150
  • English Language & Literature: #101-150
  • Physics & Astronomy: #121
  • Pharmacy & Pharmacology: #151-200

Johannes Gutenberg University Campus

Main campus of Johannes Gutenberg University is in Mainz, Germany. It is located close to Mainz main station and is easily reached by bike, car or train. This university offers a no. of sports and culture programmes. Few facts about the Johannes Gutenberg Uni campus life is given below-

  • Gutenberg Uni features 70+ sports courses, ranging from Aerobics to Zumba. Also, Studierendenwerk Mainz at Gutenberg Uni operates many canteen and cafeterias
  • A few of these are Central Canteen, canteen in the Georg Foster building, canteen in the Law and Economics building, etc.
  • Housing for Gutenberg Uni is managed by Studierendenwerk Mainz. Mostly the housing options that are available are for visiting scholars.

Common questions

Is Johannes Guttenberg University a public or private university?

Johannes Guttenberg University is a public university located in Mainz, Germany. Around 4,200 international students from more than 130 countries are enrolled at the university. A wide range of courses at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels are offered by the university. Study fields at the universities are Humanities, Social Sciences, Media Studies, Natural Sciences, Economics, Medicine, Art, etc.

What is the acceptance rate for Johannes Guttenberg University Mainz?

JGU Mainz acceptance rate is around 28%. The acceptance rate justifies that the university is quite selective. So, to take admission here, the university must have a good academic record and meet all the entry requirements. The general entry requirements are having a school leaving certificate while taking admission to bachelor’s courses. For admission to master’s courses, the applicants should have a bachelor’s degree.

Which is better - Gutenberg University or University of Cologne?

A comparison of the Johannes Gutenberg University with similar universities such as the University of Cologne is given below:

Factors

JGU

Uni of Cologne

Fees

No tuition fees for majority of courses

No tuition fees

QS Rankings 2027

#500

#269

Courses offered

240+

200+

The choice to study at a particular university will depend on students' choices, preferred location, cost of living, etc. However, one thing that JGU offers is a wide range of courses i.e. over 200 academic degree options are available.

 

Do I need German language proficiency to study at Johannes Gutenberg Mainz?

To study at Johannes Gutenberg Mainz, German language proficiency is required only if students choose a course that is taught in German. For courses that are taught in English, students can submit an English language proficiency score such as TOEFL / IELTS. The minimum score may vary as per the courses. 

Can I work part time while studying at Johannes Gutenberg University?

Students on a German student visa can take up part time work for 140 full days or 280 half days per year. The students are generally not allowed to work more than 20 hours per week. Popular part time jobs that students can take up are-

  • Teaching Assistant
  • Research Assistant
  • Student Mentor
  • Library Assistant
  • Cashier
Can I stay in Germany after studying at Johannes Gutenberg University?

After studying in Germany, students can apply for a Post Study Work Visa. As per this, students to stay in Germany for up to 18 months for job purposes. For this, the students must have completed a full-time course at <a href="https://www.shiksha.com/studyabroad/germany/universities" target="_blank" rel="noopener">University in Germany</a>. They must also have a valid Germany student visa and have enough funds to support themselves. 

What language is required for Johannes Gutenberg University?

For most of the programs of JGU, a German language proficiency certificate has to be submitted. In a few courses, English language proficiency test scores such as TOEFL are accepted. To prove German language proficiency, most degree programs require DSH 2 from foreign applicants. There are also alternative tests for DSH 2 such as TestDAF, etc. Do refer to the official website of the university to know which test score is acceptable.

How to apply to Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz?

For admission to Johannes Gutenberg Uni Mainz, Indian students have to apply via the university specific portal. There is an application processing fee at this university. The application processing is EUR 75 (Around INR 8.1k). Indian students who are thinking to apply to this university must submit an APS certificate. A few other documents required to apply to this university are-

  • A copy of id card or passport
  • Complete CV
  • Language proficiency certificate as required by the program
How to get admission to Johannes Gutenberg University?

To get into Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, the applicants are required to meet all the eligibility requirements. These are:

  • Master’s Degree: The applicants should have a bachelor’s degree in the relevant study field
  • Bachelor’s Degree: The applicants must have a school leaving certificate

A few of the documents required to apply are a passport, original certified copies of leaving certificates and degree certificates from the schools or universities previously attended, CV, proof of German language proficiency, etc.

Does Johannes Gutenberg University offer scholarships to international students?

Yes, JGU offers scholarship opportunities to international students. These scholarships are: Master’s in Physics (Excellent Track), Scholarships for finalizing a degree with DAAD, and Deutschlandstipendium. Some of the details of these scholarships are listed below:

  • Deutschlandstipendium: The recipients of this scholarship are going to receive 300 Euros per month for 1 year. Half of the scholarship money is paid by a sponsor (private person, company, foundation) and half by Federal Ministry of Education and Research
  • Scholarships for finalizing a degree with DAAD: International students at JGU who have obtained their certificate for admission to higher education not in Germany and who are about to finish their studies are invited to apply for scholarships for degree-finalization
  • For Master’s in Physics Students (Excellent Track) – A few students of the JGU Master’s in Physics Excellent Track Program can apply for financial support. These scholarships are endowed with Euro 934 per month for a maximum duration of 2 years
What is the Johannes Gutenberg University scholarship criterion?

Generally, the authority that offers scholarships want their recipients having a certain profile. The selection is offered done after considering the following factors including JGU:

  • Excellent / good academic accomplishments in the past
  • Personal circumstances (including financial need)
  • Motivation for application for the scholarship
  • Social and cultural engagement at JGU and elsewhere
How much is the tuition fee at JGU Mainz?

There is no JGU Mainz tuition fee for international applicants for a majority of the courses. However, there are terms and conditions for this such as students who are 60 years or older, want to pursue two degrees, and more. So, check the official website of the university to know the exact details. But, keeping aside the tuition fees, students are required to pay a semester fee and the summer semester fee for 2024 is Euro 357.46. This fee breakdown is given below:

Particulars

Fee

Semester ticket

€235.66

Studierendenwerk

€104

Tasks of the student body representative committee

€13.10

Student athletics committee

€1.60

Share for the ASta student aid fund

€1.55

Financial support for Mental Health Services for students

€ 1.55

 

What is the semester fee at Johannes Gutenberg University?

To be enrolled at Johannes Gutenberg University, the students have to pay semester fee. For the Winter 2026/27 semester, the fees are given below-

CampusSemester FeeFees in INRMainzEUR 366.90INR 40kGermersheim EUR 389.80INR 42.4kTrier Medical campusEUR 378.80INR 41.2k
Is there a tuition fee for Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz?

No, there is no tuition fee for Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz for international students. However, every student is required to pay a semester fee, which is, €357.46. This fee includes the components for student ticket, student athletics committee, student body representative committee, etc. A few points that students have to keep in mind are:

  • Students are required to pay the tuition fee, in addition to the semester fee if they start a second-degree programme after graduation or have already obtained a Master’s or Diploma programme or have completed a state examination programme and are now subsequently studying for a master’s degree
  • If students are 60 years of age or older

In the above cases, the JGU tuition fee is €700 per semester and degree program. Also, check the terms and requirements in case if students are studying for two degrees.  

Does Gutenberg University offer courses in English?

Gutenberg University offers 30+ courses in English language. Most of these are Master's courses. Study areas for the courses taught in English language are-

  • Biomedical Chemistry
  • Epidemiology
  • Nueroscience
  • Microbiology
  • Physics
  • Business Administration
How long is the MSc in Sport Science Movement and Wellbeing course of Gutenberg University?

The duration of <a href="https://www.shiksha.com/studyabroad/germany/universities/johannes-gutenberg-university/m-sc-in-sports-science-movement-and-wellbeing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Johannes Gutenberg University MSc in Sport Science Movement and Wellbeing</a> is 4 semesters. This course is only offered in the Summer semester. For admission to this course, students must have a Bachelor's degree in a related field. B2 Level English language proficiency is required. 

How long is the MA in Human Geography course of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz?

<a href="https://www.shiksha.com/studyabroad/germany/universities/johannes-gutenberg-university/m-a-in-human-geography-globalisation-media-and-culture-in-german" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz MA in Human Geography course</a> is 4 semesters long course. The language of instruction of this course is English. For admission to this course, a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required. IELTS socre of 5.5 / TOEFL iBT score of 79. 

 

What is the rank of Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz in QS ranking?

In the QS rankings, Gutenberg Uni Mainz ranking is #500 in 2027. In 2026, this university ranks at #452. There is a decline in the university’s rankings, the university has still managed to maintain its position among the Top 500 Universities in the world. 

Where does Gutenberg University rank in Times Higher Education ranking?

Johannes Gutenberg University THE ranking is #301-350 in 2026. In the previous year, this university ranked at #251-300. The subject rankings of this university are-

SubjectsRankingsArts and Humanities#201-250Medical and Health#251-300Physical Sciences#176-200Psychology#251-300
What is the cost of living for Johannes Gutenberg University students?

Students must do financial planning in order to live in Rhine – Main area. Rents and additional housing cost, food costs, and other expenses are higher than in other regions of Germany. In Mainz, the monthly rent for a corresponding room near the university is approximately EUR 320 - EUR 450. For 2021, students had ongoing costs of an average EUR 842.

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