GEZ (Radio, TV, Internet Fee)
The Rundfunkbeitrag (GEZ) fee, a fee that must be paid in Germany since January 2013, is a radio, TV and Internet license fee and public service broadcasters are financed by it. The fee is €18.36 per month and must be paid for every apartment regardless of the number of devices that are being used or the number of residents living in the apartment. It must be paid even if you do not own a radio or TV. To pay the fee, you will have to get a license fee account which you can register for online at www.rundfunkbeitrag.de.
Alternatively, once you have registered with the City of Leipzig you will receive a GEZ letter within a couple of weeks asking you to fill out the registration form and to send it back within a month. Failure to pay the fee can result in legal actions. Remember to deregister if you are planning to leave Germany after your studies.
Please note: This extra cost will also have to be paid if you decide to move into Basecamp accommodation. The colleagues in the accommodation will be able to assist you.