Cost limits from November 2023 for school trips in Berlin: Education administration reacts to price developments

The Berlin education administration has adjusted the cost limits for school trips from November 2023. Schools were notified of this change in a letter from the Berlin Education Administration. From now on, school trips for elementary school children up to third grade may cost 35 euros more, meaning that the upper limit is now 335 euros. This adjustment was made as a result of current price developments. For older primary school children up to sixth grade, the ceiling has been raised to 415 euros.

In high schools, there are new cost limits for regular trips in grades seven to ten. These may now only cost a maximum of 550 euros, compared to the previous 650 euros. The upper limit for ski and language trips has been set at 750 euros. The upper school remains unaffected by these changes; the budget here remains at 850 euros. For student exchange trips outside Europe, the costs were increased to 1,450 euros, from 1,350 euros.

The new limits will come into force from November 2023. School trips must be financed by parents. However, low-income families, such as recipients of social assistance or housing benefits, have the option of applying for support. In such cases, the competent authority shall bear the costs.

Back in March of this year, the education administration introduced cost limits to ensure that families are not excessively burdened financially. These measures should enable all students to take part in school trips without financial hurdles getting in the way.