BAföG
As the saying goes, “you need money to make money”, and unfortunately, this also applies to making it through your course of study. Student Services (Studentenwerk) offers comprehensive advice to help prevent financial issues having a detrimental effect on your studies.
The first point of call for student funding is still the German Federal Training Assistance Act (Bundesausbildungsförderung), known in Germany as “BAföG”. This national funding enables young people to undertake professional training or study which reflects their interests and skills, regardless of their socio-economic background.
Money, Money, Money
State funding is made up of 50% grant, and 50% interest-free loan. The loan can total a maximum of 10,000 EUR and must be paid back after completion of training or study. Anyone who is able to re-pay the loan in one go, or who achieves a particularly good degree, will be granted additional reductions. The maximum amount which students can receive is 812 euros per month for students under 25, 934 euros per month for students between 25 and 29, and a maximum of 1,018 euros per month for students aged 30 and over.
Entitlement
To qualify for BAföG, you must be aged under 45 when you begin your course of study, and must be completing your first degree programme. Student Services advise that all students clarify their entitlement to national student funding. Completing the short-form application is a good way of finding out whether you qualify for funding before taking the time to compile a full application. You can find a list of FAQs relating to BAföG on the Student Services website.
Advice on student funding
Consultation hours (by telephone or on site)
Marstallhof 1 (entrance via the spiral staircase to the right of the entrance to the Zeughaus-Mensa)
Monday and Wednesday from 09:00 - 11:30 and 12:30 - 16:00