BAföG/Finances | BAföG Infos

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Facts about BAföG

Because there are so many different regulations about BAföG it can be complicated to understand whether you qualify for the loan or not. Here we explain to you in short what BAföG is and how you can apply for it.

What is BAföG?

BAföG is the abbreviation for “Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz”, the German Federal Law on Training and Education Promotion.

It is composed of 50% grant (does not need to be repaid) and 50% interest-free state loan.

 

BAföG for foreign students

Foreign students can only receive BAföG if they have a certain residency status that entitles them to receive social benefits. If you are not sure whether your status makes you eligible for BAföG, please get in touch with us for advice.

Application and amount

BAföG is granted from the month of your application and it has to be reapplied for every year (appropriation period of one year).

When assessing whether you qualify for BAföG, partially your own income and assets as well as the income of your parents / life partner is taken into account.

In general (with some exceptions), only students who have not yet turned 45 when taking up their studies, qualify for BAföG.

Principally, BAföG is paid during the standard period of studies. Under certain conditions payment can be extended beyond the maximum period. A separate application will be needed for the extension.

The repayment to Bundesverwaltungsamt  in Cologne starts five years after the standard period of studies has ended.

 

More information about BAföG:

www.bafoeg.de

www.bafoeg-rechner.de

www.bafoeg-digital.de (Online-Antrag)