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Guildo Horn, German folk-pop singer and advocate of BaföG
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Federal Education and Training Assistance Act (BaföG)
Apart from the thirst for knowledge that drives students to university, students have other needs too. These include, in addition to essentials such as clothing and food, an occasional visit to the cinema or other cultural event. In order to ensure that students actually take advantage of these opportunities, the German government has established the “Federal Education and Training Assistance Act” or “BaföG”. This law guarantees trainees a minimum of financial support. To be eligible to receive the state assistance, you must be under 30 years of age and prove that your parents are unable to support your university education.
The level of support one receives is based on the parents’ income and the needs of the student. The financial support ends with your final examinations, which means after the stipulated period for course completion, i.e. usually nine semesters for institutions of higher education and seven or eight semesters for Universities of Applied Sciences. Exceptions of course include illness, caring for and bringing up a child, failure to pass the examination or a handicap. Important: only half the sum is considered a subsidy. The remaining portion of the money you receive is an interest-free loan and must be repaid.
Under certain conditions, international students can apply for a BAföG subsidy too. To find out whether you qualify to receive financial assistance, contact the BaföG-Amt of the local student council.
Modest Survival
Student Discounts
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| Further Information
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The Education Ministry's website on the German Federal Training and Assistance Act (BAföG) - Information, laws, examples, assistance calculator
www.bafoeg.bmbf.de
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