Each school-leaver should have the opportunity of gaining training that meets his or her inclinations and abilities, even if the parents’ financial means do not allow this. The Federal Republic of Germany therefore supports students and trainees with grants and loans in line with the Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG).
Half the BAföG funding comes in the form of a grant and the other half as an interest-free loan. So you have to repay half the money that you have received after the end of your course.
Generally, the educational support is paid from the month of application, at the earliest the start of the course of studies. Initial applications – normally from first semester students – should be submitted at the time when they are admitted or enrolled at the university.
You can send an informal written application (german language) to meet the deadline. The complete application should then be submitted soon afterwards.
If you are already receiving BAföG and would like to apply for this again, please make a follow-up application to the relevant BAföG office.
Educational support is generally provided from the month of application. Applications for ongoing support should normally be submitted in full two months before the expiry of the current entitlement period.
We offer your various service points where you can obtain personal advice about BAföG.
You will find all the papers and pre-printed forms to apply for BAföG here.
The online assistant will help you fill in the application for BAföG step by step.