How to finance your studies

A help for many students. With BAföG, you can finance your studies in part or total. Another option is a student loan or an educational loan. We have listed the most important information for you here.

Info about BAföG

What is BAföG? How can I get BAföG? You can find all information here:

The most frequent FAQs

Who is entitled to apply?

German students; in certain conditions, foreign students may receive BAföG too. The Federal Training Assistance Act normally only provides support for one course of studies. You must start it before your 30th birthday.
Support is also available for those wishing to complete a master’s degree after passing their bachelor’s. You must start this before your 35th birthday. After this, BAföG is only available in exceptional cases.

What is the calculation of BAföG benefits?

BAföG comes in the form of a grant (50 percent) and an interest-free loan (the other 50 percent). At the end of your course, you therefore have to repay half the money that you have received.

How long can I recieve BAföG?

The maximum time for BAföG is governed by the normal university course, which is laid down in the course and examinations order for each specialist department. The maximum period for support continues, regardless of whether you have actually received BAföG during the whole course.
Educational support is only provided from the fifth semester onwards if the student has submitted evidence of achievements.
BAföG may, however, be provided beyond the maximum period

for serious reasons, for example sickness,
as a result of membership of legal committees and statutory bodies at universities and the Studierendenwerk,
as a result of not passing the final examinations the first time,
as a result of any disability, pregnancy or caring for and bringing up a child aged under ten.

BAföG may also be provided for one year in the form of a completely interest-free bank loan as assistance for completing a course after the maximum support period has been reached. This is only possible if students have been approved for the final examinations and can complete their course within a year.

How do repayments work?

The maximum loan needing to be repaid is EUR 10,000. The loan must be repaid in appropriate instalments five years after the end of the maximum support period. The repayment depends on your income – i.e. low earners may be exempt from any repayments.

You will receive notification of the amount of the loan and start of the repayment period about six months before you need to start making repayments. The loan is collected centrally by the Federal Office of Administration, which has its headquarters in Cologne.

For further information please visit: https://www.bva.bund.de.

View all FAQs on BAföG

BAföG for abroad

The Studierendenwerk Tübingen-Hohenheim is responsible for educational support for those going to Asia and Turkey.

Info for BAföG abroad

Student loan

BAföG is often not enough to cover your living expenses or has not been approved. The KFW student loan and the education loan can help you here. If you find yourself in need at short notice, we can support you with a small loan. And sometimes there is also the possibility for students to receive housing allowance.