Do you have the qualifications required to enroll in a degree program? If so, you’re well on your way to receiving BAföG. There are a few exceptions, such as if you’re starting a second bachelor’s degree, studying at a private university that isn’t eligible for BAföG, etc. Just submit your BAföG application online. We’ll review your eligibility.
Yes. However, the maximum grant amount is lower because the housing allowance is then only 59 euros (instead of 380 euros).
There is no specific figure for this, and it must be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
There are a few options we’ll review based on your resume. For example, if you’ve already completed an apprenticeship and then worked (for a total of 6 years) or if you’re over 30 when you start your degree (this also applies to master’s programs). We’d be happy to explain other exceptions to you. Simply being over 25 years old isn’t enough!
An application is usually valid for 12 months. During this approval period, you may earn up to a total of €6,240 in a part-time job, for example. That’s an average of €520 per month. However, it doesn’t matter whether you earn the same amount every month or, for example, nothing for a few months and then earn more than usual. If you exceed the income limit, your BAföG will be reduced accordingly. Different limits apply to freelancers, self-employed individuals, instructors, and students with children.
No. It always comes down to the combination of parental income and the amounts that can be deducted from it. There are significant deductions, for example, for siblings. So if you have parents who earn a good income but also have a few siblings who are in school, in college, doing an apprenticeship, or participating in a voluntary social year (FSJ), etc., you have a good chance of receiving BAföG funding.
So that we can check whether you might be eligible for additional BAföG.
The amount of your BAföG grant is as unique as you are. To help us calculate it, simply submit your BAföG application online.
It’s a combination of your assets (money in bank accounts, life insurance, etc.), your income (e.g., a part-time job), your parents’ income from the year before last, and the deductions (e.g., for siblings!) that can be subtracted from that total. Tip: If your parents currently earn less than they did two years ago, you can request that their current, lower income be used for the calculation.
If they currently earn more than they did two years ago, that will not be taken into account. By the way: Your parents’ assets do not play a role.
From the first to the last semester of the standard period of study for your major, provided you submit an application every two semesters. In exceptional cases, funding may be extended (e.g., if you are a student council member or due to delays caused by pregnancy, child-rearing, etc.). In addition to your bachelor’s degree, you may also be eligible for funding for your master’s degree. Let us advise you.
Anytime—for example, right now! You can’t apply too early, only too late. Even if you haven’t yet decided which college you’ll attend. If you’re starting in a state other than Bremen, your documents will be sent there. If you’re already enrolled, your application will only be valid starting from the month it’s received by mail. So if you don’t want to miss out on any money, apply right away.
It really depends on you! Applications that are submitted with all required documents can be processed more quickly and conclusively than those that require follow-up questions or are missing supporting documentation. Once all required documents have been submitted, processing your application can take up to 10 weeks.
It’s easier than it looks at first glance. You can get help from the BAföG Service Hotline at
0800 2236341 (Mon.–Thu. 8 a.m.–6 p.m., Fri. 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.).
Actually, yes. But not if certain sections don't apply to you at all. The online application form includes instructions to help you fill it out.
The Flexibility Semester allows students to receive BAföG funding for an additional semester beyond the maximum funding period provided for by law or the already extended funding period, without having to provide a reason. The flexibility semester is granted upon application and only once during your academic career. For multi-stage degree programs in the Bachelor’s/Master’s system, this means that it is granted only once during the Bachelor’s program or once during the Master’s program; the same applies if you follow your initial degree with a second degree pursuant to Section 7(2) of the BAföG.
However, please note: The flexibility semester cannot be used to extend the deadline for changing your field of study or the deadline for submitting proof of academic performance.
These include:
- the income statement and asset declaration of the trainee,
- the income statement of the spouse or partner, as well as the parents of the trainee,
- for funding to participate in an internship abroad, the certificate pursuant to § 49(1a),
- for funding starting in the fifth semester, if applicable, a transcript of grades as specified in Section 48(1), first sentence.
Five years after the end of the standard period of study. You will receive a letter from the Federal Administrative Office stating the amount of your loan portion (capped at 10,010 euros). You can then choose whether you want to pay the total amount right away (there are additional discounts available!) or in installments (e.g., 130 euros per month).
At most, half of the money you received. The other half is a grant—in other words, a gift. Why “at most”? There is a repayment limit of 10,010 euros. So if you received more than 20,000 euros in BAföG, you’ll never have to repay more than 10,010 euros! Here’s an example: Anyone who receives the maximum BAföG rate (approx. 853 euros/month as of October 2019) while completing a bachelor’s and master’s degree will receive a total of approx. 51,000 euros in BAföG, but will only have to repay 10,010 euros of that amount!