Student support (BAföG) for vocational training is an important support for skilled workers who want to develop their careers. It helps to finance the costs of further training such as master craftsman courses or specialist courses and thus enables the next career step. In this article, you will find out who is entitled to BAföG for vocational training, which requirements must be met and whether the funding has to be repaid. We also give you valuable tips on how to apply and show you which further training courses are subsidised.
What is the BAföG for vocational training grant?
The BAföG for vocational training (Aufstiegsbafög) is a state subsidy that supports people in their further vocational training. It aims to provide skilled workers with a financial basis to achieve a higher qualification, such as a master craftsman, business administrator or technician. The BAföG for vocational training subsidises course and examination fees, living expenses and thus helps to make further training financially accessible.
Who receives BAföG for vocational training?
BAföG for vocational training can be applied for by people who are aiming for further vocational training. This includes master craftsman courses, technician courses, further training courses for nursery school teachers, specialised clerks, business administrators or comparable qualifications. The funding is aimed at both employees and the self-employed who wish to obtain a recognised qualification as part of further training.
Do you want to calculate or apply for school or student BAföG? With our BAföG calculator from LeistungsLotse, you can quickly and easily check whether and how much BAföG you are entitled to and send your application directly to us. Check now!
What requirements must be met for BAföG for vocational training?
The basic prerequisite for funding is that the programme prepares you for a public examination in accordance with the Vocational Training Act (BBiG) and the Crafts Code (HwO). In NRW in particular, the BAföG for vocational training is attractive for further training in many industries.
A certain minimum amount of further training is required. As a rule, a full-time programme must comprise at least 400 teaching hours and 25 teaching hours per week on at least four weekdays. The programme must last at least two years and no longer than three years. A part-time programme must comprise an average of 18 hours per month and last no longer than four years. It may also only comprise 200 teaching hours, provided it does not last longer than 3 years.
How much is the BAföG for vocational training grant?
The amount of funding varies depending on the type and scope of further education. For full-time training, a monthly maintenance allowance is also granted, which does not have to be paid back and currently amounts to 1019 euros for single people without children. Up to 15,000 euros is available for course and examination fees, half of which is granted as a low-interest loan. An BAföG for vocational training calculator can be used to calculate the amount of individual funding, depending on your personal situation and the scope of the training programme.
Please note: If you successfully pass the final examination, the loan for course and examination fees can be waived by a further 50%. The grant can be completely waived if you set up a company after your training, so-called "business start-up waiver".
Does the BAföG for vocational training have to be repaid?
Yes, the loan portion of the BAföG for vocational training must be repaid. The loan is interest-free and repayment-free for a maximum grace period of 6 years after the end of the training programme. After that, repayment is made within 10 years in instalments of at least 128 euros per month. If you fall below certain income limits during the repayment phase, you can be exempted for up to five years.
What do I need to consider when applying?
To apply for BAföG for vocational training, the relevant forms must be submitted. It is important to enclose all necessary evidence of the qualification and the planned further training. BAföG for vocational training is particularly strongly subsidised in NRW, which can include regional peculiarities when applying. It is therefore advisable to obtain comprehensive information before applying.
Do you want to calculate or apply for school or student BAföG? With our BAföG calculator from LeistungsLotse, you can quickly and easily check whether and how much BAföG you are entitled to and send your application directly to us. Check now!
Which further training courses are subsidised by the BAföG for vocational training?
Funding is available for further training courses that aim to achieve a higher professional qualification, such as master craftsman courses, advanced technician training or specialist training. The training qualification must be above the level of a skilled worker, journeyman or assistant examination or a vocational college qualification. Certain degree programmes can also be funded via the BAföG for vocational training, especially if they build on vocational training.
Conclusion
BAföG for vocational training offers an excellent opportunity to receive financial support for further vocational training and to advance your career. Grants and low-interest loans significantly reduce the financial burden. Particularly attractive is the partial loan cancellation upon successful completion. Anyone who fulfils the requirements and is aiming for a higher qualification should definitely check how the BAföG for vocational training can be used. Careful preparation and the correct application are crucial in order to receive the best possible funding.