Student support (BAföG) is a valuable support for many young people in Germany. It is usually associated with students at universities, but trainees on certain school-based training programmes can also receive BAföG. In this article, you will find out all about BAföG for trainees, which requirements you need to fulfill and how you can submit your application to LeistungsLotse.
What is BAföG and how do trainees benefit from it?
BAföG is a state subsidy that provides financial support for pupils and students. Trainees in school-based training programmes, such as vocational schools or technical colleges, can also receive BAföG under certain conditions. However, this form of BAföG for trainees differs from traditional student grants.
This falls under the category of student BAföG, which is generally granted in full as a grant and therefore does not have to be paid back at all.
Who is entitled to BAföG for trainees?
Student BAföG is aimed at trainees who are completing school-based training at certain specialised schools or vocational colleges and are studying full-time. These include vocational upper secondary schools, specialised upper secondary schools or vocational colleges.
Unfortunately, traditional vocational training programmes - where training takes place in a company and at a vocational school - cannot be funded by BAföG. It is also important for the entitlement that your parents' income as well as your own assets and income can be included in the calculation of the BAföG rate for trainees.
If you are doing further training such as a master craftsman, business administrator or technician, you may still be entitled to BAföG for vocational training. You can find out more about BAföG for vocational training here.
How much BAföG funding is available?
The amount of BAföG for trainees varies depending on individual circumstances such as parental income and personal assets. The amount granted helps to cover living expenses and any training costs. As BAföG for students is usually paid out as a full grant, those entitled do not have to pay back the money they receive later. This makes the grant particularly attractive, as it serves purely as support for the training period without any later financial obligations.
Here you can find more detailed information on how much you may be entitled to.
How does the online application for BAföG for trainees work?
The BAföG application for trainees can be submitted easily online at LeistungsLotse, which simplifies the process considerably. 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!
Tips for a successful BAföG application
For a successful BAföG application, it is advisable to find out about the requirements and the necessary documents at an early stage. In addition to the application form, trainees usually have to submit proof of their school certificate, their parents' income and their own proof of income. If you want to make sure that the application is complete and error-free, you can seek advice from the relevant BAföG office. Or conveniently with LeistungsLotse. Try it out now!
Additional financial support options for trainees
In addition to BAföG, trainees in Germany have access to further financial support if their training salary or BAföG payments are not sufficient.
Vocational training allowance (BAB): An important form of support is the vocational training allowance (BAB), which is intended for trainees in traditional vocational training who need financial assistance due to low income. The maximum monthly support amount here is 781 euros and is calculated taking into account the income of the parents or partner. BAB differs from BAföG in that you only receive it for in-company or external training in a recognised training occupation or for vocational preparation measures. You can apply for it at the Federal Employment Agency.
Living allowance: If you are not entitled to BAföG or BAB, trainees can often apply for living allowance. However, this still depends on the income of the entire household and the rent. You can find out more about living allowances and BAföG here.
Child support: Young people under the age of 25 are also generally entitled to child support, which is used by parents to support their education.
Scholarships and loans: Private and international scholarships are particularly interesting for those who would like to gain experience abroad during their education. If money is still tight, there is the option of taking out an educational loan from the KfW Bank. However, this is granted as a loan and must be repaid later.
In special cases, citizens allowance can also be applied for. You can find more information about citizens allowance and BAföG here .
Conclusion
BAföG offers trainees on school-based training programmes a great opportunity to secure themselves financially during their training. As BAföG for students is usually paid out as a full grant, trainees do not have to worry about repaying it later. Use the online application and inform yourself thoroughly to maximise your chances of receiving funding and to be able to concentrate fully on your training.