Your BAföG
All you need to know about student support (BAföG) – from application to repayment
All you need to know about student support (BAföG) – from application to repayment
Student Support (BAföG) is a government grant designed to help you finance your studies, school education or further training. With BAföG for students, one part is granted as a subsidy, while the other part must be repaid interest-free. BAföG thus promotes equal opportunities and opens up education to everyone - regardless of their financial situation.
Whether it's a Bachelor's, Master's or school-based training - in many cases, BAföG gives you the opportunity to concentrate fully on your studies without having to worry about financial hurdles.
Who receives BAföG?
Students in their first full-time degree programme or a subsequent postgraduate course (e.g. Master's degree)
Pupils for training at a vocational or secondary school
Upgrading students for a course or training at a technical college, so-called upgrading BAföG (formerly MeisterBaföG)
What do I get?
This depends on your basic needs, your income and the income of your parents, spouse or children, which can be taken into account. In general, the requirements are made up as follows:
Basic needs: This is for the usual cost of living and depends on the type of your education.
Flat-rate housing allowance: You will receive the flat-rate housing allowance if you no longer live with your parents and it is intended to cover part of your rental costs.
Supplements for health and care insurance: You will usually only receive these if you are over 25 years old and no longer covered by your parents' family insurance.
Supplements for childcare: You will receive a supplement of €160 for each child under the age of 14.
How does it relate to other benefits?
BAföG generally takes precedence over other benefits such as living allowance or citizens allowance. This means that if you have a claim, you should claim it first. Living allowance is not only granted for you, but for the entire household. However, BAföG is counted as income.
Tips
Free student BAföG: Unlike traditional BAföG for students, student BAföG does not have to be paid back and is a 100% grant.
Mini-job limit: In addition to BAföG, you can earn up to the mini-job limit, currently €556, without it being taken into account.
BAföG abroad: You can receive funding for a stay abroad for up to one year. It is important that your place of residence remains in Germany.
Students received 2021 BAföG
Maximum amount (2024)
state funded, 50% as an interest-free loan
Everything you need to know about basic needs, income and other benefits.
Calculate your student support requirements easily online: Use our student support calculator and find out how much financial support you are entitled to!
Can I also receive citizens allowance as a pupil or student? As a rule, BAföG takes precedence, but we tell you, when you can get citizens allowance.
Is living allowance only for students without BAföG entitlement? BAföG usually takes precedence. Here you can find out when you can still receive living allowance.
Everything you need to know about study start support: who gets it, requirements, application and repayment. Get 1,000 euros for the start of your studies.
Find out how your parents' income affects the student support (BAföG) rate, which allowances apply and when parent-independent BAföG is possible.
Find out how student support (BAföG) and the KfW education loan can be combined to finance your studies. Tips on utilisation and repayment.
With student support (BAföG) you can receive a subsidy for health insurance. You can find out more about the requirements and amount of the subsidy here.
BAföG and parental allowance in comparison: What support are student parents entitled to and how can both benefits be combined?
Everything you need to know about applying, providing evidence and the regulations.
Plan your stay abroad stress-free with student support abroad (AuslandsBAföG). Find out how to apply for it to study, go to school or volunteer abroad.
We have all the important deadlines, repayment amounts and allowances as well as valuable tips for repaying your student support loan (BAföG) and financial planning.
Everything you need to know about BAföG for vocational training: requirements, application, funding amount and repayment. Take advantage of the support for your professional development.
Can I also receive citizens allowance as a pupil or student? As a rule, BAföG takes precedence, but we tell you, when you can get citizens allowance.
BAföG and parental allowance in comparison: What support are student parents entitled to and how can both benefits be combined?
Student support (BAföG) proof of achievement: Important information on deadlines, requirements and consequences if you do not comply on time.
The student support (BAföG) hardship scheme helps students in emergency situations that threaten their existence. Find out more about the requirements, benefits and limits of this support.
Everything you need to know about parenting, etc.
Child support during your studies: Is child support and student support (BAföG) together possible and how about part-time jobs and studies abroad?
Pregnant during your studies? Get all the information you need about student support (BAföG), parental allowance, maternity allowance and other financial aid such as the childcare allowance.
Find out how your parents' income affects the student support (BAföG) rate, which allowances apply and when parent-independent BAföG is possible.
BAföG and parental allowance in comparison: What support are student parents entitled to and how can both benefits be combined?
All about BAföG with forms of study or training
Is BAföG available for trainees? Everything about requirements, application, funding amount and when BAB, living allowance or an education loan are right.
Student support (BAföG) for dual study programmes: Entitlement, application, income limits, repayment and BAföG abroad - all the important information summarised in one place!
Student support (BAföG) and disability: Tips on compensation for disadvantages, financial allowances, extension of study time and counselling for barrier-free studies.
Plan your stay abroad stress-free with student support abroad (AuslandsBAföG). Find out how to apply for it to study, go to school or volunteer abroad.
Find out how student support (BAföG) and the KfW education loan can be combined to finance your studies. Tips on utilisation and repayment.
Child support during your studies: Is child support and student support (BAföG) together possible and how about part-time jobs and studies abroad?
Everything you need to know about study start support: who gets it, requirements, application and repayment. Get 1,000 euros for the start of your studies.
Is living allowance only for students without BAföG entitlement? BAföG usually takes precedence. Here you can find out when you can still receive living allowance.
Important regulations & requirements
Her you find all you need to know about part-time jobs and internships under student support (BAföG): income limits, allowances and tips on earning money without jeopardising BAföG.