BAföG: basics for students

In short: BAföG is a state education grant in Germany that financially supports pupils and students from lower-income families. Half the amount is a grant, the other half an interest-free loan.

In more detail: The amount depends on parents’ income, the student’s own assets and living situation.

In detail

• Applying: At the responsible student services office, ideally well before starting studies.
• Funding duration: Usually the standard period of study for the chosen degree programme.
• Repayment: Only the loan portion must be repaid, with a repayment cap.
• Income offsetting: Own income up to an allowance does not reduce the funding.
• BAföG abroad: Separate rules for study stays abroad.
• Pupil BAföG: For certain school types, depending on where you live and the school type.
• Advice: Student services offices and counselling centres help with application and calculation (Study financing).