Funding options

Child support, BAföG, part-time job – studying usually has to be financed from various sources.

First of all: The state-funded financial aid programme BAföG (= Federal Training Assistance Act) is the best way to finance your studies. The relevant BAföG service office as well as the student services organisation (in German: Studierendenwerk or Studentenwerk) at your place of study will provide detailed advice. 

Attention: If you have a residence permit for study purposes (section 16 Residence Act) you are not eligible for BAföG!

The most important funding options:

• Parents are leagally obligated to their (adult) children to finance their education up to a first professional qualification. This means that parents are generally obliged to pay maintenace until the end of their children's studies.

• BAföG: If parents or spouse or partner are unable to support the student due to their low income, the state provides financial support in accordance with the Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG).
  From the start of the winter semester 2024/2025, the maximum monthly rate will be 855 euros for students up to the age of 24, 952 euros for students up to the age of 29 and 1,088 euros for students aged 30 and over. These amounts only apply to students who do not live with their parents.
   

• Earning your own money: Almost two-thirds of the students have part-time jobs. For half of them the job is essential for financing their living expenses.

• Other sources are scholarships, loans/credits or, for example, grants from grandparents or other relatives.