Frequently asked questions about the Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG)

Question: How can I speed up the processing of my BAföG application?

Answer: Submit the application at least three months before you start school. Make sure that all forms are completely filled out and signed. At least for first-time applications, we recommend submitting the application in person at the Office for Educational Support. You can find more information in our checklist.

Question: Is the school certificate according to § 9 BAföG required for the application?

Answer: BAföG applications can already be submitted on presentation of the letters of acceptance issued by the schools. The school certificates according to § 9 BAföG can be submitted later.

Question: When is it recommended to apply for BAföG?

Answer: We recommend that students apply at least three months before starting school and submit the relevant applications.

Question: What laws and funding programs can I obtain information about from the Office for Educational Support?

Answer: BAföG (Federal Training Assistance Act), educational loans, scholarships and other funding opportunities for training and further education.

Question: Do I have to make an appointment if I want to get advice from you?

Answer: No. You can simply come to our consultation and service hours without prior appointment.

Question: What documents should I bring with me to an initial consultation?

Answer: It is important to bring the exact name and address of the educational institution for which you would like advice. If possible, please bring a school certificate or other documents relating to the educational institution and your parents' income tax assessment from the calendar year before last.

Question: Do the BAföG benefits have to be paid back later?

Answer: Only students at universities, higher technical colleges and academies (including internships) currently pay back half of the BAföG benefits as a loan. All other students receive BAföG benefits in full as a grant.

Question: How much can my parents earn so that I can receive BAföG?

Answer: There is no income limit or table from which the grant can be read. The amount of funding is calculated by the Office for Educational Support based on your documents and information.

Question: Is it true that students also receive a health insurance supplement?

Answer: Yes. However, the prerequisite is that the pupils themselves are insured and liable to pay contributions. Those who are insured through their parents, orphan's pension or employer do not receive the health insurance supplement.

Question: Does the BAföG office pay the school fees or tuition fees for attending public or private educational institutions?

Answer: No. School fees or tuition fees are not covered by BAföG.

Question: How much can I earn per month in addition to BAföG?

Answer: For all students and pupils, an average monthly gross income of 538.00 euros during the approval period is currently harmless. If no income was earned in one month or less, you can earn correspondingly more in the other months of the respective approval period. Other regulations apply to internships, orphan's pensions and the receipt of other benefits and when attending other types of school. On application, a further part of the income can be exempted from being offset.

Question: What happens if the parents do not pay the income to be offset in the BAföG notification as maintenance?

Answer: In such a case, you can apply for an advance payment under BAföG. Once the facts of the case have been substantiated, the parents will be heard. If they persist in their refusal, the Office for Educational Support will pay in advance. Any existing maintenance claim is then transferred to the respective federal state, represented by the Office for Educational Support. This office then checks whether and to what extent maintenance claims can be asserted against the parents.

Question: Is company-based training also supported?

Answer: Participants in pre-vocational training measures and trainees in company or inter-company training can generally receive a vocational training allowance (BAB). The BAB office at the respective employment agency is responsible for processing this.