BAföG in Germany: who gets student funding and how to apply

2 min read · 7 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

BAföG is the abbreviation of the federal law on education funding. How much you get depends on your own income and savings and on the income of your parents, and for foreigners on the kind of residence permit they hold.

Rules, amounts and deadlines change. Check the official source named at the end before you act, and ask the office in your city, because procedures differ from town to town.

Step by step

1. Check your residence status

   EU citizens with a right of residence, people with a settlement permit, recognised refugees and people with subsidiary protection are entitled in the same way as Germans. Some other permits qualify after 15 months in Germany. People who came on a student visa are not entitled as a rule.

   Done

2. Check the age limit

   You must start the course before your 45th birthday. There are exceptions, for example for people who could not study earlier for family reasons.

   Done

3. Estimate the amount

   The maximum is 992 euros a month (as of 2025) for students who do not live with their parents and pay their own health insurance. The income of your parents is counted, unless you are over 30 or have worked for several years. An online BAföG calculator gives a first figure.

   Done

4. Apply as early as you can

   Money is paid from the month of the application at the earliest, never backwards. Apply as soon as you are enrolled, online at bafoeg-digital.de or at the BAföG office (Studierendenwerk) of your university. Missing papers can follow.

   Done

5. Hand in the forms

   The main form, proof of enrolment, your tenancy agreement, bank details, a statement of your savings, and the income form filled in by your parents with their tax assessment from two years ago.

   Done

6. Mind your own earnings

   A part-time job up to the mini-job limit does not reduce BAföG. Above it, the amount is cut. See how much can international students work in Germany?

   Done

7. Keep to the standard period of study

   Funding lasts for the standard length of the course, with extensions in special cases. After the fourth semester you must show that your results are on track. Approval is for one year, so apply again each year.

   Done

Good to know

Repayment starts five years after the end of the funding period, normally at 130 euros a month. Whatever you received, the loan part to repay is capped at 10,010 euros.

If you get no BAföG at all, housing benefit may be possible: housing benefit in Germany (Wohngeld).

People in school-based vocational training can get BAföG too, without a loan part. Apprentices in companies get a different benefit, Berufsausbildungsbeihilfe, from the Employment Agency.

Students from abroad who cannot get BAföG finance their stay differently: blocked account for Germany 2026.

In short: Half grant, half loan capped at 10,010 euros, up to 992 euros a month, long-term right to stay needed, under 45, apply at once after enrolment, renew each year.