Frequently Asked Questions About the Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG)

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

Answer: Submit your application at least three months before the start of the school year. Make sure all forms are fully completed and signed. At least for first-time applications, we recommend submitting them in person at the Office for Student Financial Aid. You can find more information in our checklist.

Question: Is the school certificate required under Section 9 of the BAföG when submitting the application?

Answer: BAföG applications can be submitted upon presentation of the admission letters issued by the schools. The school certificates under Section 9 of the BAföG can be submitted later.

Question: When is the best time to apply for BAföG?

Answer: We recommend that students begin the application process at least three months before the start of the school year and submit the necessary applications.

Question: What laws and financial aid programs can I learn about at the Office for Educational Assistance?

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

Question: Do I need to make an appointment if I would like to consult with you?

Answer: Yes, please schedule an appointment in advance by emailing:
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Question: What documents should I bring to my first consultation?

Answer: It is important to provide the exact name and address of the educational institution for which you are seeking advice. If possible, please bring a school certificate or other documents regarding the educational institution, as well as your parents’ income tax assessment from the year before last.

Question: Do BAföG benefits have to be repaid later?

Answer: Currently, only students at universities, higher vocational schools, and academies (including internships) repay half of their BAföG benefits as a loan. All other trainees receive BAföG benefits entirely as a grant.

Question: How much can my parents earn for me to receive BAföG?

Answer: There is no income limit or table used to determine the amount of financial aid. The amount of financial aid is calculated by the Office for Educational Assistance based on your documents and information.

Question: Is it true that high school students also receive a health insurance surcharge?

Answer: Yes. However, this is contingent upon the student being insured under a plan for which they are personally liable for premiums. Those insured through their parents, an orphan’s pension, or their employer do not receive the health insurance supplement.

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

Answer: No. Tuition or school fees are not covered under BAföG.

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

Answer: For all students and schoolchildren, an average monthly gross income of 603.00 euros during the approval period is currently permissible. If no income was earned in a given month or if less was earned, a corresponding amount more may be earned in the other months of the respective approval period. Different rules apply for internships, orphan’s pensions, receipt of other benefits, and attendance at other types of schools. Upon request, an additional portion of the income may be exempt from calculation.

Question: What if the parents do not pay the income to be counted in the BAföG decision as child support?

Answer: In such a case, an application for so-called advance payment can be made under the BAföG. If the facts have been substantiated, the parents will be heard. If they persist in their refusal, the Office for Educational Assistance will make the payment in advance. Any existing claim for child support is then transferred to the respective federal state, represented by the Office for Educational Assistance. This office then determines whether and to what extent the child support claims can be asserted against the parents.

Question: Are in-company apprenticeships also funded?

Answer: Participants in vocational preparatory training programs as well as trainees in company-based or inter-company training programs are generally eligible to receive a vocational training allowance (BAB). The BAB office at the respective Employment Agency is responsible for processing these applications.