Pupils who can provide evidence of a corresponding need receive funding from the start of their education, but not for periods prior to the application, which is granted as a non-repayable grant.

Training at general and vocational schools (from grade 10) and colleges are eligible for funding.
Funding for attending secondary general education schools and some other schools requires that the student does not live with his/her parents and that accommodation away from home is also necessary, especially as the school attended (or another comparable school) is not accessible from the parents' home.

In the event of need, the amount of the grant depends on the income and assets of the student and - as the grant is generally family-dependent - on the income of the parents and the spouse or registered partner. Insofar as the statutory allowances are exceeded, this is offset against the respective requirement rate and reduces the amount of support accordingly.

Training assistance is paid for living expenses and training (the so-called need). BAföG provides for lump sums as monthly requirements, the amount of which depends on the type of training institution and accommodation (living with parents or living away from home). Trainees with children under the age of 14 may be granted a childcare allowance.

An exact statement as to whether BAföG funding can be expected and, if so, how much, can only be made after a careful examination of all individual requirements by the responsible office.