Students who can demonstrate a need for financial assistance will receive support in the form of a non-repayable grant starting at the beginning of their training; however, this support does not apply to periods prior to the submission of the application.

Eligible programs include training at general and vocational schools (starting in 10th grade) and colleges.
Financial assistance for attending secondary general education schools and certain other schools is contingent upon the student not living with their parents and the need for off-campus housing, particularly if the school attended (or a comparable school) is not accessible from the parents’ residence.

In cases of financial need, the amount of the grant depends on the student’s income and assets and—since the grant is generally family-based—on the income of the parents and the spouse or registered domestic partner. If the amounts specified by law as exempt from calculation are exceeded, this amount is offset against the respective needs-based rate and reduces the grant amount accordingly.

Educational assistance is provided to cover living expenses and educational costs (the so-called “needs”). The BAföG provides for flat-rate monthly amounts for these needs, the amount of which depends on the type of educational institution and the student’s living arrangements (living with parents or away from home). For students with children under the age of 14, a child care supplement may be granted.

A precise determination of whether BAföG funding can be expected—and, if so, how much—can only be made after a thorough review of all individual eligibility criteria by the responsible agency.