Aufstiegs-BAföG: Funding Weiterbildung for Meister and Techniker Qualifications

What is Aufstiegs-BAföG?
Aufstiegs-BAföG is a government funding program for people who want to obtain advanced professional qualifications (Aufstiegsfortbildung), such as:

• Meisterbrief in skilled crafts (Handwerk)

• Techniker in technical fields

• Fachwirt in business and administration

• Erzieher or Heilerziehungspfleger in the social sector

Former full name: Meister-BAföG
It covers course fees, living costs, and childcare.

Who can receive Aufstiegs-BAföG?
Requirement | Explanation

• Completed initial qualification | Ausbildung or an officially recognized vocational qualification

• Recognized advanced training | Weiterbildung under the AFBG law (must lead to a higher qualification such as Meister)

• Age & nationality | No age limit – includes Germans and some foreign residents with permanent or temporary residence permits under conditions

• Part-time or full-time | You can apply for both – the amount differs

What does the funding include?
Item | Funding

• Course fees (Lehrgangskosten) | up to €15,000 – 40% grant, the rest a low-interest loan (KfW)

• Exam costs | covered within the funding

• Living support (full-time) | monthly support up to around €963 per person, plus rent allowance and childcare

• Childcare support | €150 per month for each child under 14

• Rent allowance | up to €360 per month for singles (more for married/with children)

• Success bonus | 50% of the loan can be written off after final exam success!

How to apply

1. Choose a recognized Weiterbildung
   The program must lead to an officially recognized qualification under AFBG.
   Examples: Meisterschule, Fachschule für Technik, Wirtschaftsfachwirt IHK…

2. Submit the application via the official portal:
   https://www.aufstiegs-bafoeg.de

3. Required documents include:

• Official application form

• Proof of acceptance/enrollment in the training program

• Proof of the previous vocational qualification

• Proof of residence and income (if available)

4. Responsible authority:
   Amt für Ausbildungsförderung in your area (usually within the Jobcenter or Rathaus)

Important points
Point | Explanation

• Duration | usually 2 years – depending on the type of Weiterbildung

• Deadline | the application must be submitted before the course starts

• No financial guarantor required | the KfW loan is facilitated and state-backed

• You can apply more than once | if you obtain a new, higher-level qualification

Example funding calculation

• Course fees: €7,000

• 40% grant = €2,800 (non-repayable)

• 60% loan = €4,200 (partly cancellable after final success)

• Living support: €963/month × 24 months = €23,112

• Two children support: €150 × 2 × 24 = €7,200

Possible total: more than €30,000 in direct support + grants + child support

When is it recommended to apply?

• If you have finished an Ausbildung, are working, and are considering a higher qualification.

• If you are unemployed and want a strong opportunity to advance in an in-demand profession (e.g., Fachwirt im Gesundheitswesen).

• If you want to study full-time without needing major personal funding.

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ـ* The website’s writers and editors strive to provide accurate information through intensive research and reviewing multiple sources. However, mistakes may occur or some information may be unconfirmed. Please treat the information as an initial reference and always consult the relevant authorities for confirmed details.