Login/Create Account
BAföG funding: What are the application requirements for international students?
What is BAföG?
BAföG (Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz) is a German government funding program that supports students with a monthly payment to cover living and study costs.
About half of the amount is granted as non-repayable aid, and the other half is repaid later interest-free after graduation.
Which international students are eligible to apply for BAföG?
To receive BAföG as an international student, you must meet specific residence requirements or special conditions. The following cases may give you the right to apply:
1) Students with permanent or شبه permanent residence
| Residence status | Eligible to apply? |
|---|---|
| Niederlassungserlaubnis (permanent residence permit) | Yes |
| Residence permit under § 25(1) or (2) AufenthG (recognized refugees / full protection) | Yes |
| Residence permit under § 25(3), § 25(4) sentence 2, or § 25(5) (humanitarian reasons) | Yes |
| Aufenthaltsgestattung (during asylum procedure) | No |
| Duldung (toleration / deportation suspended) | Usually no |
| Residence for studies/training (§ 16b) | No (regular student residence) |
2) International students with family ties in Germany
| Situation | Eligible to apply? |
|---|---|
| One parent works and has paid social insurance contributions for at least 5 years | Yes |
| One parent is German or holds permanent residence | Yes |
| Married to a German citizen | Yes, with additional conditions |
| The student has worked in Germany for 5 continuous years (full-time, not during studies) | Yes |
Additional general requirements:
-
You are enrolled at a recognized German university (university, university of applied sciences, etc.).
-
It is a first degree program (not a second master’s or an additional program).
-
You are under 45 when applying for the first time (with exceptions).
-
You do not have high income or substantial assets (your finances are assessed in detail).
-
Your residence is stable and not based solely on the purpose of studying.
Required documents:
-
Residence permit and legal proof of your status.
-
University enrollment certificate (Immatrikulationsbescheinigung).
-
Proof of income (if any), or parents’ income.
-
Bank account details.
-
Full application via: www.bafoeg-digital.de
How much BAföG can you receive per month?
From 2024 onwards, the maximum amount is:
€934 per month (maximum)
(depending on housing, parents’ situation, insurance, etc.)
What if you are not eligible for BAföG?
Don’t worry—there are alternatives:
-
Scholarships (Stipendien) – e.g., organizations like DAAD or Deutschlandstipendium
-
Student part-time jobs – up to 20 hours per week during the semester
-
Study loans such as:
-
KfW-Studienkredit
-
Bildungsfonds
-
Real-life example:
A student from Syria with a residence permit under subsidiary protection (§ 25 Abs. 2) and enrolled at a German university can generally apply for BAföG without issues—provided other requirements (income, age, etc.) are met.
The editorial team of the website strives to provide accurate information through extensive research and reviewing multiple sources. However, errors may occur or some details may be unconfirmed. Please treat this information as initial guidance and always consult the competent authorities for confirmed information.
