The aim of educational support under the Federal Act on Individual Support for Education and Training (Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz - BAföG) is to give young people the opportunity to complete a university education that matches their abilities and interests, regardless of their social and economic situation.
Training assistance is provided for living expenses and training. The monthly requirement is flat-rate and depends on the accommodation (living with parents or living away from home). The student's income and assets, the parents' income and, if applicable, the income of the spouse/registered partner are taken into account.
Parent-independent funding is only granted under certain conditions.
Funding is provided for the duration of the standard period of study, from the fifth semester onwards only if the required level of performance is met (exceptions are possible).
BAföG is generally granted for 1 year ("approval period").
As a rule, funding is provided
half as a grant
half as an interest-free government loan.
Repayment of the loan portion begins 5 years after the end of the standard period of study.
In certain cases, however, the funding is provided in full as an interest-bearing bank loan under private law (e.g. graduation assistance after the end of the standard period of study).