Social Consultation
BAFÖG- AND STUDENT FINANCING
BAföG is an important source of funding for many students, but often students struggle even with the application process itself. The consultation for BAföG and student financing assists you with the application, provides important advice, tips, and information regarding the Federal Training Assistance Act, housing allowance, scholarships, student loans, and employment opportunities. Simply send us an email at studienfinanzierung@asta.fh-aachen.org to receive further information or to schedule an appointment.
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What is BAföG?
BAföG stands for Bundes ausbildungsförderungs gesetz (Federal Training Assistance Act) and was introduced in 1971. It is a form of financial support for students and trainees to ensure equal opportunities and social equity in education. Half of the funding is provided as a grant, while the other half is an interest-free loan that must be repaid later.
Although approximately 80% of students in Germany are eligible for BAföG, only 14.5% received financial aid in 2024.
Why is that?
Many students believe that applying for BAföG is incredibly complicated and time-consuming. And in the end, you don’t even know if you’ll actually receive BAföG. But the process isn’t nearly as complicated as you might think.
We'll walk you through the process step by step!
Step-by-step instructions
1. Get a rough idea of your eligibility using the BAföG-Calculator. There you'll also find plenty of additional information about BAföG. Plus, an AI-powered chatbot is available to answer your questions.
2. Visit BAföG digital to submit your application.
3. Log in with your Bund-ID. To do this, you'll need your ID card and the ID app on your phone.
4. Start the application process.
5. Answer the questions about yourself, your bank details, insurance, education, resume, parents, income, and assets. Upload supporting documents.
6. Review your information and submit your application.
7. Your parents must also provide information. They will receive the form by email (if you provided their email addresses under the “Parents” section), or you can simply print it out for them. They will need their tax assessment notice to fill out the form.
8. Just sit back and relax! Unfortunately, it may take some time to process your application.
Important to know
- It does not matter in which semester the initial application is submitted.
- After the fourth semester, you must provide proof of academic performance in order to continue receiving financial aid. The Registrar’s Office in your department specifies the academic requirements that must be met by the end of the fourth semester. To do so, you must complete Form 5 (available for download at Bafög.de) must be signed by your registrar's office and then submitted with the follow-up application.
What is the Studienstarthilfe?
Starting your studies can be quite expensive. You may need a new laptop or furniture for your first apartment.
Since the winter semester 2024/2025, you can apply for a start-up grant of €1,000 at bafoeg-digital.de. The following requirements must be met:
- You must be under 25 years old.
- You or your parents must have received social benefits before the start of your studies (e.g. Bürgergeld, housing benefit, child supplement, or others).
- You are within the first two months of your studies.
Offers
AStA of Aachen University of Applied Sciences
Send a mail to: studienfinanzierung@asta.fh-aachen.org and get advice on:
- BAföG and Study Financing
- Scholarships
- Semester Ticket Refund
- Social Fund of Aachen University of Applied Sciences
Aachen University of Applied Sciences:
Scholarships:
- state-run programs for gifted students (stipendiumplus.de)
- FH Scholarship Program (Deutschlandstipendium)
DAKA Loan Fund:
Services offered by the Student Services Organization. Provides interest-free loans and financial support for study abroad programs. (daka-darlehensantrag.de)
