Funding opportunities for students
In Germany, students are not allowed to finance their studies with social benefits. For this reason, many students take on part-time student jobs or work to a permitted extent.
Those who are unable to finance themselves can apply for educational support. Students receive BAföG if they fulfill the general requirements. Alternatively, you can try to take out a student loan.
Please note that you will have to repay this money at a certain point in time and additional interest costs will be incurred. Scholarships, on the other hand, are repayment-free.
There are more than 2,000 scholarship providers in Germany who support students, especially in advanced semesters. The individual service agreement is negotiated by contract. As a rule, applications must be submitted one year in advance.
Foreign students in need may be able to apply for a graduation grant at the International Office of the respective university. If you are a student at Friedrich Schiller University Jena, please contact the International Office. Scholarship holders may receive financial aid from the German Academic Exchange Service.
Federal Training Assistance Act BAföG
With the Federal Training Assistance Act, the state mainly supports students, but also pupils and trainees who have their permanent residence in Germany and cannot finance their education themselves or through the support of their legal guardians.
Half of BAföG benefits consist of a state grant. The other half is an interest-free loan. Continued approval during the course of study is tied to proof of successful participation.
BAföG benefits are usually only granted during the standard period of study. Repayment of the loan must begin no later than 5 years after the end of the maximum funding period. Payment in installments is possible.
The amount to be repaid is lower if you complete your studies particularly quickly or well or if you make the repayment in one lump sum.
You can apply for BAföG benefits, depending on the type of training you are doing, at the student services of your university or at the Office for Training Assistance at your place of training or place of residence.
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BAföG for citizens from third countries
As a citizen of a country outside the EU or EEA, you may be entitled to benefits if you meet one of the following conditions. You may be entitled to benefits if you
- have a settlement permit or EU permanent residence permit.
- have a right of residence derived from your spouse. Your spouse is a German citizen or a gainfully employed person with EU citizenship in Germany.
- have a right of free movement derived from their parents. At least one parent is a citizen of the EU or EEA and is living in Germany as an employee or jobseeker. Even if you yourself are 21 years old or older, you may be entitled to BAföG benefits if the derived right to freedom of movement existed until your 21st birthday.
- are a homeless foreigner.
- have been recognized as a refugee outside Germany and have a long-term right of residence in Germany.
- have a residence permit with prospects of remaining in Germany. If your residence permit is not long-term, you are only entitled to BAföG if you have been in Germany legally, permitted or tolerated for at least 15 months without interruption.