1. Do I have to submit an application?

Yes, BAföG benefits are only granted on application.

2. When do I have to submit the application?

As early as possible.

First application

In principle, training assistance is paid from the beginning of the month in which the training actually starts, but at the earliest from the beginning of the month of application.
The effective date of the application depends on how you submit it:

• 1. if you print out the application and send it by post or fax, the date of receipt (postmark) by the BAföG office determines the date of application.
• 2. it is quicker if you submit the application via BAföG Digital.

The previously applicable written form requirement (handwritten signature, qualified electronic signature or signature with ID card function) was replaced by a text form requirement with the 27th BAföGÄndG. The handwritten signature can be replaced by simply stating the name (printed letters by hand, computer letters in any font, scanned and pasted signature, signature created on a pad, etc.). However, this must be done at the end of the declaration to ensure that the declaration has been submitted.

We recommend that you refrain from submitting your application by e-mail, as it is not always guaranteed that the e-mails will be received. BAföG Digital is the safest way to submit an application.

Second and further applications

When applying for further funding (follow-up application), please note that this should be submitted two months before the end of the last/current approval period. In this way, educational grants can continue to be paid after the last approval notification, subject to reclaim, until the notification for the new application is issued and there are no unpleasant interruptions in payment (deadline for summer semester: January 31 | deadline for winter semester: July 31).

Applications that are submitted after the deadlines or that are incomplete may result in payment interruptions!

3. Do I only submit the application once for the entire course of study?

No. As a rule, the application must be resubmitted annually. Educational grants are usually approved for two semesters (= approval period). A new application must then be submitted for the follow-up grant.

4. Where do I submit the application?

The application must be submitted to the responsible office for educational support. If you are studying at a university, this is the local Studierendenwerk, otherwise it is usually the municipal office for educational support at the student's place of residence.

When applying via BAföG Digital, you will automatically be forwarded to the responsible office.

5. How do I submit the application?

BAföG benefits require an application (application forms).
If you are no longer able to fill out an application form or submit the application via BAföG Digital during the stress of starting your studies, it is sufficient to send a simple letter to the Office for Educational Support stating that you are seeking support (informal application, to meet the deadline). However, the application must then be submitted immediately using BAföG Digital or the official forms as well as all the necessary documents.

Since August 2021, you can submit your BAföG application directly via the uniform nationwide BAföG Digital platform. At www.bafoeg-digital.de, an application assistant will guide you step by step through the entire application process - from the initial application to follow-up applications and study start-up aid.

You can read about all the advantages of applying with BAföG Digital in the article BAföG - Applying with BAföG Digital.

Even if you submit your application with BAföG Digital, all information must be supported by evidence, in particular the income and financial circumstances of the applicant, the income circumstances of the spouse and/or parents (each parent separately). Evidence may include: certificates of earnings, income tax statements, pension statements, unemployment benefit statements, proof of profits from self-employment, bank statements of assets, etc. You will also need to submit all enrollment certificates, school and university certificates and proof of tenancy if you no longer live with your parents. You may also need to provide proof of health and long-term care insurance contributions.

6. Are there any special features if I have a child of my own?

Yes, students with their own child can also apply for a childcare allowance.
Form 04 must be completed for this. If you submit your application via BAföG Digital, you will automatically be asked to provide all the necessary information.

7. Do parents or spouses have to help with the application?

Yes, BAföG is generally dependent on parental income or the income of the applicant's spouse. Each parent or spouse must complete a separate Form 03. This must be submitted with the application. Parents and spouses can also submit this information via BAföG Digital.

8. What do I have to consider if I want to study abroad?

Applications for educational support for studying abroad must be submitted to the relevant office. As a rule, different offices are responsible for funding abroad and for funding in Germany. The application must be submitted using form 06 or via BAföG Digital.

9. Can I also obtain information about BAföG as a deaf or hearing-impaired person?

Yes. From December 1, 2025, the BAföG hotline of the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) will provide a sign language telephone service. This will enable deaf and hearing-impaired people to obtain information about BAföG via video telephony in sign language.

The new service is free of charge and can be used directly online via the video telephony platform at https://www.gebaerdentelefon.de/bafoeg.

Further information is also available at https://www.bafög.de under the heading “Gebärdensprache.”