First-year students under the age of 25 who are enrolled full-time at a university for the first time and who receive certain social benefits can apply for a one-off study start-up grant of 1,000 euros.

The decision to start studying brings with it many challenges - and the financial situation is often one of the biggest hurdles. Especially for students who are dependent on social benefits, the initial costs of starting their studies can be an immense burden. This is where study start support ("Studienstarthilfe") comes in, which was specially developed to provide financial support for new students and ease the transition to university.

What is the study start support?

Study start support is a one-off grant of 1,000 euros that is awarded to students who receive social benefits. The grant is intended to help cover the most important costs incurred at the start of a degree course. These include, for example, the purchase of IT equipment (such as a laptop or software), the purchase of teaching materials, rent deposits or relocation costs. This financial support is intended to ensure that the start of your studies does not fail due to initial expenses.

Who can apply for study start support?

The study start support is aimed at first-year students under the age of 25.

You will only receive the study start support if you are enrolling at a university in Germany, another EU country or Switzerland for the first time.

You must also be enrolled in a full-time degree course.

A further requirement is that you are already receiving social benefits. These include, among others:

• Citizen's allowance (formerly unemployment benefit II) / Bürgergeld (früher Arbeitslosengeld II)
• social welfare / Sozialhilfe
• Basic income support in old age and in the event of reduced earning capacity / Grundsicherung im Alter und bei Erwerbsminderung
• Benefits under the social compensation law for living expenses / Leistungen nach dem Sozialen Entschädigungsrecht zum Lebensunterhalt
• housing benefit / Wohngeld

A complete overview of social benefits can be found on this page.

How and when can I apply for student study start support?

Since September 2, 2024, it has only been possible to apply for study start support online - via BAföG Digital.

There is an important deadline to note: You must submit the application by the end of the month after you start your studies. This means that if your studies start in October, for example, you must submit the application by November 30 at the latest.

You must also submit supporting documents for the application. You can upload these at the same time as the application via BAföG Digital. The Office for Educational Support (Amt für Ausbildungsförderung) usually requires the certificate of enrollment and proof of receipt of social benefits. The most recent notice of approval for social benefits must be uploaded for this purpose.

Does the grant have to be repaid?

The grant of 1,000 euros does not have to be repaid. It serves as financial support for the start of your studies and is a gift from the state. Exception: If the study startsupport is applied for or used improperly, repayment claims may arise.

An important step towards equal opportunities.

With the new study start-up grant, the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) is ensuring that students with a lower financial background can also make the leap into higher education. The support is specifically aimed at reducing the initial financial hurdles and paving the way for a successful academic career.

Important: The study start support is a separate support that is granted independently of the regular BAföG. If you also want to claim BAföG, don't forget to also submit the BAföG application via BAföG Digital.