BAFög & Co.

Financing methods in addition to BAföG

BAföG is not the right or only solution for all students. Fortunately, there are other ways to secure your studies financially.

If you are unsure which combination of funding and income makes sense for you, it is worth seeking personal counselling. The Studierendenwerk will help you to get an overview of your options and find student funding that suits your situation.

To the financing advice

A person is holding a mobile phone on which the financial status of -€122.55 is displayed in red.

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Jobbing alongside your studies

Working alongside your studies is also a common option. Whether a mini-job, working student job or student assistant - a part-time job can help cover running costs. You should bear in mind that income can be partially offset against BAföG.

We will be happy to advise you on the various job opportunities so that you don't miss out on your studies.

In our counselling service for working during your studies, you will get:

Job search tips and support with application questions
Information on different types of part-time jobs
Information on social security and other insurances

Scholarships

Scholarships offer attractive support as they do not have to be repaid. Many funding programmes not only look for good performance, but also for commitment, motivation or special life situations. A scholarship can therefore be an option for more students than you might think.

Be it the Deutschlandstipendium, scholarships from organisations for the promotion of gifted students, social scholarships or regionally based scholarship opportunities. We offer you our advice on this.

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Student loans

A student loan can finance your studies if BAföG or scholarships are not enough. Unlike BAföG, you have to repay the amount in full and usually with interest.

As the conditions vary depending on the provider, you should compare offers carefully. Student loans are particularly suitable for bridging or as a supplement to other forms of financing. Counselling will help you to correctly assess the opportunities and risks.

Student loans

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Frequent Questions about student financing (FAQ)

What options are there for financing my studies?

You can finance your studies in various ways, for example with BAföG, scholarships, student loans, part-time jobs or special funding programmes. It often makes sense to combine several options.

Can I get student finance without BAföG??

Yes, if you do not receive BAföG, you may be eligible for scholarships, loans, part-time jobs or support programmes such as the study start-up grant.

Is there support for the start of the programme?

Yes, for example the study start-up grant, a one-off grant for first-year students from low-income households.

Where can I get advice on financing my studies?

The Studierendenwerk is your central point of contact for questions about BAföG, scholarships, loans and other financing options. See the contact list below.