BAföG: Financial Support for Your Studies
What is BAföG?
BAföG stands for the Federal Training Assistance Act (Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz). Its aim is to enable young people to pursue higher education by providing financial support. If you or your parents cannot fully cover the costs of studying, you may be eligible for BAföG funding. The support consists of two parts: half is provided as a grant that you do not have to repay, and the other half is an interest‑free loan that you repay later in small installments.
How can I apply for BAföG?
For students at TU Dortmund University, the Student Finance / BAföG Service Center of the Studierendenwerk Dortmund is responsible. There you can find all important information about:
- how to apply
- contact persons
- funding amounts
- repayment, and much more
BAföG applications can be submitted online or via an app.
BAföG without a German passport?
Citizens of the European Union, migrants and refugees living in Germany can also receive BAföG as financial support during their studies or schooling.
As a basic rule, if foreigners have a perspective of staying in Germany and are socially integrated, they are considered eligible for support. These are, for example, persons with a permanent right of residence under the Freedom of Movement Act/EU, a permit for permanent residence-EU or a settlement permit.
Refugees can apply for BAföG as recognized persons entitled to asylum, recognized refugees according to the Geneva Refugee Convention and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection.
More information (in German) can be found on the website of the Ministry of Education and Research.