BAföG abroad

What is BAföG for abroad?

Study abroad, Semester abroad or an internship abroad - you have the opportunity to apply for BAföG for numerous activities abroad. Student exchanges, volunteer work abroad or work and travel can also be funded.

The possibilities of a Financing medical studies are diverse. The Auslands-BAföG, for example, covers various areas. For example, allowances of up to 5,600 euros per year can be paid for verifiably necessary tuition fees abroad. There is a travel allowance of 250 euros each for travelling to and from Europe, and up to 500 euros outside Europe. You can also receive 452 euros per month for your basic needs and up to an additional 364 euros for travelling abroad. You can expect support of 360 euros per month for rent.

Who can apply for BAföG abroad?

The following applies to studying abroad: funding is available for students who complete a full degree programme within the EU or Switzerland or a partial degree programme abroad, such as a semester abroad, after at least one year of study in Germany.

As a general rule, anyone who would receive BAföG in Germany will also receive it for their studies abroad. The parents' income plays a decisive role here. If they earn less than 2,415 euros, the chances of receiving BAföG abroad are high.

But even if you don't receive Bafög in Germany, it can be worth applying for it if you are planning to study abroad. In addition to the rates required in Germany, there are also supplements for travelling expenses, health insurance or higher living costs.

BAföG can be applied for up to the age of 45, beyond that there are also exceptions.

Where and how do I apply for BAföG abroad?

If you are thinking about studying abroad, you should look into the possibility of BAföG funding in good time and submit your application early. Early means at least six months before your planned stay abroad.

You also have the option of applying to the relevant office for a preliminary decision on BAföG funding for your studies abroad. This will allow you to determine whether you fulfil the requirements for BAföG abroad and can finance your studies abroad.

Applications are submitted via the official BAföG website. There you will also find an overview of the responsible offices in each state and the corresponding contact details. You can also obtain the necessary application forms there.

How does the repayment work?

Half of the financial support for students is a grant and half is a loan. The latter must of course be repaid. The loan is interest-free and amounts to a maximum of 10,010 euros. Repayment begins no later than five years after the end of the maximum funding period. This normally corresponds to the standard period of study. The monthly repayment instalment is 130 euros and should be repaid over a period of up to 20 years.