1. Apply for an upgrading training grant (Aufstiegs-BAföG)
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Apply for an upgrading training grant (Aufstiegs-BAföG)

  • Service description

    Through the ‘Aufstiegs-BAföG’ under the Upgrading Training Support Act (AFBG), the federal and state governments provide financial support for participation in vocational upgrading training programmes by contributing towards the costs of the programme and living expenses. You are entitled to this support if you meet the legal requirements.

    The funding comprises government grants that do not need to be repaid. In addition, you will have the opportunity to obtain a low-interest loan from the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW). This loan can be used to cover the difference between the government grants and the maximum funding amount.

    The Aufstiegs-BAföG provides financial support, regardless of income, to:

    • the course fees,
    • the examination fees and
    • the cost of materials for a master’s examination project.

    In the case of full-time programmes, a living allowance is also provided on an income-based basis.

    You may claim the grant up to three times, subject to certain conditions.

  • Procedure

    The relevant office will advise you and provide information on the funding opportunities available through the Aufstiegs-BAföG. You can find the relevant office using the postcode search.

    • You should submit your application for financial assistance in writing or electronically to the relevant authority.
    • Once the complete application documents have been received, the relevant authority will decide on the amount of funding, and you will receive a notification of the state grants awarded.
    • You will then receive a contract offer from the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) regarding the potential supplementary loan.
    • If, for example, you fall ill whilst on the training course, you must notify both the training provider and the relevant authority.

  • Responsible office

    Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Women and Health

    Unit A/3

    34 Mainzer Straße

    66111 Saarbrücken

  • Prerequisites

    You are entitled to the benefit if, amongst other things:

    • you are preparing for an eligible training objective,
    • the preparatory course comprises a specific minimum duration and a specific number of teaching hours per week or per month,
    • the measure does not exceed a maximum time limit,
    • the provider of the training is accredited or has another quality assurance system in place, and
    • You meet the personal eligibility criteria.

    Further information on the entry requirements can be found at www.aufstiegs-bafög.de.

  • Which documents are required?

    You can find out which documents are required in your case by referring to the application forms.

  • What fees are charged?

    none

  • What deadlines do I have to observe?

    The contribution towards the scheme must be applied for by the end of the scheme at the latest; where the scheme comprises several independent phases, the application must be made by the end of the respective phase.

  • Processing time

    The processing time depends on when the complete application documents are submitted.

  • Legal basis

  • Legal remedy

    • Decision: Appeal; action before the Administrative Court
    • Loan agreement: civil action

  • Applications / Forms

    • The forms required to apply for Aufstiegs-BAföG are available to download as fillable files at https://www.aufstiegs-bafoeg.de/de/antragsformulare-1702.html.
    • You can also obtain the application forms from the relevant authorities.
    • Online procedure possible: yes
    • Written form required: yes
    • Personal appearance required: no

  • Further information

  • Short text

    • Support for continuing professional development
    • Financial support to help with preparations for a further training programme, in the form of contributions towards the costs of the programme and living expenses
    • Statutory entitlement to support, provided the conditions are met
    • Support through grants and loans
    • Responsible bodies: granting authorities, usually student finance offices

  • Author

    Forwarding service: Deep link to the original portal

Responsible departments