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Multiple children playing in the snow in front of a rainbow, next to adults with a wheelchair, walker, and stroller on a sidewalk beside a high-rise building with reindeer decoration. © Familien-Service​/​TU Dortmund
BAföG

Special regulations for students with child(ren)

Status: June 2023

As a general rule, anyone wishing to receive BAföG must not have reached the age of 45 at the start of their studies. However, there are several exceptions.

The age limit may be exceeded in the following cases:

  • graduates of the second educational pathway
  • students who were admitted to higher education based on their professional qualifications without a formal higher education entrance qualification
  • persons undergoing further training that is legally required for their intended profession
  • persons in additional training that builds on previous training
  • trainees who were unable to begin their studies earlier for family reasons
  • trainees who became financially needy due to a drastic change in personal circumstances

For all exceptions, the following applies: Training must begin immediately after the obstacle has been removed.

For trainees who have reached the age of 45 and who are continuously raising their own child under the age of 14 while working no more than 30 hours per week, the age limit is extended until the child’s 14th birthday.

Students who live with at least one child of their own under the age of 10 can apply for a flat-rate childcare supplement of €160 per month for each child. The childcare supplement is granted as a full subsidy and does not have to be repaid.

If both parents receive BAföG, only one parent may apply for the childcare supplement.

BAföG recipients may earn up to €6,240 during a standard approval period

of 12 months — an average of €520 per month. (This does not apply to self-employment or compulsory internships.)

If income exceeds this amount, BAföG may be reduced.

The monthly allowance iincreases by €730 for each child of the student (§ 23 para. 1 no. 3 BAföG).

From the 5th semester onwards, educational support is only provided upon submission of proof of academic achievement. This proof usually consists of a certificate issued by the university after the start of the 4th semester, confirming that the student is expected to complete the required coursework by the end of the respective semester if studies progress as planned.

If pregnancy and/or the care and upbringing of a child under the age of ten occurred during the first four semesters, the BAföG office may allow the proof of performance to be submitted at a later date.

If the maximum funding period is exceeded due to pregnancy and/or the care and upbringing of a child up to the age of 10, funding may be granted “for an appropriate period” beyond the maximum funding period (§ 15 para. 3 no. 5 BAföG).

You should submit an Application for extension of the maximum funding period to the responsible BAföG office in good time.

Tip: It is best to submit all required documents to your caseworker in person and well in advance. This helps clarify immediately whether the documents are complete or whether anything else needs to be submitted. Doing so can ensure a smooth application process and prevent funding gaps.