Study start-up aid: 1,000 euros as a gift

Studienstarthilfe is a one-off grant of 1,000 euros that students from low-income households can receive at the start of their studies. The aim is to finance typical costs incurred when starting a degree programme: For example, a laptop, moving house or a rent deposit. The study start-up grant was established in summer 2024 by the 29th BAföG Amendment Act.

Who is it for?

The study start-up grant is aimed at first-year students under the age of 25 at the beginning of their first degree programme.
Another prerequisite is that the applicant (or in some cases the parents) received one of the following social benefits in the month immediately prior to the start of their studies:

  1. Citizen's allowance (SGB II)
  2. Child supplement according to the Federal Child Benefit Act
  3. Housing benefit (yourself or as a household member)
  4. Benefits according to the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act
  5. Assistance with living expenses (SGB XII, Chapter 3)
  6. Basic income support in the event of reduced earning capacity (SGB XII, Chapter 4)
  7. Benefits according to SGB XIV, § 93 or § 145 (permanently injured persons or survivors of violent offences, neglect or vaccination damage)

(Summary, the details can be found in § 56 para. 1 BAföG)

However, a basic entitlement to BAföG is not a prerequisite for receiving the study start-up grant.

How does the study start-up grant affect other benefits? Do I have to pay it back?

It is not offset against other social benefits, including scholarships. It also does not have to be repaid. It is therefore "free" money.

How does the application work?

The application must be submitted right at the beginning of your studies: The deadline is the end of the second month of the degree programme. This means that if the semester starts in October, the application must be submitted by the end of November.

The application is submitted via the portal bafoeg-digital.de.

When applying, proof must be provided that one of the above-mentioned social benefits was received. Otherwise, only the certificate of enrolment is required.

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