Education maintenance

Principle: Financing until completion

In principle, there is an entitlement to funding for training up to the vocational qualification. However, training can also be completed in two stages: e.g. vocational training as a nurse followed by a degree in medicine. It is important that the first and second stages of training are close to each other in terms of time and content, so that it can be said to be of a constructive nature. It is also favourable if this has already been discussed with the parents before the training or if an aptitude for higher educational paths is recognisable.

An initial career decision can also be revised, similar to the BAföG change of specialisation, even if the form of justification is not identical. However, the training must be progressed quickly, although there are no fixed regulations on the duration of studies, but the standard period of study is always a first point of reference.

A detailed article introducing the subject can be found at www.studis-online.de.

Study requirements

The regular minimum requirement for an adult with their own household is €930 (including €410 for warm rent, Düsseldorf table note 7; 2019-2022: €860 / €375). Health insurance and tuition fees are not included in the minimum requirement, but are part of the maintenance obligation (Düsseldorf table note 9).

Ability to pay of the maintenance debtor

Of course, the debtor(s) must also be able to pay the maintenance. After adjusting the income, a so-called deductible of €1750 must remain for the maintenance debtor (Düsseldorf table note 5) and further amounts for spouses and children living in the same household (see maintenance guidelines of the Oldenburg Higher Regional Court, section 22.2).

If the parents are unwilling or unable to pay...

In such cases, you can either make a maintenance claim yourself (in writing and precisely). If success is not foreseeable or unlikely, you can alternatively submit an application for BAföG, with the additional application for advance payment in accordance with § 36 BAföG. If the procedure according to § 36 is successful, BAföG benefits will be paid out in the amount required and your maintenance claim will be transferred to the BAföG office. After assessing the chances of success, the office can then consider filing a lawsuit against the debtor. There is a more comprehensive description of this topic at: www.bafoeg-rechner.de/FAQ/vorausleistung.php

Our funding department has specialists for this topic and the corresponding presentation.

If you don't want to go straight to the BAföG office, ask our student finance advisors in advance.