Study start-up aid: Applications from 2 September
From the coming winter semester, students from low-income households can receive a one-off study start-up grant of 1,000 euros. The online application can be submitted from 2 September at the earliest. Applications can only be submitted via bafoeg-digital.de.
A new laptop, a move or the rent deposit - starting your studies often involves some major expenses. This is precisely why the 29th BAföG Amendment Act was introduced in the summer of 2024 to provide study start-up aid.
Requirements for the study start-up grant
The following five requirements must be met in order to receive the start-up grant
1. the first-year student is under the age of 25 at the start of the first degree programme.
2. the applicant has received one of the following social benefits in the month immediately prior to the start of their studies (proof required)
- Citizen's allowance (SGB II)
- Child supplement according to the Federal Child Benefit Act
- Housing benefit (yourself or as a household member)
- Benefits according to the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act
- Assistance with living expenses (SGB XII, Chapter 3)
- Basic income support in the event of reduced earning capacity (SGB XII, Chapter 4)
- Benefits according to SGB XIV, § 93 or § 145 (permanently injured persons or survivors of violent offences, neglect or vaccination damage)
This is a summary, the details can be found in § 56 paragraph 1 BAföG.
3. enrolment at a German university (matriculation) is submitted with the application.
4. the application must be submitted right at the beginning of the degree programme: The deadline is the end of the second month of study. If the semester starts in October, the application must be submitted by the end of November.
5. the study start-up grant can only be applied for digitally via the BAföG-digital.de portal - analogue applications are not permitted.
Study start-up grant: No crediting, no repayment
Studienstarthilfe is not offset against other social benefits, including BAföG or scholarships. It also does not have to be repaid. A basic entitlement to BAföG is not a prerequisite for receiving the start-up grant.
How does the application work?
The application is submitted via the portal bafoeg-digital.de. However, it is not yet possible to apply! As the BAföG reform was only passed in July, the technical requirements have not yet been met. Applications are therefore not expected to be possible until 2 September. The Studierendenwerk Dortmund is responsible for checking applications for students at the following universities:
- Dortmund University of Technology
- Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts
- South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences
- International School of Management (ISM) GmbH
- University of Hagen
Important: Due to national technical requirements, payment can unfortunately only be made at the end of September for applications submitted after 2 September.
