Studentenwerk Stuttgart

Conditions for BAföG funding

The level of BAföG support is dependent upon the income of the student during the funding period and upon the capital of the student at the time at which the funding is applied for.

In addition, the BAföG funding is dependent upon the income of the parents / spouse of the student. The income relevant for the calculation of the financial support to be received is the income from the year before the last calendar year and the start of the funding period (the calendar year 2004 if the funding period begins in 2006).

If the current income of the parent(s)/spouse is considerably lower in the funding period than in the previous calendar year, the current income can be taken into account, if an application to this effect is made by the student. This application can be made during the course of the funding period.

Child support paid to the student, their parents or their spouse will from 1.4.2001 no longer be counted as income.

Parent-independent support

This is only granted when the student

•  is over 30 at the start of their course of study (please note that reasons will need to be given for the age limit being exceeded).
• has been employed for five years since the age of 18 by the time at which start their course of study.
• by the time of starting their course of study has completed at least 3 years of vocational training and been employed for at least 3 years (or longer in the case of a shorter training period), and was able to suppport himself or herself on the earnings from the employment.

The decision as to whether or not to grant parent-independent support is made by the Office for Educational Support (Amt für Ausbildungsförderung) when making the grant. A separate application for parent-independent support is therefore not required.

Proof of suitability in accordance with law § 48 paragraph 1 BAföG

From the 5th semester onwards, financial support will only be provided once evidence has been presented from the university/college after the start of the 4th semester of satisfactory progress being made by the student up to the end of the semester. The proof of suitability is to be obtained from the head of the educational institute. In addition a complete application for financial support must be made.

Exceptions

Please contact the Studentenwerk Stuttgart - Office for Educational Support (Amt für Ausbildungsförderung) - if you cannot present the proof of suitability for reasons of serious health problems, pregnancy, bringing up of children under ten years old, failing a qualifying exam on the first attempt, etc. It may be that the office will allow the proof to be presented at a later date, when good reason is given. If so, the financial support will continue to be paid for an appropriate period.