Germany 2013/14 - grants and loans

Student grants

General public student support (BAföG) is awarded as a grant for one half of the individual amount, and as an interest free loan for the other half. Total amounts range from EUR 10 to EUR 670/month for 12 months/year. Eligibility and amount are determined by assessment of student need based on income, family situation, housing situation and disability. A maximum of EUR 10 000 needs to be paid back.

Students need to be under the age of 30 (35 for master studies) to be eligible for public student support.

Different types of merit-based support are awarded entirely as a grant. The amount awarded is often determined through an evaluation of student need. Total amounts of scholarships range from EUR 150 to EUR 820/month for 12 months/year. Additional support is determined by assessment of the family financial situation.

Loans

Study loans are available to cover the tuition fees (in those Länder that charge tuition fees and limited to the amount charged) and living costs. The latter are available as a Bildungskredit of up to EUR 7 200 and a Studienkredit of up to EUR 54 600. Both loans are paid out in monthly instalments.