Degree
Sometimes there are financial bottlenecks in the last phase of your studies.
There are various ways to ensure that your successful completion of studies is not jeopardised - get detailed information from us at the student life advice centres.
Overview
BAföG graduation grant
The application for BAföG graduation assistance can be submitted to the funding administration within four semesters of exceeding the (extended) maximum funding period. The university must confirm on a form from the funding administration that the degree programme can be completed within twelve months. A loan in the amount of the BAföG rate can then be granted for a maximum of twelve months. You can find more information in our BAföG FAQ.
Graduation loan
In principle, this funding has nothing to do with the BAföG (student) graduation grant; it is an additional benefit from the Studentenwerk Schleswig-Holstein.
Who can apply for the loan?
The loan can be granted for the last six months of your studies to provide financial security during the labour-intensive final phase of your studies, when no (further) financing alternatives are available, e.g.
- if the maximum funding period of BAföG has been exceeded and graduation assistance according to BAföG is no longer possible
- if you have financed your studies yourself and gainful employment is restricted for time reasons
or has to be given up - if you do not have any funds of your own or support from your family
and if this will affect the completion of your studies
How much can the loan be?
The amount of funding is calculated based on your financial situation. The maximum amount possible is based on the BAföG.
How and when does the loan have to be repaid?
Repayment of the loan begins six months after the end of your studies and is repaid in instalments based on the BAföG. The loan is interest-free.
Kuhlmann Foundation
The E. W. Kuhlmann Foundation was established in Hamburg in 1997 and supports students in the graduation phase, among other things. The foundation offers a "graduation grant" and the so-called "rolling scholarship". The graduation grant offers a maximum grant of €2,000 for the last 6 months of the degree programme. The rolling scholarship can provide a maximum grant of €12,000 for 24 months.
Any student can apply, regardless of age, nationality or subject. Assessments are based on a standardised model, including an assessment of the likelihood of contract fulfilment. You can find more information on the foundation's website.
Student loans
The educational loan from the Federal Office of Administration (BVA) or the student loan from the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KFW) can also be used for the last few months of the final phase of your studies.
You can find more information on our page about student loans. You can also find out more about loans from the Studentenwerk SH.
Social benefits & other assistance
You may be eligible for social benefits (e.g. housing benefit) and/or foundation grants. The possibilities depend on your individual situation.
In principle, this funding has nothing to do with the BAföG (study) completion grant; it is an additional benefit provided by the Studentenwerk Schleswig-Holstein.
Who can apply for the loan?
The loan can be granted for the last six months of your degree programme,
for financial security in the labour-intensive final phase of your studies, in which no (further) financing alternatives are available, e.g.
- if the maximum funding period of BAföG has been exceeded and graduation assistance according to BAföG is no longer possible
- if you have financed your studies yourself and gainful employment has to be restricted or given up due to time constraints
- or must be given up
- if you do not have any funds of your own or support from your family
and if this affects the completion of your studies
How much can the loan be?
The amount of funding is calculated based on your financial situation. The maximum amount possible is based on the BAföG.
How and when does the loan have to be repaid?
Repayment of the loan begins six months after the end of your studies and is repaid in instalments based on the BAföG. The loan is interest-free.
The E. W. Kuhlmann Foundation was founded in Hamburg in 1997 and supports students in the graduation phase, among other things. The foundation offers a "Studienabschlusshilfe" and the so-called "rolling scholarship". The "Studienabschlusshilfe" offers a maximum grant of 2,000 € for the last 6 months of studies. The rolling scholarship can provide a maximum of 12,000 € for 24 months.
Any student of any age, nationality or subject can apply. Assessment is based on a standardised model, including an assessment of the likelihood of fulfilling the contract. You can find more information on the Foundation's website.
The education loan from the Federal Office of Administration (BVA) or the student loan from the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KFW) can also be used for the last months of your studies.
You can find more information on our page on student loans. You can also find out more about the loans from the Studentenwerk SH.
Contact persons
