Graduation Loan

The Studentenwerk Schleswig-Holstein has set up a loan fund from its own resources with the purpose of enabling the continuation and completion of studies in cases of hardship by granting interest-free loans. You can receive student loans if you are enrolled at a university in Schleswig-Holstein that is listed in the Student Services Act.

In principle, this support has nothing to do with the BAföG support for graduation, but is an additional benefit of the Studentenwerk Schleswig-Holstein.

It can only be granted if there are no (more) financing alternatives available.

For whom is the loan intended?
Theloan is intended to provide financial security during the work-intensive period of the exam,

• if the maximum funding period has been exceeded and BAföG funding for graduation is not yet or no longer possible
• if the studies were self-financed and gainful employment has to be restricted or given up due to time constraints
• if there are no own means or support possibilities by the family available.

The loan can also be granted during studies, in an unforeseen emergency situation through no fault of the student, if this has a lasting effect on the studies. Only short-term, exceptional circumstances may be involved; the financing of studies itself must be secured.

How do I apply for a loan from the Studentenwerk?
Informationabout the loan fund as well as application documents can be obtained on site at the Counseling centers for student life offices of the Studentenwerk. In a conversation, it can usually be clarified whether the requirements for a grant are there, or whether there are other possibilities of financing.

Who decides on the awarding of loans?
Theawarding of loans is the responsibility of the management of the Studentenwerk Schleswig-Holstein. In order to prepare its decision, the management uses the services of an awarding committee, which consists of four members to be appointed by the executive board of the Studentenwerk. At least two of these must be students. The committee usually meets once a month. It discusses the applications received and submits a recommendation to the management regarding the duration and amount of the loan. Loans are granted on the basis of guidelines.

There is no legal entitlement to benefits from the loan fund.

How much can the loan be?
The loan amount is based on the applicable BAföG requirement rates.

When advising on applications, individual needs are taken into account in accordance with the guidelines (for example, voluntary health insurance associated with higher costs), but other income (for example, support from parents or own income is also taken into account. Currently, a maximum of €861 can be paid regularly each month (even if the proven need is actually higher).

How long can one receive a loan?
Theloan can be granted until the month in which graduation is reached, but no longer than six months.

Do I have to provide collateral?
Adirectly enforceable guarantee must be provided to secure repayment. Only persons who have a regular income that allows repayment in the contractually stipulated installments and who are resident in Germany can be considered as citizens.

How and when must the loan be repaid?
Theloan is granted interest-free and repayment begins six months after the last loan payment. The monthly installments are at least 130 euros.

The application for graduation assistance according to the BAföG can be submitted to the funding administration within four semesters after exceeding the (extended) maximum funding period. The university must confirm on a form from the funding administration that the studies can be completed within twelve months. Then a loan can be granted for a maximum of twelve months at the BAföG rate. You can find more information in our BAföG FAQ (Link: BAföG FAQ).

The education loan and KfW student loan can also be granted for the completion of studies. You can find more information on our page about student loans.

The E.W. Kuhlmann Foundation was founded in Hamburg in 1997 and supports, among other things, students in the graduation phase. You can find more information on the foundation's website.

The foundation offers a "Studienabschlusshilfe" and the so-called "rolling scholarship". The "Studienabschlusshilfe" offers a maximum grant of 2,000 euros for the last six months of your studies. The "rolling scholarship" can include a maximum funding of 12,000 euros for 24 months. You can get an overview in the following overview.

"Every student can apply, regardless of age, nationality or field of study. Judging will follow a standardized format, including an assessment regarding the likelihood of fulfilling the contract."

If you have any questions, contact
E.W. Kuhlmann-Stiftung
P.O. Box 1301
23873 Mölln

Tel.: 04542 824803