Myths about BAföG
"I'm not entitled to it anyway. I can't imagine getting any funding."
Fact: Around 70% of students who would be entitled to it do not make use of it. The reasons for this are misconceptions about income limits or the application process. Yet practice shows that many students receive support - even if their parents earn well or they work part-time. If you don't apply, you may miss out on several hundred euros a month and put an unnecessary strain on your parents' wallets.
"It takes far too long. One of my friends said she had to wait several months."
Fact: The processing time depends heavily on the completeness of the documents. If you apply on time and in full, you will usually receive the first payment on time for the start of the semester. And: BAföG is paid retroactively from the month of application. So even if the processing takes longer, you won't lose any money.
"The application is far too complicated. I don't want to trudge through an endless number of forms."
Fact: Many people have heard from friends or parents that the BAföG application is a huge pile of paper that nobody understands. Today it's much easier. You can submit the application online at bafoeg-digital.de - step by step and with explanations. You can also use our checklists. This way, you know exactly which documents you need and can't forget anything. This saves time and stress. If you apply digitally at an early stage, you have the best chance of receiving the money in time for the start of the semester.
"I'm not entitled to it anyway. I can't imagine getting a grant."
Fact: Around 70% of students who would be entitled to it do not make use of it. The reasons for this are misconceptions about income limits or the application process. Yet practice shows that many students receive support - even if their parents earn well or they work part-time. If you don't apply, you may miss out on several hundred euros a month and unnecessarily burden your parents' wallets.
"My parents earn too much. They both have good jobs and a good salary. I definitely won't get BAföG!"
Fact: The income limits are much higher than most people think. Even if your parents earn over €80,000 gross per year, you may still be eligible - for example, if you have siblings in education. In addition, allowances are deducted so that the eligible income is usually much lower. An application via bafoeg-digital.de is almost always worthwhile.
"I don't feel like making the application. It's too much work for me!"
Fact: The application is easier than you think and is an investment in your own future. Just a few minutes online at bafoeg-digital.de are enough to get everything started. And in the end, you could end up with several hundred euros a month that will help you to study more relaxed.
"I don't want any debt. I don't know if I'll find a job straight after I graduate. Then I won't be able to pay back the BAföG at all."
Fact: BAföG is not a debt trap. Half of BAföG is usually a grant that you never have to pay back. You pay the rest in 77 instalments of €130 per month, interest-free and with a clear upper limit: a maximum of €10,010, regardless of how much funding you have received in total. Repayment normally begins five years after reaching the maximum funding period. If you repay your BAföG early, you will receive a discount. If your income is low, you can suspend instalments. Debts are therefore not an argument for not applying!
"I don't want to show any weakness. It's embarrassing if I need financial support."
Fact: BAföG is not a handout, but a right that everyone who fulfils the requirements is entitled to. It shows foresight if you make use of your opportunities and take care of your future. Many successful academics have used BAföG. It is a sign of strength, not weakness.
"I prefer to work. I also gain work experience straight away."
Fact: Working alongside your studies is okay - but it takes a lot of time and energy. With BAföG, you have more financial security and can reduce your working hours. This leaves you more time for your studies, your circle of friends and your life. And: You can also receive BAföG with a part-time job and until you reach the allowance limit of currently €556 per month, there is no deduction at all!