Financing options

"BAföG" is the abbreviation for Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz (Federal Training Assistance Act). It is a state social benefit intended to enable everyone, regardless of their social and economic situation, e.g. to complete a course of study that matches their abilities and interests. BAföG is granted on application from the beginning of the month in which you start your studies but at the earliest from the beginning of the month of application. An exact statement as to whether you can expect support under BAföG and, if so, how much, can only be made after a careful examination of all individual requirements by the responsible Office for Educational Support. You can find more information and contact persons here:

https://www.stw-thueringen.de/finanzen/bafoeg/

A scholarship is financial support for students that does not have to be paid back. In Germany, more than 2000 organisations award scholarships. The application procedure varies greatly from scholarship provider to scholarship provider. Below you will find further information as well as an overview of various funding organisations:

information scholarship provider

Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences awards the Germany Scholarship once a year to students of all nationalities. The scholarship holders receive the income-independent grant of 300 euros per month (in addition to BAföG benefits) for at least two semesters. Further information on the Germany scholarship can be found here:

information Germany Scholarship