Responsible Bafög Offices
The processing of Bafög applications is carried out by the offices for educational support, which are affiliated with municipalities or districts. For school-based training, such as at vocational schools or technical colleges, the offices at the parents’ residence are responsible. An overview of the responsible offices can be found on the official websites of the federal states.
Submission for School-Based Training
Students undergoing a school-based training typically submit their application to the educational support office that is responsible for their place of residence. These offices are usually located in town halls or district offices. In some federal states, there are central offices responsible for specific types of schools.
Submission for Advanced Professional Training
For advanced professional training, such as master craftsman, technician, or business administrator, the so-called advancement Bafög is responsible. Applications are submitted to the specific offices established for the Advancement Training Funding Act (AFBG), often associated with chambers of crafts, chambers of commerce (IHK), or state authorities.
Submission for International Stays
For international stays as part of vocational training, applications must be submitted to special offices for overseas Bafög. These offices are centralized and responsible for all applicants from Germany who are completing training in the respective target country. A complete list of the responsible overseas Bafög offices is available on the website of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).
Application Submission Options
Applications can be submitted in various ways:
- In Person: The application can be submitted directly at the responsible office. This offers the advantage of being able to clarify any questions on-site.
- By Mail: Application documents can be sent by post to the responsible office. It is important to include all required documents completely to avoid follow-up requests.
- Online: In many federal states, applications can be submitted through the central portal BAföG-Digital. Here, documents can be uploaded digitally, and the applicant has the opportunity to track the status of their application online.
Documents Required for Application
Various documents are required for the application process, including:
- Proof of income from parents
- Proof of the training institution
- Proof of personal income and assets
- Completed application forms
A complete list of required documents can be found in the application form and on the websites of the responsible Bafög offices.
Objection in Case of Denial
If the application is denied, the applicant can file an objection. This must be submitted in writing to the responsible office for educational support and should be supported by additional documents or evidence. In case of doubt, it is advisable to seek legal advice or consult a Bafög advisory service.