Eligible Abroad Programs
Support is provided for stays abroad that are part of a recognized vocational training (Ausbildung) in Germany or represent a complete vocational training (Ausbildung) at a foreign institution, provided this is recognized as equivalent to domestic training. This includes:
- Study abroad semesters as part of a training program in Germany.
- Complete vocational trainings (Ausbildung) at specific recognized schools or universities abroad.
- Internships abroad when they are a compulsory part of the training (Ausbildung).
Requirements for BAföG Abroad
To receive BAföG abroad, applicants must meet certain criteria:
- The applicant must be enrolled at an eligible vocational training (Ausbildung) institution in Germany or complete an eligible training abroad.
- The stay abroad must last at least six months (in the case of study abroad semesters) or twelve weeks (for mandatory internships).
- The applicant must have permanent residence in Germany.
- The income and asset limits of the applicant and their parents must still be adhered to.
Additional Benefits for Stays Abroad
As part of BAföG abroad, additional benefits may be granted to cover the special costs of an overseas stay. These include:
- Travel cost allowance: One-time reimbursement of travel costs for round trips.
- Subsidy for tuition fees: Coverage of tuition fees up to a specified maximum amount, currently up to 4,600 euros per academic year.
- Allowance for living costs: An additional amount that varies by country to compensate for the higher living costs abroad.
- Health insurance supplement: A supplement to cover the costs of private or statutory health insurance abroad.
Application for BAföG Abroad
The application for BAföG for a stay abroad must be submitted to the specific BAföG offices for foreign studies, which are responsible depending on the destination country. The application should generally be submitted several months before the start of the stay abroad to ensure timely processing. The applicant must also provide evidence of the planned vocational training (Ausbildung) or internship abroad, in addition to the usual documents.
Required Documents
The following documents are required to apply for BAföG abroad:
- Proof of enrollment at the foreign vocational training (Ausbildung) institution or internship agreement.
- Proof of recognition of the stay abroad as part of the vocational training (Ausbildung) in Germany.
- Travel cost evidence if a travel cost subsidy is requested.
- Documentation of the level of tuition fees if a fee subsidy is requested.
- Health insurance proof when applying for the health insurance supplement.
Duration of Funding
The funding duration for a stay abroad typically corresponds to the duration of the study abroad or internship, provided it exceeds the minimum duration of six months or twelve weeks, respectively. For complete vocational trainings (Ausbildung) abroad, the entire standard study period is funded as long as the training is recognized as equivalent.
Particularities of the Funding
BAföG abroad differs in some respects from funding within Germany. For example, the need rates are often higher to account for the elevated living costs abroad. Additionally, extra benefits such as travel cost reimbursement and tuition fee subsidies are provided that are not available domestically.