You are also legally entitled to the statutory funding measures under the Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG) while studying abroad - provided you meet the eligibility requirements. The higher funding rates for training abroad can mean that you receive funding even though you do not receive any funding at home due to the level of your parents' income.
You can receive educational funding for a complete course of study within the EU or Switzerland - from the first semester until you obtain your foreign educational qualification. Following a stay abroad, you can also continue and complete your studies in Germany. The maximum funding period corresponds to the standard period of study specified in the study and examination regulations.
For studies in non-EU countries (with the exception of Switzerland) that are not part of a university cooperation, the funding period is generally one year. However, it can be extended by a further year and a half if the studies abroad are of particular importance to your education. If you are on an exchange at a partner university, you can receive BAföG for the entire period.
Financial support abroad is also available for students during their mandatory internship. For this, the internship must last at least twelve weeks if it is completed outside the EU. There are also other special regulations, which the International Offices can provide information on.
Under certain conditions, students abroad receive supplements to their BAföG rate:
- for verifiably necessary tuition fees up to 5,600 euros for a maximum of one year
- for travel costs within Europe for one outward and one return journey of 250 euros each, outside Europe for one outward and one return journey of 500 euros each
- for any additional health insurance costs
- for higher living costs outside the EU and Switzerland, foreign supplements depending on the country in question.
You should submit your application to the relevant international office at least six months before your departure. You can find the contact details of the international offices at www.bafög.de.