The ways to fund a university course are diverse. Every student has to decide for him- or herself what the most suitable solution for their own situation is. We have compiled a few examples for you:

Bafög [German state grant for higher education]

The Bafög represents a good funding opportunity for many students. Certain income limits must not, however, be exceeded. The disadvantage of the Bafög is that recipients of the Bafög have to pay back half of the funding amount. More >>

Contact:
Studierendenwerk Hamburg [Hamburg Student Services]
Grindelallee 9 in D-20146 Hamburg
Tel.:     +49 (0)40 41902-0  Fax: +49 (0)40 41902-126
E-mail: bafoeg(at)studierendenwerk.hamburg.de;
Web:    www.studierendenwerk-hamburg.de

Education Funds

A further option for funding your studies is through an education fund. The special feature of an education fund is that the repayment is dependent upon your income. Unlike in the case of regular loans, after successfully completing his degree the student only pays percentage of his salary (which is defined in advance) over a certain period of time, (also determined beforehand) back to the education funds. Students are not allocated any fixed interest or redemption payments. The repayment therefore remains easy to calculate. Students are also protected against particular risks: if unemployed for a long period of time, the student pays nothing back at all. You will find further information under www.bildungsfonds.de

Contact:
CareerConcept AG
Lindwurmstr. 109 in D-80337 Munich
Tel.:     + 49 (0) 1805 610630
E-mail: info@career-concept.de

Federal Government Educational Loan Programme

In 2001, the federal government created the educational loan programme to ensure that students do not drop out of their desired training programme, course or work experience session for financial reasons. Since then, more than 120,000 students have been supported by educational loans. More >>

DKB Student Education Fund

The DKB provides capital amounting to 25 million euros for the DKB student education fund. In this way, students - who have started their course before they turn 30 . at universities, universities of applied sciences or private training facilities have the opportunity to take out a student loan at favourable conditions. More >>

Grants

There exists financial funding for talented individuals from various organisations, such as trade unions, churches or parties. To be awarded a grant, the applicant must in most cases to go through a selection procedure and satisfy certain criteria. While certain organisations choose applicants based on performances and marks, others look at voluntary commitment. It's worthwhile researching!

You will find the most important national organisations for the promotion of young talent and foundations here >>

Student Loans

Many banks and savings banks offer education loans, which have a relatively low interest rate and allow a long repayment period. Please find out directly at your house bank, e.g.:

·         Hamburger Sparkasse

·         Deutsche Bank