18. Start grant for studying

Students who are under 25 years of age, are taking up their first full-time degree course and have received one of the following german social benefits up to the fill month before the start of their studies:

  • Bürgergeld und Ausbildungshilfe nach § 27 SGB II
  • Wohngeld
  • Leistungen nach dem Asylbewerberleistungsgesetz
  • Kinderzuschlag (nicht Kindergeld)
  • Leistungen der Kinder- und Jugendhilfe (§ 91 SGB VIII)
  • Leistungen zum Lebensunterhalt nach § 93 oder § 145 Abs. 1 SGB XIV
  • Leistungen zum Lebensunterhalt (SGB XII – Kapitel 3)
  • Eingliederungshilfe
  • Grundsicherung im Alter und bei Erwerbsminderung (SGB XII – Kapitel 4)

can apply for a one-time start grant for studying of 1000 euros via BAföG-Digital.

Proof of receipt of the social benefits must be provided in the form of a notification, which must not be older than six months. The start grant for studying can only be applied for until the end of the second month of study. After that, the entitlement expires.

The start grant for studying is not counted against income-related social benefits such as the citizen's allowance or BAföG and does not have to be repaid.

Apply for start grant for studying

You should, but do not have to, apply for regular BAföG benefits at the same time, as you probably also fulfil the requirements for this.

If you have any questions about the application:

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