Financing your studies in 2025: All sources of funding at a glance

Studying not only costs time and energy, but also money. Rent, food, learning materials, technology, and leisure activities all need to be paid for. The good news is that there are many ways to finance your studies, whether with support from your parents, BAföG, scholarships, or part-time jobs.

Here you will find an up-to-date overview of the most important options for financing your studies, so that you can concentrate on what is most important: your studies.

Maintenance of parents & child benefit

Parents are generally obliged to support their children financially during their initial education—this also includes a master’s degree directly following a bachelor’s degree. The amount of the entitlement is based on the “Düsseldorf table” and the parents’ income.

Child benefit (as of 2025: €250/month) is paid until the age of 25 and is often passed on as part of maintenance.
If you no longer live at home, you can submit a diversion request to the family benefits office if the information has not been passed on.

If problems arise with maintenance payments, a clarifying discussion usually helps. In difficult cases, legal advice may be useful. Some universities or counseling centers also offer mediation services.

BAföG – State support with partial subsidy

If your parents are unable to support you financially, or can only do so partially, you may be eligible for BAföG. Key facts for 2025:

Maximum rate: currently €934/month (as of 2025)
Consists of a grant (at least 50%) and an interest-free loan.
Funding generally applies to the standard period of study.
A master’s degree following a bachelor’s degree still counts as initial training.
Foreign students are also eligible under certain conditions.

The application is submitted digitally via www.bafoeg-digital.de. You can check your eligibility in advance using the BAföG calculator. Please note: If you have additional income of more than €520 per month or assets of more than €15,000–45,000 (depending on your age), your funding may be reduced.

Repayment:
Five years after graduating, you begin repaying the loan—a maximum of €10,010, spread over 77 monthly installments. If you earn less than approximately €1,300 net, you can apply for an exemption.

Student loan, education loan & education fund

Those who do not receive BAföG or need additional support can resort to government or private loans:

Education loan (BMFSFJ)

Up to €7,200, in installments of €100–300/month
For students from the 3rd semester onwards
Very favorable interest rate (currently 0.77% – subject to annual change)
Repayment begins 4 years after the first disbursement.

KfW student loan

Up to €650/month
Interest rate currently 7.82% p.a. (variable, as of July 2025)
For students aged 18–44, regardless of income
Repayment no later than 23 months after the last disbursement

Education fund

Private providers (e.g., Brain Capital, Chancen eG)
Repayment is income-based after graduation.
No fixed interest rate, but a percentage of future income

Pay particular attention to the contract terms and repayment models here – it’s worth seeking advice!

Part-time jobs – flexible & practical

Around two-thirds of all students have a part-time job. It is important to find the right type of employment:

Mini-job (€520): exempt from social security contributions for students, flexible, and popular
Working student job: up to 20 hours/week during the lecture period, fully exempt from social security contributions (except pension contributions)
Short-term employment: e.g., during semester breaks—up to 3 months without social security contributions

Tip: In many cities, you can also find campus jobs or work at your university—for example, as a tutor, assistant, or in administration.

Scholarships – more than just for high achievers

There are over 1,000 different scholarship programs in Germany—from political, religious, commercial, and social organizations. And it’s not just your grade point average that counts, but also your commitment, personal background, and field of study.

Well-known providers:

Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes
Deutschlandstipendium (€300/month)
Heinrich-Böll-, Konrad-Adenauer-, Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung and many more
Internal university funding & subject-specific scholarships

Use platforms such as stipendienlotse.de, myStipendium.de, or the advisory services offered by your university.

Conclusion on student financing in 2025

Whether it’s BAföG, a part-time job, a loan, or a scholarship: the right combination will get you through your studies. It’s important to find out what’s available to you early on, check regularly what you’re entitled to, and don’t be afraid to apply for support.

This allows you to concentrate fully on your studies – without any unnecessary financial worries.