How long will I receive BAföG?

BAföG is generally granted for the duration of the standard period of study. In addition, since winter semester 2024/25, there has been a "flexi-semester", i.e. an additional semester of funding, for each student receiving funding. You can take this in the Bachelor's or Master's programme.

Important: You must submit a follow-up application every year two months before the end of the funding period (usually two semesters)! The funding does not continue on its own.

When exactly does the BAföG entitlement end?

Normally, the entitlement to BAföG ends at the end of the standard period of study (+ flexi-semester). If you finish your studies before then, the entitlement ends when the university notifies you that you have passed your degree programme.
The date on which you receive your degree certificate is decisive for the end of your BAföG entitlement.

For students at the University of Oldenburg, the decisive date is the date of receipt of the email from the Examinations Office informing you that you have passed your degree programme.


The announcement of the results is decisive if it is no more than two months after the last examination was taken. So if you are still waiting for the assessment of the last examination, you can receive BAföG for a maximum of two further months. However, the limit for receiving BAföG is always the standard period of study.

What happens after the maximum funding period?

If you do not complete your studies within the standard period of study (plus one flexi-semester), there are various options for extending your BAföG entitlement, depending on the reasons for the longer period of study. If all BAföG extension options have been exhausted, please contact the Student Financial Counselling Service of the Studierendenwerk. They will check with you how you can proceed.

Extension with justification is better and takes precedence

If you can claim certain reasons, you will continue to receive regular funding for a certain period of time. This is the case, for example, if your studies have been delayed due to prolonged illness, but also if you have been active on university committees or have failed your final examination once. Caring for close relatives at home also counts as a reason for extension, but only from PG 3. In these cases, you will receive an extension of funding, half of which - as before - is granted as a grant and half as a loan.

If your studies have been delayed due to a disability or the birth and upbringing of a child, you will even receive the additional funding as a full grant, which does not have to be repaid later.

In all cases, a normal BAföG repeat application is submitted, which is supplemented by an informal justification.

Extension without justification as an interest-free loan

In certain cases, BAföG can also be granted as an interest-free full state loan. This occurs, for example, if the maximum funding period has been exceeded without the above-mentioned reasons being present, or if a justified extension has expired. You can apply for this so-called "graduation grant" for up to 12 months: more on this below.

If you receive BAföG benefits on a full loan basis, you can also apply for housing benefit at the same time as BAföG.

Degree aid: Application and conditions of the loan

Apply at the BAföG office or at the service office as follows:

  • BAföG application with all relevant documents (parents' income, etc.)
  • Download thecertificate for graduation assistance
  • Have confirmation from the examination office entered on this certificate
  • Submit the complete documents to the BAföG office or service office
  • The BAföG office will issue a notice of approval and the payment will be credited to your account in the first month of approval.

As soon as you finish your studies, you must inform the BAföG office immediately, as your entitlement will then cease.

Repayment (graduation grant from winter semester 19/20)

From winter semester 19/20, the graduation grant will be awarded as an interest-free loan. The Federal Office of Administration in Cologne is responsible for repayment. Repayment is independent of the "normal" funding, only half of which is in the form of a loan and is capped at €10,010. It is repaid after the repayment of the normal loan portion and according to the same criteria.

If you have only received the full loan, repayment begins 3 years after the end of the standard period of study of your first completed study programme.

The repayment of all loans must be completed in a maximum of 22 years.

Repayment (graduation aid until winter semester 19/20)

Until winter semester 19/20, the graduation grant was awarded as an interest-bearing bank loan from the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW). Accordingly, KfW is also responsible for repayment. Repayment begins 18 months after receipt of the last loan payment. Repayment of the bank loan takes precedence over repayment of the state loan (i.e. the "normal" BAföG, only half of which has to be repaid). Both loans are synchronised. Approximately 8 weeks before the end of the grace period, you will receive a repayment schedule that has been agreed with the Federal Office of Administration.

The repayment of all loans must be completed in a maximum of 22 years.

Interest is charged on the loan at 1% above the Euribor rate, which is adjusted every six months. The interest claim arises from the disbursement of the loan and the deferred interest is charged every six months.

Unscheduled repayment

You can repay the BAföG loan in full or in part at any time. There are usually no costs or fees for this.

Deferral of the loan/ instalment reduction

Graduation assistance from winter semester 19/20: If you are not financially able to service the repayment instalments, please contact the Federal Office of Administration.

Degree aid until winter semester 19/20: If you are temporarily experiencing serious payment difficulties, you can apply to the KfW for a deferral of interest and repayment instalments, stating your financial circumstances. Interest will continue to be paid on the loan during the deferral period. If you are unable to pay the planned minimum instalment (currently 105 euros) in full, it is possible to agree a temporary reduction in instalments. Proof of your financial situation is also required for this.

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