Support of Foreign Nationals

§ 8 of BAföG regulates personal requirements for foreign students, under which they may also be granted education grants. If a foreign student meets these conditions, the procedure of granting financial support is the same as for German students.

In particular, residence facts that affirm the right to government education grant are listed exhaustively in § 8 of BAföG. The law defines the nature of the right of residence and imposes even less demands to make social integration of foreign applicants greater.

The socio-political concern here is not to overlook the use of government education grants as a control instrument on the way to sustainable integration of foreign students. A clear trend to acknowledge already provided integration services and to grant entitlement to benefits in these cases also seems discernable. This is particularly beneficial for those students who have already gained a perspective to stay in the country by living here for several years, and who therefore seem guaranteed to be eligible for social inclusion by also having the necessary level of knowledge of German. The law especially favours European citizens with permanent residence and foreign citizens who possess the EC permit for permanent residency or a settlement permit. They are also often known as foreign students with prospects of permanent residence.

Overall, we can say that, compared to other foreigners, it is generally easier for European citizens to get supported in spite of their foreign nationality.

Nonetheless, other rights of residence regularly lead to funding under BAföG. In some cases, however, this may require a complex test. You should therefore always seek advice on this matter.