You can also receive BAföG while studying abroad. BAföG for studying abroad is a separate funding route with its own allowances, its own applications and its own rules on duration and travel costs. This guide explains the eligibility requirements, the allowances available and where the limits lie.
The short answer
BAföG for studying abroad is paid for a period of study abroad if the general BAföG requirements are met. In addition, there is a study abroad allowance, support for tuition fees abroad of up to €5,600 for a maximum of one year, and travel cost grants of €250 within Europe or €500 outside Europe for each outward and return journey. You submit a separate application to one of the BAföG offices for study abroad.
When is BAföG for studying abroad available for a full degree?
According to the Studierendenwerk, a full course of study abroad is funded within the European Union and Switzerland. Part of a degree abroad is possible if you have first completed at least one year of study in Germany. Integrated programmes with a partner university abroad are also eligible.
| Case | Rule according to the Studierendenwerk |
|---|---|
| Full degree in the EU or Switzerland | Eligible for funding |
| Part of a degree abroad | Requires at least one year of study in Germany |
| Study outside the EU and Switzerland | No separate upper limit is named in the source, individual case to be checked |
Which allowances are available?
The study abroad allowance supplements your needs if you study outside the EU and Switzerland. The amount is a percentage set by the Federal Foreign Office and is applied to your needs under the law. The source does not name a fixed euro amount per country, so no figure is given here. For the health insurance allowance, the law refers to § 13a BAföG.
| Allowance | Amount | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Study abroad allowance | Percentage of your needs, varies by country | Study Abroad Allowance Ordinance, § 2 |
| Tuition fees abroad | Up to €5,600, for a maximum of one year | Study Abroad Allowance Ordinance, § 3 |
| Travel costs within Europe | €250 per outward or return journey | Study Abroad Allowance Ordinance, § 4 para. 1 |
| Travel costs outside Europe | €500 per outward or return journey | Study Abroad Allowance Ordinance, § 4 para. 1 |
| Health insurance abroad | Monthly, up to the amount of the allowance under § 13a BAföG | Study Abroad Allowance Ordinance, § 5 |
The travel cost allowances and the other allowances are paid half as a grant and half as an interest-free loan. This follows the general split used in BAföG.
Calculation example: You study for one year outside the EU and pay tuition fees of €5,000. The grant towards the fees is €5,000, because it is below the upper limit of €5,600. Add travel costs of €500 for the outward journey and €500 for the return journey. The travel costs come to €1,000 in total, of which €500 is grant and €500 is loan. You calculate the study abroad allowance yourself using the current percentage.
How do you apply for BAföG for studying abroad?
You submit the BAföG application for studying abroad separately to one of the BAföG offices for study abroad. Which office is responsible depends on the country where you study. Before you leave, you can apply for a preliminary decision under § 46 para. 5 BAföG to check whether funding is possible in principle. The source does not name a fixed application deadline, so ask the responsible office.
Frequently asked questions
Does a semester abroad extend my funding period?
According to the Studierendenwerk, up to two semesters abroad may not be counted towards the standard period of study. Your BAföG office for training support can confirm whether this applies to you.
Does BAföG also support Erasmus students?
Erasmus funding and BAföG for studying abroad are separate benefits. The guide to Erasmus funding (in German) and the responsible office explain how the two work together.
How to proceed
- Check whether your country of study is inside the EU or Switzerland, as this determines the scope of funding.
- Submit your BAföG application for studying abroad on time and ask about the application deadline in advance.
- Find out whether a preliminary decision makes sense for your situation.
- Plan your finances with the allowances as a mix of grant and loan, because the loan portion must also be repaid.
Information, not individual advice.
Editorial team: Academycon · Last updated: October 2026
Sources: Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG), §§ 5, 13a, 46 para. 5, Study Abroad Allowance Ordinance (BAföG-AuslZuschlagsV), §§ 2 to 5. Studierendenwerk, BAföG for study abroad. Status of sources: October 2026.
You can find the online check for financing your time abroad at check.academycon.de.
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice and not tax advice. The German version is authoritative.
