BAföG stands for the Federal Training Assistance Act (Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz). Whether school-based training is funded depends on the type of school and personal circumstances. The training assistance office (Amt für Ausbildungsförderung) decides on the funding and states in its notice whether any loan portion must be repaid. The Federal Office of Administration (Bundesverwaltungsamt) later sends the assessment and repayment notice with the fixed debt and payment conditions. If your income is low, you can apply for a deferment or a lower installment. The precise conditions depend on the funding period and your personal circumstances.
Repayment Before Vocational Training in Germany
For school-based training, BAföG (German student and vocational training funding) may be granted as a grant or a loan, depending on the type of school and personal circumstances. Only a loan must be repaid; the Federal Office of Administration (Bundesverwaltungsamt) is responsible for repayment. In-company training is usually funded through vocational training allowance and is not covered by these BAföG repayment rules.
Tip
Plan for repayment only if your notice actually lists a loan portion. The fixed amount and payment conditions set by the Federal Office of Administration determine what is due; if your income is limited, an application may reduce or temporarily suspend the ongoing burden.