Study start-up help (Studienstarthilfe)
Studienstarthilfe ·Administered by Studierenden- und Studentenwerke (Ämter für Ausbildungsförderung)
Introduced with the 29th BAföG reform, the Studienstarthilfe cushions the expensive first weeks of university — deposit, laptop, semester fee. It is paid once, does not have to be repaid and is not counted as income against BAföG or other benefits.
Who qualifies
- Younger than 25 when starting your studies
- Taking up a first degree
- Your household received a means-tested social benefit in the month before the start of study
How to apply
Apply via the BAföG Digital portal — the same portal used for the BAföG application itself.
Recent & announced changes
New since the 29th BAföG amendment (winter semester 2024/25).
Sources
- 29. BAföG-Novelle — Verbesserungen zum Wintersemester 2024/25 — Deutsches Studierendenwerk (retrieved 10 July 2026)
- BAföG Digital — Antragsportal — Bund und Länder (retrieved 10 July 2026)
Last verified 10 July 2026
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