德国学生贷款 - 留学生指南

If you are an international student in Germany considering how to fund your studies, here are some student loans options to explore.

Overview of Student Loans in Germany

Germany is committed to accessible higher education, offering low or no tuition fees in its public universities, unlike many developed nations. On the contrary, private institutions often charge high tuition fees, ranging anywhere from €5,000 to €13,000+ per year, depending on the programme.

If you are considering a private university and taking out a student loan, it's important to note that Germany's offerings have favorable repayment conditions and are dedicated to assisting students of all financial statuses. However, access is much more limited for non-EU international students.

How the German Student Loan System Works

The German student loan system comprises a variety of options, including government-funded, state-sponsored, and private lending opportunities.

Most public loan options give preference to students who have long-term legal residency in Germany or possess EU citizenship.

In contrast, private loans often demand additional assurances, such as having a German co-signer or securing a residence permit valid throughout your studies.

A notable feature of many student loans, especially those provided by the government or state-backed entities, is the income-based repayment approach. This system allows you to begin loan repayment only once your earnings surpass a specified threshold post-graduation, offering a more manageable financial arrangement.

Who Can Apply for a Student Loan in Germany

German citizens have the broadest access to student financing options, including the full range of BAföG benefits, KfW student loans, and private financing without additional restrictions.

On the other hand, non-EU international students face more limitations but still have viable funding options, though they often require additional documentation, German co-signers, or permanent residency status for government programmes.

Key eligibility factors include:

• German citizens: Full access to all programmes, with BAföG eligibility based on parents' income, student's resources, academic progress, and age limits (under 30 for bachelor's, under 35 for master's programmes)
• EU citizens: Access to BAföG after meeting residency requirements, KfW student loans, most private loan programmes, and state-specific funding
• Non-EU international students: Limited BAföG eligibility (requires permanent residency), KfW loans with additional requirements, private loans often requiring German co-signers, plus university-specific scholarships

Main Categories of Student Loan Providers

The range of student loan providers in Germany is quite broad. But when it comes to whether students from non-EU countries can make use of them, the number of options shrinks considerably. The decisive factor for granting student loans to this group of people is their legal residence status in Germany, which is closely linked to the nationality of the applicant.

Here is a list of your potential student loan options:

• BAföG (short for: Federal Training Assistance Act)
• The education loan from the Federal Office of Administration (Bil­dungskred­it)
• KfW student loan
• Student loans from the loan offices of the student unions or student services organisations
• Private foundations, e.g., E.W. Kuhlmann Foundation
• Student loans from individual banks, e.g., from Sparkasse

Student Loans Available for Non-EU International Students

While you can face some limitations when it comes to German student loans as a non-EU student, here is where you can apply for one, and the eligibility conditions for each provider.

BAföG (Limited Eligibility for Non-EU Students)

BAföG (Federal Education and Training Assistance Act) is Germany’s main public student aid programme. Unfortunately, it is not usually accessible to non-EU students unless they meet very specific legal and residency conditions.

You may be eligible for BAföG if:

• 您拥有德国永久居留权
• 在开始学习之前，您已在德国居住至少 5 年
• 您与德国或欧盟公民结婚，并符合其他标准
• You are a recognised refugee or asylum seeker

Even if you qualify, the application process remains quite intricate, and you will need extensive paperwork to verify your legal residency, demonstrate financial need, and show your integration into German society.

Education Loan from the Federal Office of Administration

The Bildungskredit is a federal student loan, designed specifically for students who are in the later stages of their studies, such as those working on their thesis or getting ready for final exams.

The loan is available to non-EU international students enroled at a German university, providing up to €7,200 over a maximum of 24 months (€300/month). The perks of this loan is that repayment starts two years after the last payment, and the interest rate is low.

KfW Student Loan (KfW-Studienkredit)

The KfW student loan, offered by the state-owned KfW Bank, is one of the few mainstream loans available to some non-EU students.

Who is Eligible for the KfW Student Loan?

• You must be aged 18–44
• Enroled at a German higher education institution
• Living in Germany at the time of application
• Proof of longer-term stay or intent to stay

You can get up to €650 per month using this option.

Loans From Student Union Loan Offices (Studentenwerke)

Certain regional student service organisations, referred to as Studierendenwerke, provide short-term or emergency loans to students facing unexpected financial challenges.

These loans are generally modest, interest-free, and aimed at helping cover immediate expenses like rent, essential bills, or study materials. Although non-EU students are not always ensured eligibility, it's advisable to contact them if you encounter an urgent financial crisis.

Student Loan Offers From Individual Banks

Several private banks in Germany offer student loans, but non-EU international students might find them less accessible due to more stringent eligibility criteria.

Typically, the banks will require a German co-signer or guarantor, a valid residence permit, and, in some instances, proof of creditworthiness or potential future income.

Although they may offer greater flexibility regarding loan amounts, the interest rates tend to be higher compared to those of government-backed programmes, and the repayment terms can often be stricter or more demanding.

Applying for a Student Loan

Applying for a student loan in Germany as an international student can feel a bit overwhelming at first, especially with different providers having their own rules and processes. But once you understand the basic steps and what’s expected of you, it becomes much easier to manage. Here’s what to expect when starting your application.

Application Process for International Students

The application process varies depending on whether you're applying for a government-backed loan (like the Bildungskredit or KfW loan) or a private loan from a bank or other institution. Generally, the process involves:

1. Checking eligibility criteria
2. Choosing the right loan provider
3. Filling out the online application
4. Submitting supporting documents
5. Waiting for approval

Required Documents for Student Loan Applications

While the exact documents depend on the loan provider, here’s a general list of what you’ll typically need as a non-EU student:

• 有效护照
• Residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel)
• Proof of enrolment at a recognised German university
• Proof of income or financial status (or that of your guarantor, if applicable)
• Bank statements
• Proof of residence in Germany

Certain loans, particularly BAföG or other government education loans, might additionally demand documentation that verifies the duration of your stay in Germany, your legal residency status, or even your language proficiency. Therefore, be ready to provide a few extra documents if necessary.

Processing Time and Loan Disbursement

The time it takes to process a loan application can greatly differ based on the loan provider and the completeness of your submission. Generally, you can expect the following timelines:

• Government loans: Typically processed in about 4 to 6 weeks.
• KfW student loan: Approval and identity verification can take between 2 to 6 weeks.
• Private bank loans: May require several weeks, particularly if a guarantor is needed.
• Emergency loans (Studierendenwerke): Often processed more quickly, sometimes within 1 to 2 weeks.

After approval, funds are typically disbursed monthly directly into your German bank account. For instance, KfW loans are usually distributed in monthly payments of up to €650, whereas some banks might offer larger lump sum transfers per the loan agreement.

Alternatives to Student Loans

Securing a student loan is just one avenue for financing your education in Germany. However, for many international students, particularly those lacking permanent residency, it might not be the easiest path.

Luckily, Germany provides various alternatives like scholarships, grants, and part-time job opportunities, allowing you to manage your expenses without incurring debt.

Scholarships and Grants in Germany

There are many scholarship options available for international students, both from public institutions and private organisations. Some of the most well-known include:

• DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service): Offers scholarships for bachelor's, master’s, and doctoral students, especially those with strong academic records.
• Deutschlandstipendium: Merit-based scholarship supported by the government and private donors.
• University-specific scholarships: Many universities offer their own grants or tuition waivers for international students, and it is worth it to check with the international office.
• Private foundations: Organisations like the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, Heinrich Böll Foundation, or Erasmus+ offer scholarships tied to academic achievement.

Scholarships may cover tuition, living expenses, or both, and often come with additional perks like mentoring or networking opportunities.

Part-Time Work and Student Job Opportunities

Germany allows international students to work part-time while studying, which can be a practical way to help fund your living expenses.

• Most student jobs pay minimum wage, but this also depends on the location and type of work.
• Common student jobs include working in cafés, libraries, supermarkets, tutoring, delivery services, or even research assistant positions at your university.