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Emergency

Changing your field of study and still getting BAföG: justifying the change of field correctly

A change of field is possible with BAföG without losing the funding, but only under certain conditions. What is decisive is a recognizable reason and the timing: the earlier you change, the less problematic it is. A late change needs a particularly weighty reason.

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Your chances of getting your money back

A change of field for an important reason (e.g. a recognized change of aptitude or inclination) is harmless to funding with BAföG if it takes place in good time. Up to a certain subject semester, an important reason is presumed.
The later the change, the higher the requirements. From a certain semester, only a compelling reason is recognizable. Therefore justify the change carefully and promptly.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Classify the timing

    Clarify in which subject semester you are changing. An early change is usually uncritical, a late one needs a serious reason.

  2. 2

    2. Document the reason

    Record why you are changing (inclination, aptitude, health reasons). Proof helps.

  3. 3

    3. Report the change to the office

    Inform the BAföG office of the change of field and justify it. Have the effects on the funding period explained to you.

  4. 4

    4. Keep an eye on the funding period

    Earlier semesters can be credited toward the funding. Plan whether an extension or aid for completing the studies is needed.

How to spot the scam

  • You change very late without a serious reason.
  • You do not report the change to the office at all.
  • You have already changed several times, which raises the requirements.

Frequently asked questions

Do I lose my BAföG when changing my field?

Not necessarily. A change of field for an important reason is harmless to funding if it takes place in good time. Up to a certain subject semester, an important reason is regularly recognized.

Until when can I change without complications?

The earlier, the better. In the first semesters, an important reason is generally presumed. With a late change, only a compelling reason is recognizable, which is considerably more difficult.

What counts as an important reason?

For example, a serious change of inclination or aptitude or health reasons. Document the reason and report the change to the BAföG office promptly so that the funding continues.

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.