Upgrading training assistance under the AFBG is equivalent to BAföG, which is why it is also called Aufstiegs-BAföG. AFBG funding is provided to participants in upgrading training measures as a contribution towards course fees and living expenses. The aim is to improve individual career opportunities and training motivation and to secure the supply of skilled professionals. The contribution towards living expenses is awarded as a non-repayable grant. At least half of the funding to cover course fees up to an amount of 15,000 euros is provided as a grant.
The AFBG supports individual career paths
The law establishes an individual legal claim to financial assistance for participation in upgrading training. Participants in training courses preparing for the qualifications of Certified Specialist, Bachelor Professional and Master Professional are eligible for funding. This funding instrument supports advanced vocational training in all occupational areas whatever the form of training (full-time, part-time, at school, out of school, media-based, distance learning). Funding depends on specific personal, quality and time-related requirements.
The AFBG supports young skilled professionals
The AFBG supports the acquisition of professional skills, strengthens young professionals’ motivation to participate in advanced training and encourages potential business starters to venture into self-employment upon completing their training. In this way, the AFBG contributes to securing and training specialist and managerial staff as well as to securing German industry’s innovative capacity and competitiveness.
AFBG funding is attractive.
The law has been in force since 1996 and has been continuously improved. Never before has personal career advancement been so attractive.
The Federal Government and the Länder provide funding under the AFBG.
The federal share of 78% is provided by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) while the Länder contribute 22%.
Which measures are funded?
Funding is provided for full-time and part-time upgrading training measures.
Which requirements must a full-time programme fulfil?
Full-time programmes must comprise at least 400 hours of teaching, last no longer than three years and involve at least 25 lessons on at least four working days per week.
What does funding of a full-time measure include?
A contribution is made towards the cost of the measure, for example towards course and examination fees. Half the amount is awarded as a grant. A low-interest loan can be taken out with the KfW bank to cover the remaining 50 percent. A means-tested maintenance allowance is paid as a full grant to participants in full-time programmes.
Which requirements must a part-time programme fulfil?
The part-time programme must involve at least 200 hours of teaching at level 1 (Certified Specialist) and at least 400 hours of teaching at level 2 (Bachelor Professional or Meister) and level 3 (Master Professional).
How are part-time measures funded?
A contribution is made towards the cost of the measure, for example towards course and examination fees. Half the amount is awarded as a grant. A low-interest loan can be taken out with the KfW bank to cover the remaining 50 percent.
Is funding provided for the Meisterstück?
Up to half of the necessary cost of materials for the examination workpiece is funded up to an amount of 2,000 euros. In this case too, half the amount is awarded as a grant. A low-interest loan can be taken out with the KfW bank to cover the remaining 50 percent.
How are families supported financially?
The maintenance allowance is increased by 235 euros per month for the spouse or partner and for every child. This means-tested amount is paid as a full grant.
How are single parents supported?
Single parents are paid a lump-sum childcare allowance of 150 euros per child (up to 14 years of age) and month.
Is it possible to obtain a waiver for repayment of the KfW loan?
A waiver can be requested by borrowers for passing the examination or setting up in business and when caring for children under 14 or for close relatives as low-income earners.
Is there an age limit?
No.
Editorial deadline for this text: 01.11.2024