Student Loans in GermanyWithout Income – Your Options
No job, no savings, but need financing? This guide covers all funding options for students in Germany – from BAföG to private loans.
Important to Know
Check state funding first!
BAföG is the cheapest option – 50% is free money (grant), the rest is interest-free. Only consider student loans if BAföG isn't enough.
Key German Terms You'll Encounter
Funding Options Comparison
| Option | Interest Rate | Amount | Repayment |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAföGState Funding | 0% | up to €934/month | Max. €10,010 |
| KfW-StudienkreditState Bank | ~5-6% variable | €100-650/month | Full amount + interest |
| BildungskreditState-subsidized | ~1.49% effective | up to €7,200 | Full amount + interest |
| Private Student LoansBanks | 4-10% | varies | Full amount + interest |
1. BAföG – The Best Option
BAföG (Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz) is the most affordable study financing in Germany. The maximum rate in 2026 is €934 per month.
BAföG Benefits
- •50% is a grant (free money!)
- •50% is an interest-free loan
- •Repayment starts 5 years after graduation
- •Maximum repayment: €10,010 (77 installments of €130)
BAföG Requirements
- •German citizenship or residence rights
- •Under 45 years at start of studies
- •Parents' income below threshold
- •Enrolled at state-recognized university
Example Calculation
You receive €800/month BAföG for 5 years = €48,000 total.
You only have to repay max €10,010! The remaining €37,990 is free.
2. KfW-Studienkredit
The KfW-Studienkredit is a state-backed loan from Germany's development bank (KfW). It's available to all students – regardless of parents' income.
Conditions 2026
- €100 to €650 monthly disbursement
- Variable interest rate: ~5-6% p.a.
- No collateral required
- Grace period: 6-23 months after graduation
Important Notes
- •Full repayment including interest required
- •Variable rates can increase
- •Age at application: 18-44 years
- •Max. 14 semesters of funding
3. Bildungskredit – For the Final Phase
The Bildungskredit is a government program for students in the final phase of their studies. It can be applied for in addition to BAföG.
Bildungskredit at a Glance:
- Up to €7,200 (€300/month for 24 months)
- Low interest rate: ~1.49% effective
- No collateral required
- Repayment: 4 years after first disbursement
- Can be combined with BAföG
- Age: 18-36 years
Compare Private Loan Offers
If state funding isn't enough, you can compare private loan offers here. Note: Without income, you'll usually need a guarantor.
* Representative example: Net loan amount €5,000, term 48 months, effective annual interest 3.99% - 9.99% (credit-dependent). This is a brokerage offer.
4. Options for International Students
International students have several financing options in Germany, though some are more accessible than others depending on your citizenship and residence status.
EU Citizens
- BAföG eligible after 5 years in Germany
- Or with permanent residence permit
- KfW-Studienkredit available
- Bildungskredit possible
Non-EU Citizens
- KfW-Studienkredit available
- DAAD scholarships for excellence
- University-specific scholarships
- Private loans often require guarantor
Tip for International Students
Start with the KfW-Studienkredit! It's available to all students in Germany, regardless of nationality. You need: valid student visa, enrollment at German university, and a German bank account.
Cost Reality Check: What Do Students Actually Need?
Average Monthly Costs (2026):
Financing Tip
BAföG max (€934) + child benefit (€250) = €1,184
This is enough for most students! Only in expensive cities (Munich, Hamburg) might you need additional financing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can students without income get a loan?
Yes, through state programs! BAföG, KfW-Studienkredit, and Bildungskredit are specifically designed for students without income. For private bank loans, you'll usually need a guarantor or some form of income.
What's the difference between BAföG and KfW-Studienkredit?
BAföG is state funding – 50% is free money, the rest is interest-free. The KfW-Studienkredit is a real loan with variable interest (~5-6%) that must be fully repaid. BAföG is significantly cheaper!
Which student loan is cheapest?
Ranking by cost:
1. BAföG (50% free, rest interest-free)
2. Bildungskredit (~1.49% effective)
3. KfW-Studienkredit (~5-6% variable)
4. Private student loans (4-10%)
Do I need a guarantor for a student loan?
For BAföG and Bildungskredit: No. For KfW-Studienkredit: Usually no. For private bank loans: Usually yes, if you have no income. Check state-funded options first.
Can international students get loans in Germany?
EU citizens have access to BAföG (after 5 years in Germany or with permanent residence). KfW-Studienkredit is open to all international students. Private loans are often harder to get for non-EU citizens.
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