The graduation is the final step in your studies and the entrance door into the professional world. Therefore, financial problems should not influence this study period negatively. Support on the last meters can be offered by a graduation funding during the last month of your studies. There are grants that can be taken into consideration independently of or in addition to BAföG. Below you will find an overview of grant opportunities that can support you while finishing your studies.
Help for graduation (§ 15 section 3a BAföG)
The graduation funding is reasonable for students who already receive or could receive BAföG but exceed the maximum funding period. For the completion of their studies students can receive financial support for a maximum of twelve months. If the studies are completed or discontinued within the twelve months, the graduation funding will end with that month.
The graduation funding according to § 15 section 3a BAföG is granted as an interest-free full loan and must be repaid in full. A prerequisite for this financial support is to be less than four semesters beyond the standard period of study. In addition, it must be possible to complete the studies within a maximum of twelve months.
More information can be found on the website of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research as well as on the website of the Studierendenwerk Mannheim (no English translation available).
Loan fund of the Studierendenwerk Mannheim
The Studierendenwerk Mannheim set up a loan fund for students who are in the final period of their studies. The loan can be applied for as a short-term interim loan for temporary financial emergencies or as a financial aid for the last semester of studies. This type of assistance is intended for students who have fallen into economic misery through circumstances beyond their control. The loan is granted only for expenses for the purpose of the studies. In addition, the loan is tied to proof of academic accomplishment.
The maximum amount of the financial support as a graduation loan is EUR 3,000 and is paid out monthly in pre-agreed installments. The maximum monthly installment is EUR 500. This type of support is an interest-free loan that must be repaid in full.
For more information on the loan fund of the Studierendenwerk Mannheim, please visit the Studierendenwerk Mannheim website (no English translation available).
Funding by E.W. Kuhlmann-Stiftung
The E.W. Kuhlmann-Stiftung was established in 1997 by Edith and Edmund Kuhlmann. The foundation pursues the goal of supporting economically disadvantaged people in their education towards entering professional life. Thus, students are supported whose graduation is threatened by a financial hardship. The study loans of the E.W. Kuhlmann Foundation are awarded in two formats.
The so-called Rollendes Stipendium is aimed at university students who will complete their education and start a profession within two years. This loan is granted in an amount of up to EUR 12,000 and can be repaid interest-free within seven years. The loan is granted in two tranches.
The micro-loan of the E.W. Kuhlmann-Stiftung is granted as a so-called Studien-Abschluss-Hilfe (graduation funding). This loan is aimed at students who are in the final phase of their studies. With a maximum funding amount of EUR 2,000 for nine months, financial support is provided for those in a weaker economic position. The loan can be repaid within five years without interest; from the sixth year onwards, interest is due at the equivalent rate of the respective house bank.
The applications have to be submitted directly at the E.W. Kuhlmann-Stiftung. Please find further information on linked websites above or the website of the E.W. Kuhlmann-Stiftung.