Student Loan Application Process: How to Apply for a Student Loan in Germany:
Getting a student loan in Germany is as simple as 1, 2, and even 3 if you follow the proper steps. In this guide, we explain the general step-by-step application process to help you with applying for student loans in Germany through public (e.g. BAFOG, KFW) and private loan options.
Step 1 — Know How Your Loan Type Will Impact Your APR
Find out what types of student loans you need before applying:
Loans from the Public Sector: BAföG / KfW Student Loan / Bildungskredit
Private Loans: Provided by banks like Deutsche Bank, Sparkasse or through online institutions.
Location-Based Loans: From state development banks or local lenders.
To vanquish them, the loan amount and rate of interest repayment term and also the requirements to avail it.
Stage Two: Determine If You Are Eligible
To qualify for a loan of each type, there are minimum requirements. Check you qualify for the loan that interests you:
Need, residence and age limits (in most cases below the age of 45) for BAFOG
KFW- Student Credit: Available to aged 18–44 at any under with little restriction, also international students
Private Loans: Creditworthiness and in some cases a co-signer (especially for internationals)
Step 3: Assemble Necessary Paperwork
Keep the import documents ready in advance. Things that you generally need are:
To identify yourself: Passport or national ID.
Enrollment Proof: Admission or enrollment ticket from your college.
Account Verification: Proof of residency (for internationals, residence permit)
Examples include bank statements or proof of income (you or your co-signer.)
Step 4 → Select a Lender
Public Loans: Applications are made through government portals, local BAföG offices or partner banks (for KfW)
Private Loans: Compare lenders online or visit banks
Step 5: Apply
Public Loans (e.g., BAFOG):
Check in with the BAFOG Online Portal or at your local BAFOG office to apply.
Deliver or upload all documents.
KFW Student Loan:
Fill out an application online with KFW or at a partner bank (e.g. Deutsche Bank).
Full identity verification (via online or in-person).
Private Loans:
Use the bank’s site or go to a branch
Submit documentation and do go credit screening.
Step 6: Wait for Approval
Loan processing times vary:
BAFOG: Many weeks to months. This is a long process so make sure you’re planning ahead of time.
KFW and Private Loans: Often much faster, only from a few days to max. two weeks
Step 7: Review Loan Terms
After submission, review the loan agreement carefully:
Loan amount: Paid monthly or as a lump sum.
Interest Rate: Low interest rate, fixed or variable (particularly for private loans).
Repayment: Date first payment due, length of term and if a late payment penalty applies
Step 8: Sign the Agreement
Sign the contract if you are satisfied with the terms. This step often involves:
Public Loans: Either electronically or in person at a government office or partner bank.
Private Loans: Getting it signed at the bank or sending an e-signed document.
Step 9: Receive Funds
The loan terms outline at what point and how money is disbursed:
Monthly Payment: Often funding for living expenses (e.g. KfW)
Lump Sum: Given for tuition or other significant educational costs.
Step 10: Plan for Repayment
Know about repayment terms—so as not to suffer later:
Public Loans (e.g. BAFOG) — Interest-free, Income-based repayment with limit
Private loans: Start repayment based on the agreement, typically with less breathing room.
Additional Tips
Time is money: Applications can be quite time-consuming, especially public loans such as BAFOG are not built in overnight.
Compare Loans —Use the online comparison tools to get the best rates and terms.
Get Help: Your university can assist you in applying for a financial aid office.
Do you need us to help you find where to apply, or what your repayment plan should be?
What are the importance pre-requisites to make an application for a student loan in Germany?
In Germany, each type of student loan has a different eligibility criteria for applying. That being said, there are some universal requirements between public and private loans. A breakdown of the major components is as follows:
Registration in an Official Institution of Learning
Requirement:
You should be studying at an acknowledged university, college or vocational training program in Germany.
A proof of enrollment (such as a matriculation certificate) must be submitted.
Residency and Citizenship
Loans for the public (e.g. BAFOG, KFW):
Mainly only German citizens, EU/EEA citizens, and long-term residents.
Requirements may include residency or integration criteria that apply to international students, such as:
Permanent residency.
Having a German spouse.
Having refugee or asylum seeker legal status
Private Loans:
Open to German students and international students but for the International students mostly required:
A valid residence permit.
A co-signer or a guarantor (especially for private lenders)
Age Limits
Public Loans:
BAFOG: You usually get this up to 45, age limits can be higher for second degrees or particular circumstances.
KFW-Studienkredit: For students between 18 and 44 years old.
Private Loans:
The age requirements are typically like you would find from a public loan.
Financial Need (for Public Loans)
BAFOG:
This means that eligibility is determined by the income and assets of the applicant as well as those of their parents, if they are a dependent student (as well that of their spouse, if applicable).
Students from low-income households are given first dibs.
KFW and Building credit:
They are not need-based — meaning more students can utilize them.
Private Loans:
This means that, instead of looking at financial need, it will judge you on your creditworthiness.
Academic Progress
Requirement:
Such evidence might include academic progress and achievement, and in some cases proof is even required (e.g. Buildings credit).
For advanced degree plan students nearing their final semesters, more specific funding may be available.
Course Type and Level
Public Loans:
Typically available for:
Bachelor’s or master’s studies.
Doctoral (available in few programs [conditional]).
In general, these loans cover first-degree programs and other loans may provide funding for the second degree.
Private Loans:
Less diversified, mostly including technical programs, part-time programs, and specialist studies.
Loan Purpose
There are limits on how you can utilize the funds with a loan:
On its own: Living Expenses with BAFOG and KFW Student Loans.
Tuition: Usually paid by private loans, or some public loans (e.g. KFW)
Direct Purpose: While other loans are long-term solutions, Building Credit concentrates on short-lived financial assistance, like costs needed for your thesis or qualifications.
Creditworthiness and Co-Signer (in case of Private Loans)
Public Loans:
Credit history does not play a role for BAFOG or most public loans either.
Private Loans:
Lenders often require:
An excellent credit rating or evidence of revenue.
A co-signer/guarantor (particularly for international students).
Other Criteria
Academic Stage:
Bildungs credit is for students more advanced in their studies.
Regional Criteria:
There are loans – often region-specific – which tie the loan to residence or study at a specific federal state (e.g., NRW. Bank loans).
Summary Table
Criteria
State Loans (BAFOG, KFW)
Private Loans
Enrollment
Required
Required
Residency/Citizenship
German/EU citizens or specific types of internationals
Open, but with more restrictions for non-residents
Age Limit
≤45 years (BAFOG/KFW)
Varies, typically ≤44 years
Financial Need
Required for BAFOG
Creditworthiness assessed
Academic Progress
If required (e.g. for Bildungskredit)
Sometimes required
Credit/Co-Signer
Not required
Often required
Need help deciding what loan you qualify for?
What documents are usually needed for mortgages?
The documentation required to apply for a student loan in Germany depends on the type of loan (for example public or private) and the lender. Following is a generic document list needed generally for loan applications:
Proof of Identity
Required for all loans
Passport or national ID card.
For Non-EU Students: Visa (i.e., Aufenthaltstitel)
Proof of Enrollment
Required for all loans
Letter of Acceptance / Matriculation certificate (Normal Immatrity ulationsbescheinigung) from your university or college
Proof of Residency
Necessary for the majority of loans (especially public)
An employee works at an immigration office in Tokyo in June 2022 (Kyodo).→ Click to enlargeRegistration certificate (पासपोर्ट) from the local municipal office (municipal office).
International applicants: Evidence of the legal status of residence in Germany
Academic Records (if applicable)
Necessary for some types of loans, e.g. Bildungskredit or higher-stage-loans
Academic records or certificates reflecting progress (transcripts).
Proof of thesis registration (only for final-semester loans)
Financial Documents
Public Loans (e.g., BAföG):
Income of parents or spouse [tax returns, salary slips]
Proof of assets in the form of bank statements.
Private Loans:
Evidence of income for applicant or co-signer (employment contract, pay slips)
Credit report or score (To determine creditworthiness by private lenders).
Co-Signer Or Guarantor Information (if Any)
Necessary for private loans if an applicant lacks credit history or proof of income.
CO-SIGNER IDENTITY AND PROOF OF INCOME DOCUMENTS
So, the bank statements of guarantors
Purpose of Loan
If a loan is needed for some expenses (such as thesis, tuition, etc.), it may be required at times
Fee invoices (for example, tuition fee or examination fee)
Specific budget or cost purchase on above relating to living expense, travel or equipment
Bank Account Information
Mandatory for releasing loan money
Your German bank account details (IBAN and BIC).
Loan-Specific Documents
BAFOG:
Application Forms (for online outstanding or paper)
Announcing assets and obligations.
Evidence of previous education (eg school leaving certificate.)
KFW Student Loan:
Formulaire de demande (enligne)
Identity verification via partner banks or online (e.g. PostIdent or VideoIdent)
Private Loans:
Loan application form (filled online or at bank).
Other, lender-specific paperwork (such as employment verification or proof of collateral).
Special Circumstances
In case your eligibility falls in a special category (e.g., announcement of refugee status or any disability), you also need to submit further documents such as:
Refugee status documents.
Medical certificates (for loans that require proof of being not able to work).
Summary Checklist
Document
Required for
Passport/ID
All loans
Residence permit
International students
Proof of enrollment
All loans
Registration certificate
Lending, in general (especially for the public)
Financial documents
State fundings (BAföG) and private loans
Co-signer documents
Private loans (with a co-signer if necessary)
Bank account information
Every loans (for fund disbursing)
Academic records
Bildungskredit, Loans for Further in Your Studies
Q: What is the application process like for Germans, EU students and international students?
When it comes to student loan applications in Germany, you need to understand the difference between a German citizen, an EU/EEA student and an International Student outside of EU/EEA Comparing the key differences:
Eligibility Criteria
German Citizens
Direct access to public loans as BAföG, KfW Student Kredit and regional programs.
There are no further residency or integration conditions.
EU/EEA Students
Can be funded publicly if i)
Worked in Germany (part-time or full-time) for a certain period.
Lived in Germany for a duration of 5 years or more.
EU/EEA nationals working or living in Germany dependents
Private loans are available, depending on your credit score.
Non-EU/EEA International Students
BAföG anyway, except in rare cases (e.g. for refugees or long-term residents, or married to a German citizen).
KfW Student Loan is ONLY available if you live in Germany for at least 3 years.
Private loans often necessitate a co-signer (i.e. Guarantor within Germany) or documentation of significant creditworthiness.
Required Documents
German Citizens
Minimal documentation process Ideally involving:
Proof of identity (ID card).
Proof of enrollment.
Financial information (e.g. for BAföG)
EU/EEA Students
Other documents to establish qualification for public loans:
Sat, 1999-01-02 00:17 — Employment records (if proof of employment is required in Germany).
Proof of residency for the last 5+ years within Germany.
Proof of Relationship (for dependants of workers, EU/EEA)
International Students
Increased documentation demands, especially with private loans:
Valid residence permit.
Information about a co-signer/guarantor (for private loans)
Proof for financial capability or security.
Loan Options
German Citizens
Access the full list of public and private loans
Good conditions, like repayments without interest for the BAföG.
EU/EEA Students
If integrated into the German system access to public loans is limited
No limitations on private lending but credit checks apply.
International Students
Access to public loans is limited.
A lot of private loans are also considered stricter.
Application Process
German Citizens
Public Loans:
Process through the Internet or via local BAföG rules.
Generator Speed High C-BEST G1 106G-GA68DR signed off with a KfW.
Private Loans:
Simple process, often without the necessity of a guarantor.
EU/EEA Students
Almost the same as for German citizens but sometimes more paperwork to prove you are eligible for public loans.
In the case of private loans, it varies from lender to lender whether or not a guarantor is required.
International Students
Public Loans:
Normally not taken into account for BAföG.
For the KfW loan application, proof of residence is needed for 3+ therefore alternative products are being developed.
Private Loans:
More time-consuming process, usually taking:
Guarantor details.
Detailed financial ability evidence.
Processing Times
German Citizens
Easier eligibility checks speed public loan processing
EU/EEA Students
Public loans have even longer––roughly because of eligibility requirements needing extra going verification from agencies (e.g. work history).
International Students
The reason private loans take a little longer to process is because stringent creditworthiness checks are conducted, and at times there’s need of collateral or guarantees.
Repayment Terms
German Citizens
Repaying public loans is mostly advantageous (e.g. BAföG limits the repayment amount).
EU/EEA Students
The same repayment conditions as for public loans as German citizens — if applicable.
Private loans can really differ from one situation to another.
International Students
Private Loans Offer Higher Interest Rates and More Rigid Repayment Conditions
Summary Table
Aspect
German Citizens
EU/EEA Students
International Students
Public Loans Access
Full access
There is a limit (integration needed)
Minimal (rare exceptions)
Private Loans Access
Easy (no co-signer required)
Moderate (co-signer may help)
Private (difficult and usually a co-signer)
Documentation
Minimal
Moderate
Extensive
Processing Time
Fast
Moderate
Long
Repayment Terms
Favorable for public loans
For public loans reached it can be favorable
Demanding, Note that private loans are especially strict
Should you like assistance on a specific loan application
How long does it take for the loan to be approved and disbursed?
Issuance and disbursement of student loans in Germany vary based on whether they are public or private, as well as the loan provider. Below is a general overview:
Public Loans
If one does not live in their student city with parents or they are “inherited”, it is much simpler – BAföG.
Application Processing:
Normally around 6 to 12 weeks, depending on how complete your application is and how busy the local BAföG office is.
If any document is missing or needs to be verified again, then the delay will happen.
Disbursement:
Students typically receive a monthly bank transfer of funds.
Disbursement begins the month your application is approved, not retroactively for previous semester months.
KfW Student Loan
Application Processing:
If all docs submitted in proper order, typically 1 to 2 weeks.
For identity verification (PostIdent or VideoIdent), it takes 1–2 days longer.
Disbursement:
Monthly payments commence as stated in the loan agreement, usually starting a month after approval.
At the time of applying, they set a specific date for the first payment.
Bildungskredit (Education Loan):
Application Processing:
Not more than 2 to 4 weeks, as this is a pretty straightforward process.
Disbursement:
Monthly disbursement is common, but a lump sum can be requested to pay for specific expenditures (thesis in this example).
Private Loans
Processing Time:
Application Approval:
Usually take 1 – 3 weeks, depending on the lender and how good of a credit risk you are.
When a guarantor or co-signer is needed, it may take longer because of additional checks.
Disbursement:
Generally funds are paid in one of the two following ways;
By month: For loans that cover living expenses.
Lump Sum: For tuition fees or other upfront expenses
It is subject to lender policy, but funds are typically disbursed within a week of final approval of the loan.
What Will Influence the Timeline
Completeness of Application:
Documents which are wrong or missing can cause delay.
Type of Loan:
The process for public loans, such as BAFOG, is longer because it involves the verification of eligibility.
However, private loans are faster but they generally need credit checks and co-signer verification.
Peak Periods:
Note: there may be a delay in processing applications made early in the academic year due to application volume)
International Applications:
For private loans available to international students, though, the application may take longer because of extra verification.
Typical Timeline Overview
Loan Type
Application Processing
Disbursement Start
Frequency of Disbursement
BAFOG
6–12 weeks
Month of approval
Monthly
KfW Student Loan
1–2 weeks
Month after approval
Monthly
Bildungskredit
2–4 weeks
Immediately after approval
Monthly or Lump Sum
Private Loans
1–3 weeks
Approval + 1 weeks (depends)
Monthly or Lump Sum
Tips for Faster Approval
Upload Full Documentation: Ensure to double-check the requirement to skip delays.
Get Started As Early As Possible: Apply as soon as you receive your admission letter or enrollments.
Application Status: You need to follow up with the lender or office, when they updated about your application.
Look Into Online Lenders (for Private Loans): This is an option as many of the online lenders have quicker processing times.
