With the Aufstiegs-BAfoG to the master, technician and Co.

The most important facts about the state subsidy for upgrading further education

Paul is 25 and an industrial mechanic. He is desperate to still do his technician to advance his career. Juliane is an employed hairdresser. She dreams of owning her own salon and is flirting with becoming a master craftsman. Tobias works as a media salesman in a large publishing house. He'd like to move up to editor. But this is only possible with his employer as a skilled worker. Should he dare to take the step and educate himself further?

The desire for career advancement is often great. Many are prepared to work hard for this advancement and to train accordingly. But upward training requires not only staying power, but also a certain budget. Not everyone has! This is where the Upgrading Training Assistance Act (AFBG) comes in, better known as Aufstiegs-BAfoG. To the 1. August 2020, a revised version has come into force. But what exactly does the Aufstiegs-BAfoG regulate??

Aufstiegs-BAfoG: What is it??

The Aufstiegs-BAfoG supports people financially in their further professional advancement after their skilled worker, journeyman and assistant examination.

What is being promoted?

The Aufstiegs-BAfoG supports preparation for more than 700 advanced training degrees, such as master craftsman, technician, business administrator, or educator. Course and examination fees, and in some cases living expenses are financed during the upgrading training.

The advanced training courses can be completed full or part time. To be eligible for funding, the advanced training courses must prepare students in a professionally targeted manner for examinations under public law in accordance with the Vocational Training Act, the Crafts Code or for equivalent qualifications under federal or state law.

New since 1. August 2020, the entitlement to funding at each of the levels of further training enshrined in the Vocational Training Act and the Crafts Code, as well as for equivalent further training degrees. Thus up to three advanced training courses can be promoted with the advancement BAfoG:

• Certified vocational specialist
• Bachelor Professional
• Master Professional

The funding is also tied to certain time and quality requirements, which can be viewed and inquired about here.

Who is supported?

Funding is available for people who are preparing full- or part-time for one of around 700 advanced training degrees, such as master craftsman, technician, business administrator, business economist or educator. There is no age limit.

In order to be eligible for Aufstiegs-BAfoG, the requirements of the respective further education regulations for the admission to the examination or the admission to the intended further education at a technical college must be fulfilled. A completed education is often required. But dropouts or high school graduates without vocational training can also receive Aufstiegs-BAfoG if they bring the professional practice required by the advanced training regulations for the advanced training and the respective examination regulations provide for it so.

Even those who already have a bachelor's degree or a comparable university degree can receive funding if the degree they are aiming for (z. B. Master) is the highest university degree that can be achieved.

Foreigners who are permanently resident in Germany, have a permanent residence permit or have already resided in Germany for more than 15 months and have been gainfully employed are also eligible for subsidies.

How is subsidized?

The funding consists of grants as well as low-interest loans.

Thus, the course fees up to an amount of 15.000 euros subsidized in half, regardless of the applicant's income and assets. For the rest of the costs low-interest loans are granted by the KfW. This loan does not have to be repaid if the applicant becomes self-employed at the end of his advanced training program.

For full-time measures, in addition to grants for course and examination fees, a contribution to living expenses can be paid. The amount of the maintenance subsidy depends on income and assets. The income of the spouse and partner can also be included. New since 1. August 2020 is that the maintenance grant is awarded in full as a subsidy and therefore does not have to be repaid.

The Aufstiegs-BAfoG makes the decision easier for Paul, Juliane and Tobias: The funding enables them to complete advanced training without having to take on a lot of debt. Juliane and Tobias even want to continue working part-time so as not to be torn out of their practical jobs. Paul prefers the full-time option to get closer to his goal as soon as possible. His current employer then wants to keep him on as a technician. Paul, Juliane and Tobias approach the advanced training with the prospect of a better-paid position, their own hair salon and more responsibility. If not now, when?!