Studying with a Child
Studying with a child is challenging—but it's possible
The number of young people balancing academic studies with family responsibilities is on the rise. According to the Social Survey conducted by the German Student Services (Deutsches Studentenwerk), just under eight percent of all students* have children. Balancing parenting with a college education is certainly no easy task and requires a high degree of organizational skill and flexibility. But there is plenty of support available from various sources. We offer tips on how student mothers and fathers can find time for their children and their studies—and how to finance it all.
*Source: https://www.studierendenwerke.de/themen/hochschulpolitik/sozialerhebung
You can count on the following support services:
Financial Aid for Student Parents
Students with children are eligible for financial benefits, such as child benefit , Child Supplement or Parental Allowance. In addition, there are a variety of other support benefits.
- For financing your studies, you can apply for a KfW student loan or BAföG. There is one special feature of BAföG: Parents who receive BAföG get a child care supplement of 160 euros per month for each child under the age of 14 living in the household. Good to know: This amount does not have to be repaid.
- The following also applies to student mothers and fathers: If you exceed the standard period of study because you had less time for your studies after the birth of your child, your financial aid may be extended for a reasonable period of time. However, it is important to note that those who take a break of more than three months lose their entitlement to these payments.
- Students are generally not eligible for basic income support, as they are covered by BAFöG or other educational funding. Under certain conditions, however, it is possible to receive a one-time grant for pregnancy and initial baby supplies. Regardless of your student status, your child may be eligible for basic income support.
- Students without children are generally ineligible for housing assistance. However, student parents may apply for housing assistance for themselves and other family or household members who do not receive BAföG, provided certain conditions are met.
- Some student services organizations offer family-friendly apartments at affordable rents in their dormitories. Check with the local office to see if any units are available.
- Another way to finance your family and studies may be a scholarship. There are various online databases where you can search for suitable scholarships.
- At some universities, students and doctoral candidates who are in the exam or final thesis phases can apply to have the costs of additional childcare or babysitting reimbursed by the university.
- Students with no income or only a small income may be exempted from daycare fees.
- Finally, some General Student Councils (ASten) also offer social loans that students can apply for. At some campuses, there are emergency funds that provide money for financial emergencies.
It’s best to find out about the various options at your university and seek personal advice from the Studentenwerk.
Where can I find help and advice?
Most universities in North Rhine-Westphalia have counseling centers specifically set up for students with children. At these family and parent service offices, you can get answers to your questions about your studies, financial support, and child care. Often, these offices also help find childcare providers or work with you to find personalized solutions. As a student with a child, you should take advantage of this free counseling as early as possible to avoid, for example, long wait times for a daycare spot.
Other resources at universities include the social counseling centers run by the student services organizations (Studenten- und Studierendenwerke) and the academic counseling centers.
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