Studying with Children

Balancing family responsibilities and academic studies can be particularly demanding. To make this juggling act a little easier for you, we have compiled information under the following categories. These resources provide an overview of the opportunities available for studying with a child at the University of Tübingen.

Studying when you have a Child

Parental Leave

In principle, all mothers and fathers who are employed are entitled to take parental leave. During the legally permitted parental leave of up to three years, parents can take unpaid leave from work to focus on childcare. Taking parental leave is generally independent of receiving parental allowance. Up to 24 months of parental leave can be taken between the child’s third and eighth birthday. Employer approval is no longer required for this.

Parental leave can be divided into three periods per parent. However, the third period can be denied for acute business reasons if it falls between the child’s third and eighth birthday. If parents wish to work part-time during parental leave, the request is automatically considered approved unless it is denied within a certain time frame.

Parental leave must be registered with the employer at least seven weeks before the child’s third birthday. After that, the notice period increases to 13 weeks.

In certain cases, the regulations of the Parental Leave Act ( Elternzeitgesetz ) may also apply to marginal employment (mini-jobs). This must be determined ahead of time on a case by case basis.

BMFSFJ Brochures:
For children born before 31 August 2021: Elterngeld, ElterngeldPlus und Elternzeit

For children born on / after 01 September 2021 : Parental Allowance and Parental Leave

There, you can also find the Familienportal website: Familienportal - Family Benefits

Log into your University account to access the form for parental leave (Dezernats VI Personal und Innere Dienste Abteilung 2 im Download ABC).

Planning Ahead

In order to help students meet both study and family comittments, the University of Tübingen offers a number of options for family-friendly organization.

Students with children or relatives in need of care have to use their time differently from students who do not have such comittments. To ensure equal opportunities, the Landeshochschulgesetz provides for disadvantage compensation for this group of students. § 2(3) states that it is the universities’ duty to make allowance for students with duties to their families and their particular needs.

Further details here:

What does Your Faculty do to Help Reconciling Studies and Family?

Faculty of Philosophy

Faculty of Science
Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences

Student-Led Forum for Parents

The Working Group (AK) “Family-Friendly University" of the Tübingen, offered by the Student Council, organizes forums for parents who are studying. (Website in German: AK Familienfreundliche Hochschule)

Regardless of whether you have already started your studies with a child, become pregnant during your studies, or you just had your child, you will always be confronted with a number of challenges.

The AK is your point of contact for family issues. We want to provide information, point out opportunities and overcome challenges together.

The exchange with other student parents is important to us. That's why there are regular meetings every semester where you can talk directly to other parents and make contacts.

These are in the winter semester 24/25:

Dates:

Tuesday 12 November 2024 at 16:45 (joint lantern walk, meeting point in front of the lecture hall center on the Morgenstelle)
Saturday December 14, 2024 at 3-6 p.m.
Saturday March 1, 2025 at 3-6 p.m.

We meet at "elkiko" in the Lorettoareal, Lilli-Zapf-Str. 17, 72072 Tübingen.

The AK “Family-Friendly University” takes care of the concerns of student parents and also offers advice .

We also welcome students who would like to become active in the AK themselves. Simply come along to one of our events or write to us.

Click here to go to the network studying medicine with children in Tübingen on facebook.

Studying Abroad When You Have a Child

It is possible to do part of your studies abroad even if you have a child. It does take a lot of careful organization, but time abroad is usually a great experience. Semesters spent abroad can be an additional qualification as well as a trove of useful experience when you launch your career.

The University of Tübingen answers general questions on studies abroad or an industrial placement abroad. Contact the office for International Affairs. Here you can get information on exchange programs and University of Tübingen exchange partnerships.

Students who have a child and would like to study abroad should get advice before making their application. Consultation on exchanges: (Tues + Thurs, 9am-12 noon) will help you prepare your stay abroad.

For Asia, Australia/ New Zealand
Frau Franziska Waschek, - Tel. 29 77736 - franziska.waschek@uni-tuebingen.de

For Europe
Frau Dr. Kordula Glander, - Tel. 29 77732 - k.glander@uni-tuebingen.de

For North America, Latin America, South Afrika, Botswana
Nicole Sauer, - Tel. 29 77733 - nicole.sauerspam prevention@uni-tuebingen.de

For Russia, Israel
Dr. Antonino Spinelli, - Tel. 29 77490- antonino.spinelli@zv.uni-tuebingen.de

For Africa (without South Afrika und Botswana)
Christian Möllmann, - Tel. 29 77752 - christian.moellmann@uni-tuebingen.de

Special information about studying abroad when you have a child may be obtained here:

http://www.studieren-mit-kind.org/auslandsstudium-mit-kind/ (Website in German)

Higher Funding Rates for Erasmus Programs

Higher funding rates for Erasmus programs: students with children or special needs students are eligiblie for more funding (Website in German).

Useful Links

More Information

Having a Baby in Germany

Familienportal: Family Benefits

Conference of Equal Opportunities Officers at Universities and Academic Institutions

Program “Studieren mit Kind” (Website in German)

Taking a Semester Off

There are many reasons to take a semester off, such as due to pregnancy and parental leave, to care for a sick child or close relative.

If you need to take a semester of leave, you must apply for it at the Student Administration Office. You may only take full semesters of leave; in the cases listed above, you may also apply during the semester. You can get information on the deadlines and the necessary forms at Student Administration Office.

You can find them here: Student Administration .

Please ensure that you consider all regulations regarding the duration of your studies so that you are not disadvantaged when it comes to registering for your exams. Check with your subject-specific counselor or administration.

You must be enrolled to complete your Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. There may be other rules if you are doing a Staatsexamen. Ask your examinations office.

If you take a long break from your studies, it is recommended that you seek subject-related counselling so that you can retain an overview of any changes which take place in your department in your absence.

Leave of Absence due to Pregnancy/ Maternity Protection

Leave of absence from studies due to maternity protection or materinty leave (Muterschutz) is regulated in the state' Higher Education Law (Landeshochschulgesetz § 61(3), in accordance with § 3(1) and § 6(1) of the maternity protection law (MuSchG), as amended). This means:

Student may take leave of absence upon presentation of a doctor’s note confirming that they are pregnant. The doctor’s certificate should indicate that continuing their studies as usual could present a health risk to the pregnant student and the child.

Leave of absence under the maternity protection law (Mutterschutzgesetz) and the law guaranteeing parenting leave is subject to a number of special provisions:

It may be taken in your first semester of studies.
You may attend classes, complete assessments, and take exams.
Any semester you take off does not count towards the number of free semesters which may be taken for other reasons. That means you can additionally take the two free semesters “with good cause” (see § 61(1)).
Examination deadlines are suspended. If students undertake exams despite these provisions, they must clarify in advance with their examination office which extensions may be possible, should they fail the first exam. You are entitled to disadvantage compensation in the form of flexible deadlines (see § 32 (3)(2) 3 and 4 and § 32 (4)(1) 5 of the Landeshochschulgesetz).

Leave of Absence due to Parental Leave

Leave of absence from studies due to parental leave is regulated under the state's Higher Education Law, Landeshochschulgesetz § 61(3), in accordance with § 15(1-3) of the Parental Leave Law (BEEG), as amended. That means:

After the birth of their child, students may apply for leave of absence up to the legal duration of parental leave. That is, until the child’s third birthday (6 semesters in total). Both parents may take parental leave at the same time. The duration of parental leave is not influenced in either case.

For births up to and including 30 June 2015 you may delay returning to yourt studies for up to two semesters of parental leave and take them at a later date, provided you have taken them before your child’s 8th birthday. For births on or after 1 July 2015 you may delay up to 24 months (4 semesters) of parenting leave, providing you have taken them before your child’s 8th birthday.

If you have an adoptive or foster child, you may take parental leave for up to 3 years in total after taking in the child, provided you have taken the leave by the child’s 8th birthday.

Leave of absence under the law guaranteeing parental leave (Elternzeit) and the maternity protection law (Mutterschutzgesetz) is subject to a number of special provisions:

It may be taken in your first semester of studies.
You may attend classes, complete assessments, and take exams.
Any semester you take off does not count towards the number of free semesters which may be taken for other reasons. That means you can additionally take the two free semesters “with good cause” (see § 61(1)).
Examination deadlines are suspended. If students undertake exams despite these provisions, they must clarify in advance with their examination office which extensions may be possible should they fail the first exam. You are entitled to disadvantage compensation in the form of flexible deadlines (§ 32 (3)(2) 3 and 4 and § 32 (4)(1) 5 of the Landeshochschulgesetz).
International students and students pursuing a second degree are exempt from tuition fees during this period, provided that the leave of absence request is submitted to the Student Administration Office before the start of the lecture period. The semester contribution must still be paid (LHG § 6, Paragraph 2, Sentence 1). Please check the tuition fee exemption box on the leave of absence application.

Taking Leave to Care for Your Ill Child

Even after taking leave of absence in the form of parental leave, you may take another free semesters in cases of hardship. For instance, if you must care for a sick child. This is regulated under the Landeshochschulgesetz § 61(1) under “leave of absence for good cause”.

Up to two free semesters may usually be taken for a good reason.

You may not complete coursework, assessments, or exams during these free semesters.

Leave due to Illness of Parents or Guardians

Students who are prevented from continuing their regular studies due to illness may take leave of absence under Landeshochschulgesetz § 61(1), which provides for leave of absence for good cause such as taking care of a partner or legal guardian of your child.

Up to two free semesters may usually be taken for a good reason.

You may not complete coursework, assessments, or exams during these free semesters.

Leave due to Relatives in Need of Care

Under § 61(3) Landeshochschulgesetz students may take leave for the period in which they need to care for a relative (under § 7(3) PflegeZG), if this person is in need of care as defined in the Eleventh Book of the Sozialgesetzbuch §§ 14 and 15, or put briefly, is in at least the level of required care Pflegestufe I.

Furthermore, being with a close relative in their last phase of life may also be a reason for absence.

How is a “close relative” defined under the laws (PflegeZG and FPfZG)?

Grandparents,
Parents, step-parents, parents-in-law,
Spouses, civil partners, partners in a de facto marriage, persons in de facto life partnerships,
Siblings, and siblings-in-law,
Children, adoptive or foster children,
Children, adoptive or foster children of a partner,
Children-in-law,

Additionally, a child under 18 which is in need of care and is cared for outside of the household may be taken into account, as set out in the Pflegetzeitgesetz.

As required documentation, a certificate from the health insurer is needed, like the one issued to employees who make use of leave periods for care-giving duties under § 3 PflegeZG, or a clearly stated in a doctor’s note.

Leave of absence for care-giving is, like leave for parental and maternity leave, subject to a number of special provisions:

It may be taken in your first semester of studies.
You may attend classes, complete assessment, and take exams.
Any semesters you take off do not count towards the number of free semesters which may be taken for other reasons. That means you can additionally take the two free semesters “with good cause” (see § 61(1)).
Examination deadlines are suspended. If students take exams despite these provisions, they must clarify in advance with their examination office what extension of the repeat exam deadline may be possible, should they fail the first exam. You are entitled to disadvantage compensation in the form of flexible deadlines (§ 32 (3)(2) 3 and 4 and § 32 (4)(1) 5 of the Landeshochschulgesetz).

Funding

Maternity Allowance

Maternity allowance is a wage replacement benefit. In Germany, it is paid 6 weeks before and 8 weeks after childbirth. In the case of multiple births, it is extended to 12 weeks after childbirth.

Student mothers are entitled to maternity allowance if they are employed at the beginning of the maternity protection period, had their employment lawfully terminated by their employer during pregnancy, or if they start their employment after the beginning of the maternity protection period.

If you are a member of a statutory health insurance, you must apply for maternity allowance directly through your health insurance provider. Additionally, you must submit a medical certificate stating your expected due date.

Further information:
http://www.familien-wegweiser.de/wegweiser/stichwortverzeichnis
http://www.mutterschaftsgeld.de/

Parental Allowance for Students

The eligibility requirements for parental allowance are defined in § 1 Bundeselterngesetz (BEEG).
The following is important for students:

Students who did not work before the birth of their child also receive a minimum parental allowance of €300 per month.
You can continue your studies while receiving parental allowance
Part-time employment is also possible
Students who receive BAföG receive parental allowance of €300
Students from EU countries and Turkey are also eligible for the parental allowance
People who receive citizen's allowance (Bürgergeld) do NOT actually receive parental allowance, as it is offset against the citizen's allowance, but they are still obliged to apply for parental allowance as it has priority (§ 12a SGB II).
There is an exception to the offsetting against Citizen's Allowance if there was income from gainful employment before the parental allowance was received. If this is the case, the parental allowance will continue to be exempt from being offset against the citizen's allowance up to a maximum amount of 300 euros per month. The reasoning being that in this case the parental allowance would replace a partially or completely lost income; in this case, even a marginal employment or mini-job is sufficient to partially protect the parental allowance from being offset.

You can find more information here: Elterngeld rundum

Elterngeld Plus:

Students can receive „Elterngeld Plus“ as well. For more information and a quick overview you can take a look here: Leaflet in English.

The Amount of Parental Allowance

The amount and calculation of the parental allowance is based in particular on § 2 BEEG. Parental allowance amounts to a minimum of 300 euros and a maximum of 1,800 euros. It is calculated on the basis of income before the birth and is generally 67% of average earnings in the year before the birth. This percentage is increased for low earners, for example student assistants. There is a multiple child bonus and a surcharge of 10% for siblings under the age of three, see § 2a BEEG.

General information for families residing or working outside Germany:

Informationen der L-Bank zum Elterngeld für Familien mit Wohnsitz oder Erwerbstätigkeit außerhalb Deutschlands.

Information in English:

The ElterngeldPlus with partnership bonus and more flexible parental leave
Parental allowance

Parental Allowance explained (video)

Child Benefits (Kindergeld)

Upon the birth of a child, parents become eligible for child benefits (Kindergeld), which is granted regardless of their income. From the child's 18th birthday onwards, child benefits is only paid under certain conditions and up to a maximum age of 25.

Foreign nationals residing in Germany can only receive child benefits if they hold a valid permanent residence permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis). In some cases, a temporary residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) is also sufficient.

Child benefits is paid monthly and amounts to €255 per child (in 2025). The payment is made to the person responsible for the child’s care. If both parents live with the child in the same household, they must decide who will receive the payment.

Grandparents can receive child benefits if they live in the same household and the parents agree to transfer the entitlement. This is beneficial if the grandparents are already receiving child benefits for three or more children, as the grandchild then counts as an additional child.

Child benefits is considered the child's own income and is deducted from certain welfare benefits (e.g., ALG II). It is not counted when calculating BAföG (student financial aid) or parental benefits (Elterngeld). Child benefits must be applied for in writing. It is paid by the Family Benefits Office (Familienkasse) of the Employment Agency or, for public sector employees, by their employer.

The processing time is approximately 1 to 1.5 months after submission. To avoid delays, it is recommended to apply as early as possible. The application can be submitted before the birth, but it only becomes effective once the birth certificate is provided. Child benefits is paid from the month of birth, even if the application is submitted later. Retroactive claims expire after 6 months. The benefits is granted for each month in which eligibility existed for at least one day.

More Information on child benefits: www.familienkasse.de or www.bzst.de

Child Allowance (Kinderzuschlag)

Child allowance is aimed at parents who can cover their own needs through their own income, but who would not be able to cover their child's needs without the child allowance.

Parents receive a child allowance of up to €185 per child per month if

child benefit is received for the child
ithere is no entitlement to ALG II, as the need is covered by the child allowance
a certain minimum income is earned (parents: at least € 900, single parents: at least € 600)
the income is not so high that the child allowance is reduced to zero due to the offsetting of income.

The child benefit allowance is granted for 6 months.

Important: If the child allowance is approved, parents are also entitled to education and participation benefits - such as free lunch at daycare and school or the school supplies package amounting to €150 per school year. In addition, no daycare center fees have to be paid. Housing benefit, child benefit, and child allowance are not taken into account. The monthly income, such as gross income from employment, BAföG support, maintenance payments, parental allowance, sickness benefit, etc., must reach this minimum limit in total.

At the same time, the income and assets to be taken into account must not exceed the maximum income limit. The maximum income limit for the receipt of child allowance is made up of the parental requirements as defined by the regulations on unemployment benefit II (ALG II) and the percentage share of housing costs (assessment limit), as well as the total child allowance.

Kinderzuschlag (KiZ) Digital is an online application assistant developed by the Family Benefits Office on behalf of the BMFSFJ. Parents can use it at www.kinderzuschlag.de to determine - in just a few steps - whether the basic requirements for the KiZ are met. The application can then be submitted online.

More Information here: Federal Employment Agency Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth

www.kinderzuschlag.de

Financing Time Abroad with a Child

Financing Opportunities

Important: This year, for the first time, the selection criteria for the Baden Württemberg Scholarship for students who wish to study abroad (overseas) will take into account students with unavoidable impairments or life circumstances such as family responsibilities: Auswahlkriterien des Baden Württemberg Stipendiums

BAföG - Extension of the Basic Support/ BAföG Childcare Supplement

Extension of the Basic Support for Raising Children

If you are eligible for BAföG, pregnancy and child-raising allow you to extend your basic funding beyond the maximum funding period. This support is granted as a grant that does not have to be repaid. As child-rearing is taken into account up to the age of 10, up to seven additional semesters can be granted due to child-rearing:

up to the age of 5, one semester per year of age,
one semester in total for the sixth and seventh year of life,
one semester in total for the eighth to tenth year of life.

This benefit can be shared between both parents who are studying. In this case, the parents must submit a declaration on how the childcare was divided between them.

In addition, children are taken into account when calculating BAföG and when repaying it by granting certain allowances.

BAföG Childcare Supplement

In principle, a childcare allowance can be granted to students who live in a household with at least one child of their own who has not yet reached the age of ten. The supplement amounts to 130 euros per month per child. It is only granted to one parent for the same period. If both parents are entitled to the allowance in accordance with this law and live in the same household, they must decide between themselves who is entitled to the allowance.

More Informatin here Homepage of the BaföG Office or at the local offices:

BAföG-Amt Standort Reutlingen
Listplatz 1
72764 Reutlingen

Tel.: 07172 / 69 0 88 - 0

Personal Consultation:
Dienstag von 13 - 15.30 Uhr
Donnerstag von 9 - 11:30 Uhr

And at the BAföG-InfoPoints at Mensa Wilhelmstraße and at Mensa Morgenstelle in Tübingen.

Provision of Services During a Leave of Absence due to Parental Leave and SGB II

The Federal Employment Agency published new technical instructions for § 7 SGB II on March 2, 2021 (see neue Fachliche Weisungen of the German Employment Agency; PDF in German).

The changes made in section 7.161 (page 65) affect the eligibility requirements for students.

Point 4 addresses improvements for students with children during a leave of absence:

(4) A leave of absence is possible under the respective regulations of the state higher education laws if there is an important reason. In addition, students can take a leave of absence under the regulations of the Maternity Protection Act and the Federal Parental Allowance and Parental Leave Act. If, during such a leave of absence under section 2, students take examis that are, as special exception, permitted under examination regulations on a case-by-case basis (e.g., to complete a study module), then this would exclude the student from being entitled to benefits under SGB II during the leave period.

A well-structured website on the topic of SGB II and SGB XII regarding student status can be found at:

http://www.studis-online.de/StudInfo/Studienfinanzierung/alg2.php (Website in German)

More information on

Citizen Benefits - Information and Application:

Jobcenter Tübingen
Schleifmühleweg 68
72070 Tübingen

Tel.: 07071 / 5652 - 0
E-Mail: Jobcenter-LK-Tuebingenspam prevention@jobcenter-ge.de

Öffnungszeiten:
Mo - Fr 8.30 bis 12.00 Uhr
Beratungstermine nur nach Vereinbarung

Social Assistance - Infromation and Application:

Universitätsstadt Tübingen
Fachabteilung Soziale Hilfen
Derendinger Straße 50
72072 Tübingen

Tel.: 07071/ 204-1850
Fax: 07071/ 204-41051
E-Mail: soziale-hilfenspam prevention@tuebingen.de

Citizen's Benefit (Bürgergeld)

Unemployment Benefit II Was Replaced by Citizen’s Benefit on January 1, 2023

Students are generally not eligible for Citizen’s Benefit (Bürgergeld) or benefits from the Jobcenter, as they are primarily eligible for BAföG.

However, there are some exceptions:

Students on leave due to illness, pregnancy, or childcare who do not receive BAföG during this time may apply for Citizen’s Benefit. However, they may not actively pursue their studies during this period, except for examinations necessary to complete study modules. Students may also qualify without an official leave of absence if they lose their BAföG entitlement due to an illness lasting longer than three months.
For the month in which students begin their studies, if they have not yet received their BAföG decision and do not live with their parents or were already receiving ALG II/Bürgergeld before starting their studies (§ 27 Abs. 3 Satz 4 SGB II). See Technical Guidelines 27.19 for details.
Additional financial needs during pregnancy from the 12th week onward (§ 21 Abs. 2 SGB II).
Additional financial needs for single parents.
Additional financial needs due to expensive dietary requirements.
Certain one-time benefits, such as:
- Initial clothing allowance during pregnancy and childbirth (§ 24 Abs. 3 SGB II)
- Initial furnishings for an apartment, including household appliances
- Excursions and multi-day school trips
- Extra costs for meals at school or daycare
- Adequate tutoring support for students
- Membership fees for clubs
150€ per school year per child for school supplies, paid on August 1st.
Students receiving BAföG who still live with their parents, if their parents receive ALG II/Bürgergeld (§ 7 Abs. 6 Nr. 2 SGB II).
Hardship provision (case-by-case financial aid as a loan) for atypical life situations if the exclusion under § 7 Abs. 5 SGB II would cause severe hardship. This applies in particular to students in their final semester who have faced extraordinary, severe, and atypical circumstances beyond their control that have prevented timely study completion or led to another emergency (§ 27 Abs. 3 Satz 1 SGB II). See Technical Guidelines 27.10 for details. Additionally, students receiving only a loan-based Citizen’s Benefit can simultaneously qualify for housing allowance (Wohngeld) (§ 8 Abs. 1 Satz 3 WoGG).

More information (in English)

Child Support & Advanced Support (Unterhalt)

Child Support (Unterhalt)

Child support regulations apply to all children, regardless of whether their parents are married or not. Under child support law, support includes the care, accommodation, and upbringing of a child within one's household.

For separated parents, the parent with primary custody fulfills such obligations by caring for and raising the child, while the other parent is obliged to provide financial support. This responsibility lasts from birth until the child reaches legal adulthood at eighteen. Children who are pursuing their first vocational training, university studies, or are unemployed may continue to have a right to support even after reaching adulthood.

The ability to pay is a key requirement for child support payments.

The amount of child support depends on the child’s age and the financial situation of the parent responsible for payments. The Düsseldorf Table, a nationwide guideline, outlines monthly support amounts based on three factors (custodial parent plus two children). If support is only provided for one child, the paying parent is classified two income brackets higher in the Düsseldorf Table.

Advance Child Support (Unterhaltsvorschuss)

Children may receive advance child support if they:

Reside in Germany or have their habitual residence here, and
Live with a single parent while the other parent fails to pay, only partially pays, or does not pay regularly the required child support

Since July 1, 2017, advance child support can be paid until the child reaches adulthood (previously limited to a maximum of 72 months). For more information, visit the respective government website.

Advance Child Support Amounts (as of January 1, 2017):

€150 per month for children aged 0–5 years
€201 per month for children aged 6–11 years
€268 per month for children aged 12–17 years

For more information on child support rights and possible assistance through legal guardianship (Beistandschaft) via the Youth Welfare Office (Jugendamt), please contact the relevant department at the District Office of Tübingen or the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women, and Youth (BmFSFJ) on their website for general benefits, as well as their page or ‘maintenance advance’ , the name of the advance child support program.

Housing Benefit (Wohngeld) for Students

As a rule, students do not qualify for housing benefit (Wohngeld) because they either receive BAföG benefits or have an income (or parental income) that is too high. However, there are exceptions.

Students may be eligible for Wohngeld in the following cases:

If they receive BAföG as a bank loan instead of a grant
If they have exceeded the maximum BAföG funding period
If at least one other household member (such as a child, partner, or other family member) has no entitlement to BAföG, vocational training allowance (Berufsausbildungsbeihilfe), or training support (Ausbildungsgeld)

Wohngeld is a state rent subsidy and is not intended to cover general living expenses. Therefore, a stable income is required to qualify for Wohngeld (proof of financial plausibility).

The amount of Wohngeld is calculated based on:

the number of household members and their circumstances
the total household income
the amount of rent

Weitere Informationen erhalten Sie hier:

general information (in English)

http://www.studis-online.de/StudInfo/Studienfinanzierung/wohngeld.php (in German)

Consultation and Application (living in Tübingen):

Universitätsstadt Tübingen
Soziale Leistungen
Derendinger Straße 50
72070 Tübingen

Postfach 2540
72015 Tübingen

Tel.: 07071 204-1850
Fax 07071 204-1051
E-Mail: soziale-hilfenspam prevention@tuebingen.de

Öffnungszeiten

Mo, Mi 8.30 bis 11.30 Uhr

Telefonische Sprechzeiten Wohngeldstelle:

Mo, Mi 8.30 bis 11.30 Uhr
Do 14 bis 15 Uhr

Consultation and Application living in Tübingen county:

Landratsamt Tübingen
Abteilung Soziales
Aufgabenbereich Wohnen
Wilhelm-Keil-Str. 50
72070 Tübingen

72072 Tübingen

Mail: wohngeldspam prevention@kreis-tuebingen.de
Tel.: 07071 207 6162
Fax: 07071 207 6298

Allgemeine Sprechzeiten:
Mo - Fr 08.00 - 12.00 Uhr
Do 14.00 - 16.00 Uhr

Foundations and Scholarships

Foundations

Financial relief can be provided through support from a foundation. In Germany, some foundations specifically support families and mothers with low incomes or in financial hardship. Examples include the Federal Foundation Mother and Child (Bundesstiftung Mutter und Kind) and the State Foundation Family in Need (Landesstiftung Familie in Not).

Additionally, foundations that provide general student funding, and governmental funding such as talent development programs (Begabtenförderungswerke), often offer additional financial support if children live in the household. This may come in the form of child supplements or childcare allowances

Bundesstiftung Mutter und Kind

The Federal “Foundation Mother and Child” assists pregnant students in financial distress by providing funding for initial baby supplies, maternity clothing, nursery furniture, deposits and moving costs, living expenses when resuming studies, and childcare costs.

Eligibility criteria:

To qualify for financial support, the student must:

Be in financial hardship without sufficient personal or external financial resources (e.g., social assistance).
Not exceed a specific income threshold.
Reside permanently in Baden-Württemberg (students in other federal states must apply through the respective local authorities).
Provide medical proof of pregnancy.
Attend a personal consultation at a recognized pregnancy counseling center. These consultations are free of charge.

The leaflet with a summary of all important information can be found at the Bundesstiftung Mutter und Kind (PDF in German).

DThe amount and duration of financial support depend on personal circumstances. Applications can only be submitted through a pregnancy or pregnancy conflict counseling session. For assistance, students can contact family or pregnancy counseling centers such as the Tübingen District Health Department, Pro Familia, Bruderhaus Diakonie, or Caritas (websites usually in German). It is not necessary to belong to a religious denomination to apply through a church-affiliated institution.

Important: Legal entitlements (e.g., social assistance) take precedence over foundation support. Therefore, all available legal benefits and self-help options must be exhausted first.

Note: Applications must be submitted before the child's birth!

Landesstiftung Familie in Not

The State Foundation "Family in Need" provides assistance to families experiencing financial hardship due to a serious event such as illness, death, long-term unemployment, divorce, or the birth of a child. The level of support depends on income and individual circumstances. For more information, please visit Landesstiftung Familie in Not (Website in German).

Scholarships

Scholarships can be found here:

Begabtenförderungswerke: StipendiumPlus (Website in English)

Deutschlandstipendium in English (Federal scholarship)

DAAD Scholarhsip Database (Website in English)

http://www.mystipendium.de/ (Website in German)

Emergency Scholarship StuRat

Emergency Scholarship

The Student Council has established an emergency fund (website in German) of 100.000€ within the budget of the constituted student body to provide financial support to University of Tübingen students with urgent financial needs.

Loans

Interest-Free Loan for Student Mothers, Single Parents, and Students in their Final Phase of Study

All student mothers under the age of 30 can apply for an interest-free loan for their studies through the Hildegardis Association (website in German). Additionally, female students in the final phase of their studies (without children) who can no longer cover their financial needs on their own may also apply for an interest-free loan.

A prerequisite for application is membership in a Christian denomination. The application deadlines are June 30 and December 31.

Loans from the Studierendenwerk Tübingen-Hohenheim

Interest-Free Loans from the Studierendenwerk Tübingen-Hohenheim

The Studierendenwerk Tübingen-Hohenheim offers students who have temporarily fallen into financial hardship, through no fault of their own, the possibility of a loan. Interest-free loans are available in various amounts but are not intended as personal consumer loan.

All enrolled students at universities affiliated with the Studierendenwerk Tübingen-Hohenheim are eligible to apply. The local Studierendenwerk provides advice on the different types of loans available (short-term loans, KfW student loans, education loans, bridging assistance, etc.) as well as repayment conditions.

Please visit their website for more information on Funding options.

Subsidy/ Coverage of Childcare Costs by the Youth Welfare Office

Subsidy/Coverage of Childcare Costs by the Youth Welfare Office

Childcare costs depend on the type of care (nursery, kindergarten, after-school care, core time care, childminder) and the duration of care (half-day/full-day). Additional costs for meals may also apply.

Under certain circumstances, the Youth Welfare Office may cover childcare costs partially or fully.

To qualify for financial support, the childcare arrangement must be long-term, and the child must attend for at least six hours per week. Additionally, specific income thresholds must not be exceeded. A fixed income limit cannot be stated, as the legally required needs assessment considers individual economic circumstances, including monthly income and ongoing expenses.

The Economic Youth Welfare Department of the Youth Welfare Office provides guidance on the application process.

The necessary application must be submitted to the relevant Youth Welfare Office or an equivalent authority in your region.

International students from EU and non-EU countries may also apply for childcare cost coverage.

More information is available on the Youth Welfare Office’s website.

Tax Deduction for Childcare Costs

Two-thirds of childcare costs not covered by the Youth Welfare Office can be deducted as special expenses from taxes for children up to the age of 15, with a maximum deduction of €4,000.

The age limit does not apply if your child has a physical, mental, or emotional disability and is unable to care for themselves, provided the disability occurred before the age of 25.

Certain expenses are not deductible, including costs for sports, music lessons, other skill-related courses, tutoring, or meals.

Requirements for Tax Deduction of Childcare Costs:

The child must live in your household.
If you are separated or divorced, the child's registered residence determines eligibility.
You must be entitled to child benefits or a child allowance.

Note: Keep all invoices and bank transfer receipts, as proof of expenses is required by the tax office.

More information can be found at the local Youth Office in Tübingen (website in German), or more general information in English can be found here.

Benefits for Education and Social Participation

Benefits for Education and Social Participation are provided to children, adolescents, and young adults in need, in addition to the standard needs according to SGB II and SGB XII.

The aim is to ensure a dignified minimum standard of living for children and young people, as well as their participation in education and society.

Eligibility for these benefits is already met if child benefit is being received for the child, and if they are counted in a housing benefit claim, or if child allowance is granted. It is not necessary for the child allowance to be paid specifically for the child for whom you are applying for education and participation benefits.

The education and participation package includes the following benefits:

One-day school or daycare excursions
Multi-day school or daycare trips
Personal school supplies
Transportation to school
Appropriate tutoring support
Shared school, daycare, or after-school meals
Support for participation in social and cultural activities
Leistungen für die Teilnahme am sozialen und kulturellen Leben in der Gemeinschaft

Important Note: The costs for excursions and class trips are fully covered , and school supplies are provided as an annual lump sum of over 100€, paid in two installments. Transportation costs are covered only if the nearest respective school is more than 3 km away from the residence. Tutoring support is usually granted based school documentation of the need/grades. A co-payment of 1€ per meal is required for school and daycare meals. Social and cultural participation benefits include subsidies for music lessons and membership fees in clubs or similar activities, limited to 10€ per month.

More information is available on the district office's website. Here is the English phamplet.

Applications for education and participation benefits in the Tübingen district are processed by the Social Affairs Department at the Tübingen District Office (website in German).

Applying for such benefits, and more information on the topic, can be found here:

Application:
Landkreis Tübingen
Abteilung Soziales
Aufgabenbereich: Bildungs- und Teilhabepaket
Wilhelm-Keil-Str. 50
72072 Tübingen

Tel.: 07071/207-0
Fax: 07071/207-2099
bildungspaketspam prevention@kreis-tuebingen.de

Open Office Hours:
Mo.-Fr. 08.00-12.00 Uhr
Do. 14.00-16.00 Uhr

Free Tutoring

Since 2004, Tübingen's local branch of the German Child Protection Association (Deutscher Kinderschutzbund) has been offering free tutoring to children from economically and socially disadvantaged families.

Eligibility requirements include a Bonus Card, proof of being a recipient of unemployment benefits, or a recommendation from a counseling center (e.g., Caritas, Pro Familia, debt counseling, etc.).

More information can be found here hier (website in German).

Living Expenses during Leave of Absence

Do I receive BAföG during a leave of absence due to pregnancy?

If a student is unable to continue their studies due to pregnancy, financial aid (BAföG) will continue to be provided. However, this support is limited to three months. If the interruption lasts longer than three months, the student must apply for a leave of absence; otherwise, they will have to repay the BAföG they received beyond this period.

If the duration of the studies is extended due to pregnancy, students can apply for an extension of BAföG funding beyond the standard funding period. An extension of one semester is generally considered appropriate for pregnancy. During this additional semester, BAföG is provided as a grant that does not need to be repaid, unlike regular BAföG.

Do I receive BAföG during a leave of absence due to childcare?

Students on parental leave do not receive BAföG, even if they complete coursework or exams during this time. However, an extension of the maximum funding period is possible if there are childcare responsibilities for children up to ten years old. The extension is structured as follows:

Up to the child’s 5th birthday: One semester per year of the child’s life
For the 6th and 7th years: One semester total
For the 8th to 10th years: One semester total

This extension can be shared between both parents, if they are both students. In such cases, they must declare how childcare responsibilities are divided in particular.

Important Note: During a leave of absence, students may be eligible for unemployment benefits (ALG II) since they are generally not entitled to BAföG during this time (except for students on leave due to a study-abroad semester, who can receive international BAföG).

ALG II can be granted during a leave of absence due to pregnancy or childcare for the first three years of the child's life (or in cases of prolonged illness of the parent or child). However, eligibility is always based on financial need. If a leave of absence is taken due to pregnancy or childcare, the student's parents' income is not considered in the financial needs assessment, since the student has children of their own now.

For the first three months of an illness, BAföG continues to be paid, meaning students are not eligible for ALG II during this time. If the illness is expected to last longer, ALG II can be applied for.

If a student receives ALG II during their leave of absence and also receives parental benefits, child benefits, or child support, these are deducted from the ALG II support according to SGB II regulations.

Students on leave due to childcare are not required to seek employment as long as the child is under three years of age, and cannot be cared for by the other parent. The same applies for students on leave due to illness.

KreisbonusCard Junior

The KreisbonusCard Junior is designed for children and young people in Tübingen whose parents have a low income. The card provides numerous discounts in areas such as leisure activities, retail stores, cultural events, educational opportunities, sports, music, and more. Various municipal services are also included.

The card is free of charge and can be applied for at the Tübingen District Office (Landratsamt Tübingen). There, you can also receive information about the eligibility criteria and the participating organizations that offer discounts or even waive fees for cardholders.

For more details, please visit the Landratsamt Tübingen website.

More detailed pamphlet: Application information (German-English)

Application:
Landkreis Tübingen
Abteilung Soziales
Aufgabenbereich: KreisBonusCard
Wilhelm-Keil-Str. 50
72072 Tübingen

Tel.: 07071/207-0
E-Mail: bildungspaketspam prevention@kreis-tuebingen.de

Open Office Hours:
Mo. - Fr. 08.00-12.00 Uhr
Do. 14.00-16.00 Uhr

Debt Counseling

Debt Counseling – free and confidential

The district provides support for individuals facing financial debt.

https://www.kreis-tuebingen.de/soziales/soziale-hilfen/schuldnerberatung#anker21159745 (website in German)

https://schuldnerberatung-tuebingen.de/ (website in German)