Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Information on how to apply can be found here.

Basically, the earlier the better. You are on the safe side if you submit your application to us approx. 10 weeks before the start of the course.

Documents can be submittet via post, via upload via e-mail (file attachements only as PDF). You can also put your documents into our letterbox at the main entrance of Mensa Lichtwiese that is accessible around the clock.

Once is sufficient. It is not neccessary to submit your application on multiple ways.

Basically it will be distinguished, whether you are absolving a full-time or part-time training.

• In case of full-time training, any course and examination costs are also subsidized in addition to a maintenance contribution.
• In case of part-time training course and examination costs are subsidized. With this training type there is no promotion for maintenance.

In addition, material costs for the masterpiece are subsidized in both variants, if existing.

Regardless of the type of further training, course and examination fees can be funded up to a maximum total amount of €15,000 (50% grant/50% loan entitlement). If costs are covered by other funding institutions or by the employer, the funding must be reduced accordingly.
The amount of the maintenance contribution depends on your personal situation (marital status, children, health insurance, income, assets, etc.) and is paid as a full grant.

There are no limits for part-time training.

This information is only relevant for full-time training:

Assets on the day of application: €45,000; assets can be exempted (e.g. owner-occupied condominium)
Income: The allowance corresponds to a mini-job

(Information applies to unmarried and childless persons)

Funding with a maintenance contribution is generally provided at the earliest in the month in which the application is submitted. If the application is submitted before the start of the training course, the entitlement to benefits generally begins in the month in which the first day of lessons takes place.

In the case of part-time further training, the application can also be submitted during the ongoing further training until the last day of instruction of the measure or the measure section.

You do not need to apply for anything separately. You will automatically receive the loan offer from KfW Bank some time after our notification. Please also note the information in our notification.

Important: You can only take out the loan within the period specified in the notification.

The notification will be sent by post. Once all the required documents have been received, it may take several weeks before the decision is sent.

We will always inform you in writing if further documents are still missing.

Please refrain from asking about the current processing status.

You will always find the submission deadlines on your notification. You will receive a postal reminder from us in good time.

Please note that we may also request further proof of attendance.

Regular attendance is deemed to exist if attendance is proven for 70 percent of the attendance hours and, in the case of distance learning courses (§ 4) or media-supported courses (§ 4a), 70 percent of the performance assessments. With regard to regular participation in the training , the funding is provided subject to discontinuation and reclaiming.

In the case of distance learning courses (§ 4) or media-supported courses (§ 4a), the participant must provide evidence of regular attendance at face-to-face classes and regular completion of the performance assessments that are regularly required for such measures.

Please inform us of your new bank details in writing. This is not possible by telephone.

If you have taken out a loan from KfW Bank, you must inform the bank separately of the change in your account details.

Please inform us of your new address in writing or by e-mail. This is not possible by telephone.

If you have taken out a loan from KfW Bank, you must inform the bank of the change of address separately.

Please submit the fee notice from the inspecting body to us. A separate form is not required. The submission can be made by e-mail as a PDF, by post or as an upload.

Please complete form M and sign it. It must then be submitted to the verifying body for signature. Once Form M has been confirmed by the verifying body, you can submit it to us together with receipts/invoices for the expenses claimed. Invoices must be issued in your name.

Half of the necessary material costs will be funded, up to a maximum total amount of €2,000. 50% of the funding is provided as a grant; in addition, you are entitled to a loan from the KfW.

Participants who have demonstrably and immediately registered for the examination will be granted a loan in the amount of the monthly maintenance contribution approved with the last notification plus any childcare allowance approved on application until the end of the month in which the last examination day falls, but for a maximum of three further months. In this respect, there is an entitlement to the conclusion of a loan agreement (§ 12 Para. 3 AFBG).

Please submit an application for this in time (Form G).

Single parents living in a household with children who have not yet reached the age of fourteen or with disabled children receive a childcare allowance of EUR 150 per month per child for full-time and part-time courses until the end of the month in which the last scheduled lesson is held.