The state of North Rhine-Westphalia will soon be using a new specialized system to process applications under the Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG) and the Upward Mobility Training Assistance Act (AFBG). This will ensure that your applications are processed in a modern and streamlined manner.
Due to technical constraints, it is necessary to shut down the current system for a certain period of time before the new system can be put into operation. For the entire duration of the shutdown, the Office for Student Financial Aid will not have access to your records.
The shutdown will take place in 2026 and is expected to last for two calendar weeks. The exact dates will be posted here.
You can continue to submit applications (via BAföG-Digital, by email, or in writing) and other mail as usual during the downtime. Applications received during the downtime will still be considered on time.
The transition to the new specialized procedures will initially cause delays in processing.
We recommend that you submit your applications and other documents as early as possible and as completely as possible.
Your Office for Student Financial Aid is available to you on a limited basis during telephone office hours on Tuesdays from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. and on Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the following phone number +49 (0) 251 / 83 79 400 . You can also contact us by email or mail. In-person office hours have been suspended.
