Financial advice

Find the right financing for your studies

Financing your studies can be a big challenge, but we won’t leave you on your own.

In our financing consultation, we analyze your individual situation together, examine all possible options and guide you step by step through the selection and application process.

Our aim is to show you the best financing options so that you can concentrate fully on your studies without having to worry about finances.

Finanzierungsberatung

Support in the selection of student financing

There are various ways to finance your studies: Whether it’s BAföG, loans, emergency aid or part-time jobs – we will clarify with you which option best suits your situation and how you can make the best use of it.

BAföG

BAföG covers your living expenses with state support so that you can concentrate fully on your studies. We explain how to submit an application and what you need to bear in mind.

Loans and grants

If you are not entitled to BAföG or need additional funds, a Daka loan from the Studierendenwerke or a one-off grant from Studienstarthilfe can be a sensible alternative.

Emergency aid

We won’t let you down in acute financial emergencies. We offer various emergency aid options to support you in the short term. We will advise you on what help is available in your situation and how you can apply for it.

Stromsparcheck

Save money with the energy-saving check

Saving energy with a plan saves costs

Energy efficiency is not only good for the environment, but also for your wallet. With our free energy-saving check in cooperation with Caritas, you can save money in your household. You will receive personal energy-saving advice, a tailored energy-saving plan and useful energy-saving articles – all of which will help you to significantly reduce your monthly expenditure.

Documents required for the energy-saving check

  • Copies of bank statements for the last six months
  • Copy of your passport or identity card
  • Copy of your current semester certificate

Frequently asked questions about financial advice

There are several ways to finance your studies. The most common are BAföG, student loans, scholarships and part-time jobs. Our financial advice service will help you find the best option for you and support you with the application process.

The social contribution is a mandatory fee that all students pay. It finances the Studierendenwerk’s social services, such as the canteen, halls of residence, BAföG counselling and more. This ensures that all students have access to these important services.

BAföG is based on your parents’ income, but even if this is relatively high, you may be able to receive support. In our consultation, we will examine your individual situation and help you to make the most of your funding opportunities.

If BAföG alone is not enough, there are other options such as the Daka loan or private student loans. You can also fall back on emergency aid and free tables if you find yourself in a financial emergency.

You can apply for the Daka loan online. It is interest-free and is a good supplement if other financing options are not sufficient. The Daka office in Cologne will support you by phone if you have any questions.

Take advantage of our free energy-saving check in cooperation with Caritas. You will receive an energy-saving consultation directly at your home and an individual energy-saving plan. This will enable you to effectively reduce your electricity consumption and save costs.

You will need copies of your bank statements for the last six months, a copy of your passport or ID card and a copy of your current semester certificate for the electricity savings check.