Financing a Second Degree: Options After Vocational Training

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You've completed your vocational training and now want to go to university? Financing gets more complicated once you no longer count as a first-time student. But when financing a second degree, more options are open to you than you might think - especially because you already bring work experience.

The good news: after completed vocational training, you are often eligible for funding independent of your parents. That means less paperwork and more planning certainty. Around 38,000 students in Germany are currently financing their studies after prior vocational training - and the number is rising.

What State Funding Is Available for Financing a Second Degree?

After your vocational training, you count as eligible for funding under certain conditions. The most important requirement: at least three years of work experience after completing your training. Then you're entitled to BAföG (German state student aid) independent of your parents, with up to 934 euros a month.

Under the Aufstiegsfortbildungsförderungsgesetz - better known as Aufstiegs-BAföG (Germany's upgrade training assistance) - you can receive up to 15,000 euros in funding. This funding applies not only to master craftsman courses but also to further degree programs. The grant portion is 50 percent; the remaining 50 percent is a low-interest loan.

The Weiterbildungsstipendium (continuing education scholarship) is aimed specifically at experienced professionals under 25. You get 8,700 euros spread over three years - that's 2,900 euros a year for tuition fees, specialist literature or exam costs. The prerequisite is a vocational qualification with at least 87 points or better than "good."

Funding Independent of Your Parents After Training

If after your training you worked for at least five years - at least three of them after completing your training - you can study independently of your parents. Your funding amount then depends exclusively on your own income and assets.

The income limit is 6,251 euros per year. Above that, your BAföG rate is reduced. Assets up to 15,000 euros remain exempt - a clear advantage over regular students, who may only own 8,200 euros.

Loans and Borrowing: Financing a Second Degree Without State Help

The KfW student loan is also open to second-degree students. You can choose between 100 and 650 euros a month and use the money flexibly. The current interest rate is 5.53 percent effective (as of March 2024). The maximum funding period is 14 semesters.

A big advantage: KfW doesn't check creditworthiness and requires no collateral. You can apply for the loan up to age 44 - ideal for career changers. You'll find more details in our article on the education loan without BAföG.

Private student loans often offer higher amounts but are more expensive. DKB grants up to 50,000 euros in total funding at interest rates from 4.99 percent. Deutsche Bank offers special terms for experienced professionals with rates from 4.75 percent.

Comparing Student Loans in Detail

Pay attention to these factors: payout period, grace period and repayment terms. KfW offers an 18-month grace period after your studies end. After that you repay at least 20 euros a month - at maximum repayment it's 10,000 euros a year.

With private student loans, conditions vary greatly. Compare at least three offers before you sign. The effective interest rate makes the difference - 1 percent more means roughly 4,500 euros in extra costs over 10 years on a 30,000 euro loan.

Scholarships Specifically for Experienced Professionals When Financing a Second Degree

Many foundations prefer applicants with practical experience. The Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes (German Academic Scholarship Foundation) awards a 300 euro basic scholarship plus 300 euros book money - regardless of your parents' income. Experienced professionals have better chances here thanks to demonstrable motivation.

The Deutschland-Stipendium (Germany Scholarship) provides 300 euros a month for at least two semesters. Your training and employment count positively in the evaluation. Over 28,000 students nationwide benefit from this program.

The following organizations award scholarships specifically to second-degree students:

• Hans-Böckler-Stiftung: up to 1,348 euros a month for union members with social engagement
• Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung: full scholarship for applicants with a clear political orientation and social background
• Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung: funding for Christian-democratically oriented students with work experience
• Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung: support for students with a left-wing political profile

Your Employer as a Source of Funding for Your Studies

Many companies support their employees with part-time studies. Deutsche Bahn covers up to 5,000 euros of tuition fees a year for degree programs related to the job. In return you commit to staying with the company for at least two years after graduation.

At Daimler there are up to 3,600 euros a year plus time off for exams. Small and mid-sized companies also often offer individual solutions - ask specifically about continuing education budgets in your HR department.

The "Study with Intensive Practice" model ("Studium mit vertiefter Praxis") combines theory and work. During your studies you earn 800 to 1,400 euros a month and collect ECTS credits at the same time. This model is especially common in technical fields.

Practical Money-Saving Tips When Financing a Second Degree

As an experienced professional you often have savings. Use them wisely: pay semester fees early to avoid late fees. The semester ticket costs between 180 and 380 euros - an investment that quickly pays for itself through saved travel costs.

Your education costs are tax-deductible. As a second degree, your studies count as continuing education - all costs are recognized as work-related expenses (Werbungskosten). That means you can claim tuition fees, specialist literature, travel costs and even a home office.

According to the German Student Services Association (Deutsches Studentenwerk), the average student spends 867 euros a month. As an experienced professional you often need more, since family discounts no longer apply. Plan realistically with 1,000 to 1,200 euros including rent.

Side Income During Your Second Degree

With your qualification you earn more than unskilled working students. IT specialists get 16 to 20 euros an hour, commercial professionals 14 to 18 euros. At 20 hours a week that's 1,280 to 1,600 euros a month.

Note the 20-hour rule: anyone who works more loses student status for health insurance purposes. During semester breaks you may work without limit. Many use this time for intensive phases of 40 hours a week.

How Do I Apply for Funding for My Second Degree?

The BAföG application for experienced professionals includes additional forms. You need proof of your training, employer references and proof of income for the last five years. The student services organization (Studentenwerk) processes applications within six to eight weeks.

For Aufstiegs-BAföG you turn to the responsible office in your federal state. In Bavaria, for example, that's the Regierung von Oberbayern, in North Rhine-Westphalia the district governments (Bezirksregierungen). You'll find the full application forms at aufstiegs-bafoeg.de.

For the continuing education scholarship, you apply through your former training provider or the Chamber of Industry and Commerce. The deadline usually ends three months after completing your vocational qualification - plan in good time. More information at sbb-stipendien.de.

Avoiding Common Mistakes When Financing a Second Degree

Many underestimate the time needed for applications. BAföG Form 1 alone is 10 pages, and proof of income and certificates come on top. Start applying at least four months before your studies begin.

A second mistake: taking out several loans at once. The monthly installments add up quickly. With a 300 euro KfW loan plus a 200 euro private loan, you pay back at least 520 euros after your studies - a quarter of a starting salary.

Also check your insurance status. People over 25 without family coverage pay at least 122 euros for health insurance as students. Experienced professionals with prior full-time employment can often stay in statutory insurance at a lower cost.

FAQ: The Most Important Questions About Financing a Second Degree

Does studying after vocational training count as a second degree?

Yes, once you have completed vocational training, a subsequent degree formally counts as a second education. For BAföG, however, what counts is this: if you have worked at least three years after your training, you get funding independent of your parents. The funding amount then corresponds to a first degree.

Do I get BAföG for a second degree after vocational training?

BAföG for second-degree students is only available in exceptional cases - for example, if your career goal absolutely requires the further qualification. After vocational training followed by five years of employment (three of them after completing your training), however, you receive BAföG independent of your parents, as with a first degree. The funding is a maximum of 934 euros a month.

Which loans are available specifically for a second degree after vocational training?

The KfW student loan is open to all students up to age 44, regardless of prior education. You can apply for 100 to 650 euros a month. Private banks like DKB or Deutsche Bank offer student loans up to a total of 50,000 euros. Experienced professionals often get better terms thanks to proven creditworthiness.

Can my employer finance my studies after vocational training?

Many companies support part-time degree programs with 3,000 to 8,000 euros a year. A commitment declaration to stay with the company for at least two years after graduation is often required. Part-time models with reduced working hours and full study progress are also possible. Talk specifically with your HR department about continuing education budgets.

Are study costs after vocational training tax-deductible?

Yes, your studies after completed vocational training count as a second education and all costs are work-related expenses (Werbungskosten). That includes tuition fees, specialist literature, work equipment, travel costs and even rent for a home office. You can build up loss carryforwards and offset the costs against higher income after you start your career - that often brings refunds of several thousand euros.

Conclusion: Your Path to a Financed Second Degree

Financing a second degree requires more planning than a regular first degree. Your work experience, however, gives you decisive advantages: funding independent of your parents, better scholarship chances and higher side income. The combination of state funding, low-cost loans and targeted saving makes your studies after vocational training realistic.

Start financing planning at least six months before your studies begin. First check your BAföG entitlement, then scholarships, and loans only last. Document all expenses for your tax return - it pays off many times over.

Need more support with financing your studies? Look into alternative ways to finance if the classic options don't work. Your studies after vocational training are an investment in your future - with the right financing, they become affordable.