Wohngeld for Students & Apprentices

Wohngeld and Studying – the Basic Rule

The legal basic rule is clear: students who are in principle entitled to BAföG cannot receive Wohngeld (§ 20 para. 2 WoGG). This also applies if you do not actually receive BAföG.

The legislature wants to avoid double funding. Since BAföG already contains a housing cost component, simultaneous receipt of Wohngeld is generally excluded.

BAföG vs. Wohngeld – the Decisive Question

The decisive factor is not whether you actually receive BAföG, but whether you are in principle entitled to BAföG. Even if you have not submitted a BAföG application or your BAföG application was rejected for other reasons, you are excluded from Wohngeld as long as the basic BAföG entitlement exists.

This means in practice: most students at German universities are excluded from Wohngeld. A side job or working student activity does not change this – as long as you are enrolled and entitled to BAföG.

Exceptions – When Students Can Still Receive Wohngeld

There are certain situations in which students can apply for Wohngeld despite the basic rule:

• You have exceeded the maximum BAföG funding period and are therefore excluded from BAföG.
• You have changed your subject and therefore no longer receive BAföG.
• You have exceeded the age limit for BAföG (generally 45 years at the start of studies).
• You are enrolled in a course of study that is generally not eligible for BAföG funding (e.g. certain part-time or private courses).

Wohngeld for Apprentices

Different rules apply to apprentices than to students. Apprentices completing eligible vocational training may receive Wohngeld under certain conditions.

The decisive factor is whether vocational training allowance (BAB) or BAföG for apprentices can in principle be applied for. If this is not the case, Wohngeld may be considered. Apprentices who live with their parents are also generally not entitled to Wohngeld.

Alternatives for Students in Cologne

If you cannot receive Wohngeld as a student in Cologne, there are other support options:

• BAföG – check your BAföG entitlement. The BAföG office of the Studierendenwerk Köln will advise you.
• Student halls – the Kölner Studierendenwerk offers affordable hall places. Rents are often significantly below the Cologne rent level.