Many lost their part-time jobs back in March, when the coronavirus epidemic was just gaining momentum, and went into debt to pay for housing and other mandatory expenses. Various student organizations tried to draw attention to the difficult situation of students through open letters and protest actions. As a result, according to Deutsche Welle<\/a>, several initiatives were created.<\/p>
1. For those in need of long-term support, there is an interest-free loan program. Since June, German students (and since July 1, foreign students as well) can receive an interest-free loan of 100 to 650 euros per month from the German state development bank KfW, regardless of income level, form or stage of study. The main thing is that the university and the student's place of residence must be in Germany.<\/p>
The interest-free payments last until the end of March 2021. According to the bank's press service, more than 20,000 applications have already been submitted, including from foreign students, mainly from Iran, India, Bangladesh, Syria and Tunisia.<\/p>
The conditions for obtaining a loan are the same for everyone: age from 18 to 44, the application can be submitted no later than the tenth semester of study. A pause of up to 18 months from the end of payments is provided for repaying the loan. The application can be submitted online.<\/p>
2. Since mid-June, the German government has launched another funding program for students experiencing financial difficulties due to the coronavirus (Überbrückungshilfe). Those in need can receive from 100 to 500 euros per month, depending on their personal circumstances and the amount in their account. Moreover, on a non-repayable basis – this money does not have to be returned.<\/p>
True, under this program, assistance is designed for a short period from June to August. Each month you need to submit a new application. Students of public and private universities in Germany can apply – both Germans and foreigners, even if they receive a BAföG scholarship or loan. Applications are accepted on a special website.<\/p>
The main condition: the account must have less than 500 euros and the applicant must not receive other financial aid due to the pandemic. You will have to provide bank statements for previous months showing that the student lost income due to the current crisis.<\/p>
The documents are reviewed by German student support organizations (Studentenwerk). In June and July, according to the umbrella organization Deutsches Studentenwerk, more than 100,000 applications were submitted. Every second one has already been approved. About a third of applicants were denied assistance due to non-compliance with requirements or failure to comply with formalities.<\/p>
3. For those who cannot count on payments under the federal program, separate initiatives have been established. For example, Brandenburg announced the creation of its own state fund. Students of Brandenburg universities in acute need of money will receive a one-time assistance of 300 euros, which will not have to be repaid.<\/p>
Some universities have launched fundraising campaigns to help students affected by the pandemic. For example, the Freiberg University of Mining and Technology raised more than 100,000 euros. According to the university, about 100 people received help, most of them foreigners. After the summer break, during which the government financial aid program is in effect, the university promises to continue processing applications.<\/p>
Similar initiatives exist at the Dresden University of Technology, at the universities of Berlin, Heidelberg, Jena, Paderborn and other universities.<\/p>
Tatiana VAINMAN.<\/strong><\/p>
