Top-up for first-generation students

Students may apply for this top-up if none of their parents or legal guardians has obtained an academic degree from a university or university of applied sciences. A German Meisterbrief (Master Craftsman qualification) is not considered an academic degree in this context.

However, degree programmes completed by a parent or legal guardian abroad are considered academic degrees even if the qualification is not recognised as an academic degree in Germany (e.g. physiotherapy).

In the case of single-parent families, this requirement applies only to the parent with whom the student lives.

Proof: Declaration of honour signed by the student's parents or legal guardians (in the case of a single-parent family: by the respective parent).

Top-up for students with children

Students who take their child/children with them during their study period abroad may apply for this top-up. The amount of the top-up is the same regardless of the number of children. By applying for this top-up, you agree to provide proof that the child is your child and will travel abroad with you.

The additional funding may also be granted to couples. However, the same child cannot receive double funding.

Please note: As an alternative to the top-up, the International Office may submit an application for funding based on actual costs (Realkostenantrag) to the German National Agency for Erasmus+ Higher Education (NA DAAD) on behalf of students with children. Funding based on actual costs can cover expenses exceeding the amount provided by the top-up. However, all expenses must be fully documented with receipts and other supporting documents.

If you are considering applying for funding based on actual costs, please contact the KU International Office at least six months before the start of your mobility.

Proof: Copy of the child's birth certificate and travel ticket.

Top-up for students with severe disabilities or chronic illnessnes

Students with a degree of disability (GdB) of 20 or more, as well as students with a chronic illness that results in additional financial costs during their stay abroad, may apply for this top-up. By applying for the top-up, you agree to provide proof of your disability or chronic illness (e.g. a medical certificate or a copy of your disability ID card). In the case of a chronic illness, the medical certificate must confirm that the illness results in additional financial costs during your stay abroad.

Please note: As an alternative to the top-up, the International Office may submit an application for funding based on actual costs (Realkostenantrag) to the German National Agency for Erasmus+ Higher Education (NA DAAD) on behalf of students with a disability (GdB of 20 or more) or a chronic illness. Funding based on actual costs may cover expenses exceeding the amount provided by the top-up. All costs claimed under such an application must be fully documented with receipts and other supporting documents.

If you are considering applying for funding based on actual costs, please contact the KU International Office at least six months before the start of your mobility.

Proof:

• Chronic illness: A medical certificate issued by a specialist confirming that your chronic illness results in additional financial costs during your stay abroad. The certificate does not need to state the nature of the illness or specify the amount of the additional costs.
• Disability (GdB of 20 or more): A copy of your disability ID card or a medical certificate issued by a specialist.