Tips and information for every situation

The IU distance learning program adapts to your life - we promise! Because we know that there are other important things in your everyday life. That's why we offer flexible time models in all our Bachelor's, Master's and MBA programs.

If you pay your tuition fees with us in advance, you benefit from our discounts: one year in advance = 2% discount, two years in advance = 5% discount, three or more years in advance = 10% discount.

Under certain conditions, young women who are studying with a child can receive maternity benefit. To do so, as a student you must be working part-time and be insured with a statutory health insurance fund. There is no entitlement if you are also insured with your parents. You will receive maternity benefit from six weeks before and up to eight weeks after the birth. The amount is calculated based on your previous income. An application must be made to your health insurance fund for the money to be paid out.

You can find more information on this at Bundesministerium für Familie, Senioren, Frauen und Jugend.

You are entitled to child benefit from the birth of your child until they reach the age of 18. You must apply for this at the local family benefits office. You should bring your child's birth certificate with you as proof.

As a student, you can apply for child supplement if one parent is employed and has a low salary. The amount depends on your income or that of your partner.

You can find more information on this at the Bundesagentur für Arbeit.

Young mothers who are studying with a child may also be able to receive financial support from foundations. The Federal Foundation Mother and Child is committed to helping pregnant women who urgently need help. The financial support depends on the individual situation of the person in question.

Studying with a baby can be a great burden. If state benefits are not available in time or are not sufficient, you can turn to the Federal Foundation Mother and Child. However, you must meet certain requirements: You should submit your application for support in person at a pregnancy advice center before you give birth. In addition, your place of residence must be in Germany and you must be in an emergency situation. An emergency situation exists if you cannot cover the expenses for pregnancy, birth, care and upbringing of the infant with your income and you do not receive state benefits on time or sufficiently. If you meet these requirements, the foundation can support you financially.

You can find more information on this at the Bundesstiftung Mutter und Kind.

The Academic Association of Senior Citizens in Germany (AVDS) represents retired people at all German universities. It raises public awareness of the topic of “studying in old age”, campaigns for improved study opportunities and supports students. If you are interested in studying in old age, the association is a helpful point of contact. There you will find information about degree programs, universities, courses and much more. The AVDS offers you both study and social counseling. For example, you can find out how you can fulfill your wish to study even with a small pension. The AVDS also provides a study guide for retired people with all the important information. You can order the study guide for a fee on the association's website. (avds.de)

Another point of contact is the Bundesarbeitsgemeinschaft Wissenschaftliche Weiterbildung für Ältere (BAG WiWA). This association includes universities, so-called universities of the third age and other providers of senior studies. The association is committed to ensuring that retired people also have the opportunity to expand their education in old age. To this end, it produces its own publications on the subject of studying in old age and organizes annual conferences. Through the BAG WiWA, you can share your experiences with other retired people and discuss continuing education in old age. The association also provides you with its own advice service. You can find the BAG WiWA on the Internet at dgwf.net

bildung-ab-50.de 
This website shows various training, further education and continuing education options that are available to you from the age of 50. Among other things, the website also goes into detail about studying for senior citizens. You will get an overview of study locations, time required, costs as well as the requirements for studying for older people.