In case that you are not entitled to receive BAföG you might want to think about alternatives for your funding such as scholarships.
Besides the common financial aid by
this carrier
there are numerous other foundations which support you and your studies in almost every circumstances. They provide financial aid for living, means for textbooks, foster your studies abroad and even grant interest-free loans. However, you should apply during your “basic study period” (Grundstudium) since most foundations pay very close attention to your age and to how long you have been already studying. On the other hand there are also foundations with the goal to really foster people with great disadvantages. These kinds of foundations will provide support even if you are beyond “a certain amount of semesters needed to complete your studies” (Regelstudienzeit).
Looking for financial resources of any kind is always worth looking into. The common believe that only geeks and really smart people get scholarships couldn’t be further away from the truth. In fact, there are actually far more scholarships available than there are applicants.
Information about each foundation can be found right here:
e-fellows.net: Stipendien-Datenbank
The AStA is looking forward to your questions and suggestions of any kind.
