'The Otto Benecke Foundation and GF-H: Supporting Young Immigrants in

The Otto Benecke Stiftung e.V. participates in programs that help young immigrants prepare for their studies, have their educational qualifications recognized, and integrate into German society. The Bildungsberatung Garantiefonds Hochschule (GF-H) is particularly important for university admission: it advises young immigrants, verifies eligibility for support according to the Garantiefonds Hochschulbereich guidelines, and helps develop an individualized educational plan.

The GF-H’s primary target audience consists of young people under the age of 30 who wish to obtain a Hochschulreife, prepare for the Studienkolleg, enroll in a German university, or continue their existing higher education. Support depends on residency status, educational background, language proficiency, and specific goals.

What is the Otto Benecke Stiftung e.V.?

The Otto Benecke Stiftung e.V. is a German nonprofit organization based in Bonn that works on integration, education, and skills development projects for people with a migration background. The foundation does not replace a university, school, or Jobcenter. Its role is to connect applicants with appropriate counseling, programs, courses, or funding, provided they meet the eligibility criteria for a specific project.

In the context of education, the term “Garantiefonds Hochschulbereich,” abbreviated as GF-H, is most commonly used. This is a federal program for young immigrants who are working toward a Hochschulreife or university enrollment. GF-H counseling helps you understand whether your previous education will be recognized, what language proficiency level is required, whether you need a “” or “Studienkolleg”, whether direct admission to a university is possible, and which expenses may be covered.

Who Might Benefit from GF-H

According to the official description, the program is primarily aimed at young immigrants under the age of 30. Eligible applicants include, in particular:

• late resettlers and certain members of their families under the BVFG;
• Recognized refugees and persons with protection status under the AufenthG or AsylG;
• individuals with specific humanitarian grounds for residence, including certain cases under §§ 22, 23, and 24 of the Residence Act (AufenthG);
• Spouses and children of certain categories of recipients, if provided for by the program rules.

It is best to verify your exact status before applying: the wording in the Residence Act (AufenthG), the Asylum Act (AsylG), and the Federal Training Assistance Act (BVFG) is important, and similar colloquial terms for statuses may have different legal implications. If you do not fall within the primary target group, a consultation may still be helpful, but financial support under the RL-GF-H may not be available.

When to Apply

It is advisable to contact them as soon as possible after arrival or after receiving your residency status, especially if your goal is to study at a university. Courses, the Studienkolleg, document recognition, and language exams rarely can be completed in just a few weeks. GF-H typically begins with an initial consultation and assessment of your situation, and then helps you develop an educational plan.

People often learn about the counseling services at the “” in Friedland () or through the Jugendmigrationsdienst, social services, schools, Jobcenter, universities, and immigration offices. However, you don’t have to wait for a referral: you can submit an initial application online via the GF-H educational counseling website.

What Kind of Assistance Is Available

Educational Counseling

During the consultation, the following topics are discussed:

• secondary and higher education obtained outside of Germany;
• the opportunity to enroll in a Studienkolleg () or a German university ();
• the need for the Abitur, Studienkolleg, or Feststellungsprüfung;
• choosing a major and a university;
• recognition of academic credits already earned;
• German and English language requirements;
• Possible scholarships, such as the “” BAföG, and other sources of funding.

The result can be a personalized plan outlining which documents to have translated, which exams to take, which courses to enroll in, when to apply to the Studienkolleg or a university, and which deadlines not to miss.

Language Courses

Under the GF-H guidelines, support is primarily provided for intensive German language courses that prepare students for higher education and lead to a recognized language certificate. For university applicants, this is typically the path to achieving a level sufficient for the TestDaF, DSH, or other requirements set by a specific university.

In certain cases, intensive English courses may be available if they are necessary for the chosen educational path and comply with the program’s rules.

Preparation for University

GF-H may include measures such as:

• Subject-specific preparatory courses for the Studienkolleg or university studies;
• Studienkolleg;
• Special courses to obtain the Hochschulreife;
• preparation for technical language, exams, and the academic environment;
• Advice on applications, deadlines, and required documents.

If the goal is to pursue a vocational training program () or a vocational education program (Ausbildung), a counselor can suggest alternative paths; however, GF-H is primarily focused on preparing students for higher education.

Financial Support

Funding under the RL-GF-H is not automatically granted to all applicants. First, the counseling center reviews the eligibility criteria and educational goals. If support is possible, it is tailored to specific measures and specific expenses.

Officially, support may include:

• Tuition fees, if not covered by the state or another funding source;
• living expenses and housing costs;
• Necessary tutoring for the Studienkolleg and special preparatory courses;
• necessary travel to the place of study;
• Exam fees;
• Costs associated with integration into the educational pathway, such as the translation and recognition of prior educational credentials.

It is best not to rely on old fixed payment amounts: rates and calculations depend on the program’s rules, the applicant’s situation, and the priority of other benefits. An important principle is “Nachrangigkeit” (subordination): if statutory benefits are available—such as BAföG—they should generally be used first.

The maximum duration of support under the RL-GF-H is specified as up to 30 months. This is an upper limit, not a guarantee of funding for the entire duration of studies.

Documents You Should Prepare

Before your consultation, it is helpful to gather the following:

• passport and residence permit;
• Certificate of registration, if available;
• A decision on protection status, an admission notice, or other documents regarding the basis for residence;
• school transcripts, diplomas, and grade reports;
• translations of documents, if available;
• proof of enrollment at a university abroad;
• language certificates;
• resume;
• letters from a university, Studienkolleg, or ZAB/IHK, if you have already applied;
• Documents regarding income and benefits, if funding is involved.

Not all documents are required right away. However, the more clearly the counselor understands your educational history, the faster a realistic path can be identified.

How to Apply

1. Visit the Bildungsberatung Garantiefonds Hochschule website.
2. Select “Anmeldung zur Erstberatung” or “Online-Anmeldung.”
3. Fill out the form only once for your initial application.
4. Wait for a letter with the contact information for the responsible counseling center.
5. Prepare your documents and questions for the consultation.
6. After the consultation, clarify whether you are eligible to apply for funding under the RL-GF-H guidelines.

If you have already had a GF-H consultation, you generally do not need to resubmit the initial online questionnaire. It is best to contact your previous counseling center and request a new appointment.

Contact Information

For your initial inquiry, please use the official GF-H Educational Counseling website and the online questionnaire.

GF-H Coordination Office:

Coordination Office for the Higher Education Guarantee Fund (GF-H)
Bundesarbeitsgemeinschaft Katholische Jugendsozialarbeit (BAG KJS) e.V.
Carl-Mosterts-Platz 1
40477 Düsseldorf
Tel.: 0211 9448529

Otto Benecke Stiftung e.V.:

Bonn Office
Kennedyallee 105–107
53175 Bonn
Tel.: 0228 8163-0
Email: post@obs-ev.de

It is best to check contact information and the list of counseling centers on the official websites before reaching out, as the number of locations and mobile counseling sessions is subject to change.

Common Mistakes

• Wait until you’ve been admitted to a university and only then look for funding.
• Do not confuse GF-H counseling with an automatic right to a scholarship.
• Rely on outdated payment amounts from old articles.
• Do not check the exact paragraph regarding the residence permit.
• Resubmit the online application form instead of contacting your counseling center.
• Translating and having documents recognized without understanding exactly which documents are required for the chosen path.

FAQ

Does the foundation offer courses itself?

Usually not. Support is provided through counseling, an educational plan, and appropriate external measures: language courses, the Studienkolleg, special courses, or preparatory programs.

Is the program suitable for those over 30?

The main support under the RL-GF-H is geared toward young people under the age of 30. Those who are older should seek alternative counseling and funding through universities, BAföG, Jobcenter, recognition counseling services, scholarships, and state programs.

Is it possible to receive funding to cover the entire cost of college?

GF-H primarily assists with academic preparation and entry into higher education. Support is subject to program rules and a maximum duration. For the standard period of study at a university, it is often necessary to separately explore BAföG, scholarships, and part-time work opportunities.

Do I need to know German yet?

Not always, but language proficiency is important for determining the path forward. A counselor assesses what level is required for the chosen goal and whether support for an intensive course is available.

Where can you check the current rules?

Visit the websites of the BMFSFJ, Bildungsberatung GF-H, and the Otto Benecke Foundation. If your residency status is complicated, it is best to also contact an immigration or educational counseling service.