Numbers of professionals wishing to advance their careers by using the Master BaföG (Federal Education and Trainings Assistance Act) funding tool has increased in 2013 for the sixth year in succession to now 171 000, according to the German Federal Statistical Office.

Approved funding totaled EUR 576 million in 2013, 5.5 % more than in the previous year. The education policy spokesman for the CDU/CSU parliamentary group at the German Bundestag, Albert Rupprecht, and the responsible correspondent, Dr Thomas Feist, commented on the topic.

Albert Rupprecht: Academic and vocational education is of equal importance to us. This is why we support not only BAföG, but also Master BAföG. We want to promote careers in the vocational education and training (VET) system just as much as in the academic system. It is gratifying that more and more young professionals, including increasing numbers of women, make use of the Master BAföG for their career advancement. As was agreed in the coalition agreement, we will further improve funding for the Master BAföG and extend the funding opportunities.

Dr Thomas Feist: The Union's parliamentary group stands for the equality of academic and vocational education. We therefore want to open up access to the Master BAföG also for bachelor graduates. We are of the opinion that support for professionals in VET must not lag behind developments regarding BAföG. Only this will ensure equally good career opportunities in both the vocational and academic sectors.

News details

News type
Source
ReferNet Germany