DATAGROUP is the first provider to introduce electronic files for BAföG in education support offices

Pliezhausen, 4 June 2024. DATAGROUP, the leading provider of specialized software for BAföG (state-sponsored student support scheme) applications which is already used by most of the German states, has introduced electronic files. This solution allows users to digitally process records, which supports mobile working and provides a basis for automation processes. The introduction is a major step in the digitalization of student finance and offers the possibility to fully digitalize the delivery of documents in a next step.

DATAGROUP has introduced a fully integrated electronic file for BAföG applications at a first education support office. Already today, DATAGROUP is the leading provider of programs for processing student support schemes (BAföG and AFBG) throughout Germany. The software is used by Studierendenwerke (student services organizations) and municipal offices and is gradually being complemented by electronic files. Its introduction takes offices to a new level in terms of digitalization, whilst providing the basis for future automation in educational support in Germany.

Documents can be digitally accessed with the help of electronic files which also facilitates mobile working outside of offices. Scanned paper documents are adopted into the process in accordance with the legal framework so that the paper records can be destroyed thereafter. Documents received electronically help to skip the tedious step of having to print them which eases the workload significantly and makes work more sustainable. The development has been substantially supported by the Studierendenwerk Darmstadt thanks to innovative ideas and tests. In a second step it is planned to also digitalize the delivery of official letters and correspondence to the applicants by having these documents delivered to their central BundID account, as far as they use it for communication with the BAföG offices. Making use of paper or a delivery by post is definitely a thing of the past.

Ben Kopfer, Head of Student Finance & IT at the Studierendenwerk Darmstadt A.ö.R. says: “The implementation of electronic files in the BAföG process is an important step in the ongoing digitalization of student finance in our house. The extensive functions and a clearly structured file management enable us to process BAföG applications more efficiently and to make an important contribution to accelerate the entire process.”