Students in the Kreis Kleve region of Germany may be eligible for interest-free loans to help finance their education, thanks to the Peter-Albers-Studienfonds, or Peter Albers Study Fund. The Kreis Kleve, the district government, is currently accepting applications for financial aid from the fund, offering a crucial support system for students pursuing higher education. This program, established in 1957, aims to alleviate the financial burden on students, particularly those from larger families, allowing them to focus on their studies.
The Peter-Albers-Studienfonds was created in memory of Peter Albers, the first Landrat (district administrator) of the Altkreis Kleve after World War II, recognizing his contributions to the region. The fund represents a lasting tribute to his service and a commitment to investing in the future of the community through education. To date, approximately 500 students have benefited from the fund, receiving a total of around €600,000 in financial assistance.
Eligibility Requirements for the Peter-Albers-Studienfonds
To qualify for a loan from the Peter-Albers-Studienfonds, applicants must meet several criteria. According to the Kreis Kleve, students – or their parents/legal guardians – must reside within the district. They must be enrolled in a university, Fachhochschule (university of applied sciences), or another officially recognized educational institution. A key factor in the application process is demonstrating financial need; applicants must prove they lack sufficient personal financial resources to cover the costs of their studies. The fund is not intended for students who are only temporarily residing in the Kreis Kleve for the duration of their studies.
The amount of financial aid available is currently €600 per semester, provided as an interest-free loan. The Kreis Kleve outlines specific income thresholds to determine eligibility based on household size. As of February 2026, these thresholds are:
- 1 person: €29,400
- 2 people: €35,450
- 3 people: €44,700
- 4 people: €53,900
- 5 people: €63,150
- 6 people: €72,400
The income considered includes not only the applicant’s income (such as BAföG, orphan’s pensions, wages and maintenance payments) but also the income of their parents or those legally obligated to provide support, including pensions, earnings, social benefits, and rental income. Income earned by other family members who are financially supported is also factored in, even as child benefits are not considered as income.
Loan Repayment and Fund Sustainability
The Peter-Albers-Studienfonds operates on a sustainable model designed to continually support future students. Repayment of the loan begins two years after the completion of studies, with annual installments of €300. Importantly, all repayment funds are reinvested back into the fund’s capital, ensuring its long-term viability and enabling continued financial assistance to students in the Kreis Kleve. The Kreis Kleve covers all administrative costs associated with managing the fund, maximizing the amount available for student support.
Students currently residing outside the Kreis Kleve but who previously lived there are still eligible to apply. Applications can be submitted online or by mail to the Landrat (district administrator) of the Kreis Kleve, Nassauerallee 15-23, 47533 Kleve.
Application Deadline and Required Documents
The deadline for applications for the summer semester 2026 is March 15, 2026. Applicants must submit a curriculum vitae (CV), proof of income for themselves and any supporting parties, a current student enrollment certificate, and documentation of academic achievements to date. More information and the application form can be found on the Kreis Kleve website by searching for “Peter-Albers-Studienfonds.” Further details are available on the Kreis Kleve website.
This initiative underscores the Kreis Kleve’s commitment to fostering educational opportunities for its residents and ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent qualified students from pursuing their academic goals. The Peter-Albers-Studienfonds provides a valuable resource for students navigating the costs of higher education, contributing to a more skilled and educated workforce in the region.
The Kreis Kleve will continue to accept applications until March 15, 2026, and will begin reviewing submissions shortly thereafter. Students are encouraged to gather the necessary documentation and submit their applications before the deadline to be considered for financial assistance for the upcoming semester. For ongoing updates and information about the Peter-Albers-Studienfonds, please visit the Kreis Kleve website.
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