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Student Financial Aid Office

FAQ – Parental Maintenance Obligation

Parental Maintenance Obligation

  • How long do my parents have to support me?
    If you have completed an apprenticeship, hold a Bachelor's degree from a vocational college or have a completed Master's degree, you are considered to have completed your initial education.
    Neither a general qualification for university entrance nor a Bachelor's degree from a university count as having completed your initial education. If you have a general qualification for university entrance and then enroll at a university (without having done an apprenticeship), your initial education is completed once you have a Master's degree.

    Please note: According to Art. 276 – 277 SCC, your parents are legally obligated to support you while you complete your initial education.
     
  • How much money do my parents have to contribute to my support?
    The amount of support should be based on a realistic budget. If you still live with your parents, you'll need about CHF 1,300 to CHF 1,500 per month. If you live away from your parents, you'll need a minimum of CHF 2,000 per month. Before you start studying, check to see how much you'll be able to contribute. The amount of support should be based on the objective financial situation of your parents.

    If you don't see eye to eye with your parents on this issue, we can make a suggestion based on their current tax documents (tax return and final tax bill). You can contact us during our telephone consultation hours. If you can't find an agreement with your parents, we'll help you devise a solution.
     

  • What is a child maintenances and how can I obtain it?
    If you are under the age of 25 and are in the process of completing your education, and your parents receive old-age or disability pension payments (AHV/IV), they should also receive at least one child benefit payment.
    Child maintenances are paid out of old-age and disability insurance (AHV/IV) and also from pension funds. You have to actively apply to receive a child maintenance.
     

  • What are supplementary maintenances and how can I obtain them?
    If your parents receive old-age or disability pension payments (AHV/IV) and live in modest conditions, you can apply to receive supplementary maintenances.
    If your parents receive supplementary maintenances and you live in a separate household, you can also apply to receive supplementary benefits. This applies while you are receiving your education up until the age of 25.
     

  • My parents receive a child maintenance on my behalf. Does this money belong to me?
    Child maintenances are intended to be used for education. You can apply to have the child maintenance transferred directly to you. Try to discuss the matter with your parents beforehand.
     

  • My parents say that I should fund my studies myself, but I'm not able to manage. What can I do?
    Your parents are obligated to support you in line with their financial possibilities while you are obtaining your initial education, even after you reach the age of 25.

    If you can't reach an agreement with your parents, we will try to help you find a solution. You can contact us during our telephone consultation hours.
     

  • I would like to be independent from my parents and/or move out of their house. Where can I apply for scholarships to help me do so?
    Your parents are still obligated to help you Responsibilities. Cantonal scholarship offices, the UZH Student Financial Affairs Office and private foundations will take your parents’ financial situation into consideration when awarding scholarships.
    Only serious reasons can justify excluding this information. The limited financial resources to fund scholarships should be used to help students who have no other financial options.

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