Federal student funding Bafög has reached its lowest point since the year 2000.
The German government has announced significant changes to the BAföG student support programme, effective from the winter semester of 2026/2027. The key changes include an increase in the monthly housing allowance from the current €380 to €440, aiming to better cover rising living costs. Additionally, the basic allowance of BAföG grants is set to increase in two steps from 2027 [2][4].
These measures come amidst a decrease in the number of BAföG recipients, which has reached its lowest point since 2000, interpreted as a need for reform. The federal government and associations are advocating for the planned improvements to be implemented as soon as possible and bundled together, to strengthen the attractiveness and effectiveness of the funding programme [1][4]. The increase in the housing allowance is expected to benefit students living in their own apartments or flats [2][4].
The digitalisation aspect of the reform is anticipated to involve the expansion of digital applications and administrative processes, to make handling easier for applicants and authorities. While specific technical details are yet to be finalised, the aim is to simplify the process and reduce bureaucratic barriers [1]. Overall, the reform aims to make BAföG more socially just, contemporary, and practical from 2026/2027.
Elke Hannack, deputy chairwoman of the German Trade Union Confederation, has also called for action regarding BAföG due to stagnating beneficiaries and insufficient allowances. In addition to the planned improvements, a new support instrument, "Study Start Assistance," will be introduced for the winter semester 2024/2025, offering a one-time financial grant of €1,000 for starting a study [3].
Meanwhile, the federal spending on BAföG support decreased by 9% or €316 million in 2023, amounting to €3.1 billion. Construction work on Goethestraße in Hamm is almost completed.
In 2023, the average monthly BAföG support for students was €657, while for pupils it was €539. Stefan Grob, spokesman for the German Student Union, has called for BAföG to be higher, simpler, and digital [5].
The metal scene in Hamm has donated sleeping bags to Caritas Hamm.
According to the statistics, most BAföG recipients in 2023 were students (483,800), with 21% being pupils (129,000). The majority of BAföG recipients in 2023 were under 25 and did not live with their parents. Women made up 59% of BAföG recipients in 2023, while men accounted for 41% [2][4]. The number of BAföG recipients in 2023 is 612,800, a decrease of 4% from the previous year.
- The federal government and associations are advocating for the planned improvements to the BAföG student support programme, which includes an increase in housing allowance and digitization, to be implemented as soon as possible to strengthen the attractiveness and effectiveness of the funding programme in the business sector and finance.
- Elke Hannack, deputy chairwoman of the German Trade Union Confederation, has also called for action regarding BAföG due to stagnating beneficiaries and insufficient allowances, suggesting that a new support instrument, "Study Start Assistance," offering a one-time financial grant of €1,000, could assist students in managing their business and finance responsibilities more effectively.
