Financing of BAföG reform in jeopardy?: What students need to know
This article was originally published in German. The English version is an automatic translation and may contain errors. The German original is authoritative.
The planned BAföG reform is one of the greatest opportunities in recent years to finally adapt financial support for students in Germany to the reality of student life. However, implementation is under threat: it is currently unclear how the reform is to be financed. This is causing growing concerns among students. The German Student Services Organisation (Deutsches Studierendenwerk, DSW) is now calling for clear decisions from the government.
Why is BAföG a topic right now?
The BAföG, short for Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz (Federal Training Assistance Act), is the most important state support for students in Germany. It is designed to ensure that everyone can take up and successfully complete a degree regardless of their parents' income. BAföG can provide financial support for rent, living costs and study materials, and is paid partly as a grant and partly as an interest-free loan. For many students, it is the foundation for being able to afford their studies at all.
In fact, the number of BAföG recipients has been steadily declining in recent years. In 2024, a historic low was reported: significantly fewer students are receiving support than before. The main reasons for this are the often complicated application process, the widespread assumption among many students that they are not eligible for BAföG, and the insufficient level of support in relation to actual living costs.
This year, amongst other things, a comprehensive BAföG reform is planned, which provides for higher subsistence allowances, a more realistic housing allowance and in particular easier digital access for more students. The aim is to adapt support to actual living realities and to reduce social inequality in the higher education system. However, the implementation of the reform is currently on shaky ground.
Financing dispute causes uncertainty
There is a dispute at federal level over the financing of the planned BAföG reform, as the DSW reports. The 2026 budget currently provides for 250 million euros less funding for BAföG. This leaves it unclear how the promised improvements are to be implemented.
DSW Chief Matthias Anbuhl calls for the reform to ideally be passed in February 2026. Only then would the BAföG offices have enough time to implement the changes by the winter semester 2026/27. Otherwise, delays or cuts could significantly weaken the reform.
In addition to the Student Services organisation, other organisations such as the Education and Science Union (GEW) also criticise the fact that current support does not reach many students. They call for a swift, effective reform that helps more people and removes bureaucratic obstacles.
Impacts and action options for students
The current situation has direct consequences for students: anyone who had counted on the reform to cover rising rents or cost of living must now plan carefully. Anbuhl warns that young people's trust in politics could decline further.
Delays or cuts would particularly burden students from low-income families. To bridge gaps, students should plan for alternative financing such as scholarships or part-time jobs. At the same time, it is important to inform yourself about the reform and, if necessary, to get involved politically. The coming weeks are crucial: whether the reform comes will determine whether studying in Germany remains affordable for everyone.
BAföG reform 2026 – What is to change
The BAföG reform 2026 brings several innovations that are intended to support students more flexibly. Thus a flexibility semester is being introduced, which makes it possible to receive an additional semester of BAföG even if the standard period of study is exceeded. In addition, young students will receive a one-off study start allowance of €1,000, which does not have to be repaid, to ease entry into their studies.
The reform also increases the exemption thresholds, for example for parental income, which means more students are entitled to BAföG. At the same time, earnings from mini-jobs are less heavily credited against BAföG, so students can top up their income without having to fear cuts.
Another focus of the reform is the simplification and digitalisation of application procedures, which is intended to reduce bureaucracy and digitalise the application process.
Less will change in the maximum funding amounts, which will only be adjusted moderately, and in the repayment of loans, which will continue to exist. Overall, the reform aims to make BAföG more flexible, fairer and more accessible without changing the fundamental structure of the funding programme.