The federal cabinet has launched the long-planned reform of the BAföG student financial aid system. Federal Research Minister Dorothee Bär (CSU) announced on Wednesday that the first sections of this reform are slated to come into effect on April 1, 2027.
Among the planned changes, the cost allowance for students living away from their parents will increase from 380 euros to 440 euros, effective from the summer semester of 2027. Furthermore, the standard benefit rates for students will be raised in two stages to 563 euros. The benefit rates for school students will increase proportionally.
Starting in the school year or winter semester of 2028/2029, the income thresholds and exemption limits will be adjusted annually. The requirement for proof of academic performance after the fifth semester will be eliminated, and applications will henceforth be processed digitally.
“With this cabinet decision, we have taken a decisive step toward ensuring that BAföG can fulfill its promise of advancement,” Bär stated. She emphasized that BAföG remains “the central legislative benefit for financing academic and school training.”
Although the coalition agreement had initially targeted an increase in these rates for the winter semester of 2026/27, the reform is now moving forward with the specified timelines.
