For students in Germany — including many internationals who qualify for BAföG under certain conditions — the financial aid system is a crucial lifeline. A reform that was supposed to raise benefit amounts and broaden eligibility was scheduled to be approved by the German cabinet in late July and take effect from the upcoming winter semester. That plan is now in serious doubt. Coalition disagreements have put the reform on hold, leaving students in a state of uncertainty just as they plan their finances for the next academic year.
BAföG (Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz) is Germany's federal student financial aid program. It provides monthly payments to eligible students to cover living costs, rent, and study expenses. The amounts have not kept pace with rising costs of living in recent years, and many students — German and international alike — have found the support increasingly insufficient.
The proposed reform aimed to:
For international students, eligibility for BAföG is generally limited but does exist under specific circumstances — for example, EU citizens who have worked in Germany, or non-EU students who have been resident in Germany for a qualifying period.
The reform has become a point of tension within Germany's governing coalition. Disagreements over budget allocations and policy priorities have meant that the cabinet vote, originally planned for late July, has been postponed without a clear new date. It is now uncertain whether the reform will pass at all, or whether it might be significantly scaled back.
This is not the first time BAföG reform has been delayed in recent years. Students and advocacy groups have repeatedly called for faster action, pointing out that many young people are struggling financially amid higher rents and food prices.
If the reform does not pass before the winter semester begins, students who were counting on higher BAföG payments will need to adjust their financial planning. The current rates will remain in place. Students who have already applied based on current rules will not see automatic increases.
For prospective students — including internationals considering moving to Germany to study — this uncertainty means it is wise not to factor in a BAföG increase when planning your budget for the coming academic year.
In general, BAföG is available to German citizens and EU citizens under certain conditions. Non-EU students can qualify if they have held a residence permit for a qualifying purpose for at least 15 months, among other requirements. The rules are complex and vary depending on your situation. It is strongly recommended to visit your university's Studierendenwerk (student services office) or consult their BAföG advisory service for a personal assessment.
For now, plan your finances based on the current BAföG rates. If the reform eventually passes, any increase would apply going forward — but there is no guarantee of when or whether that will happen. Explore alternative support options such as scholarships (DAAD, Deutschlandstipendium), part-time work within your visa work-hour limits, or support from your university's social fund (Sozialfonds).
The BAföG reform situation is evolving and could change quickly depending on coalition politics. Students should stay informed but plan conservatively for the winter semester. Here are practical steps to take now:
Source: Tagesschau
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