The New BAföG: Funding Conditions for Students After the 2024 Reform

BAföG after the 2024 reform: eligibility, amounts, and what changed

BAföG is one of Germany’s key pillars of student support—especially after the reform introduced in July 2024. Below is a detailed overview of the most important points students under the age of 45 should know.

First: What is BAföG and why does it matter?
Under the Federal Training Assistance Act (Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz), BAföG provides financial support to eligible people during vocational training or university studies. Its purpose is to help students become financially independent and to reduce the financial burden on families.

Key changes in the 2024 reform

• Higher age limit: the maximum age increased from 30 to 45.

• Higher basic support amounts:

  • For students living away from their parents: from €812 to €855.

  • Including health insurance support: up to €992.

• Higher income allowances: the exempt income threshold increased, making it easier for more students to qualify.

• A starter payment of €1,000 for new students from low-income households.

• More flexibility in study paths: a “Flexibility Semester” can allow certain adjustments or pauses without losing eligibility.

• No increase in repayment instalments: the cap remains 77 instalments of €130 per month.

Who gets how much, and how is it calculated?

Main categories

• Students not living with their parents:
  Basic support €475 + housing allowance €380 = €855; with health insurance support up to €992.

• Students living with their parents:
  €475 basic support + €59 housing allowance + additional support (including health insurance, depending on the case) = around €634.

• Students over 30:
  Depending on the situation, a higher amount may be possible, up to €1,088.

• Vocational and comparable school students:
  Support up to €959 if they live away from the family home.

How the calculation works

• Personal income up to €523 per month is taken into account and deducted from the support amount.

• Under specific conditions (for example, being over 30 or financially independent), the calculation may be less directly tied to parental income.

• Health insurance support is granted only if the student is insured in their own name; it does not apply when covered via parents’ family insurance.

When and how to apply

• Apply within the first month after starting your studies so that support can be counted from the beginning.

• BAföG typically needs to be renewed regularly, often once per academic year before the approval period ends.

• Common documents include proof of enrolment, income records (yours and your parents’), proof of residence, and other study-related documents.

Practical tips

• Use official calculators to estimate your potential support amount.

• Check early whether you qualify for the €1,000 starter payment and apply in good time.

• If you change your program or take a break before the fifth semester, digital processes may help you update your application without losing eligibility.

• If payments are delayed, you may request an advance or provisional payment from the BAföG office.

Summary

Note: The editorial team strives for accuracy through careful research. However, mistakes may occur or some information may be incomplete. Please treat the content as an initial reference and consult the responsible authorities for confirmed details.