Scholarships for Students in Germany. Life in Germany. In 2023, slightly more pupils and students in Germany received financial help through the BAföG program. According to the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), 635,600 people got this support, which is a 0.9% increase from 2022.
This rise continues a positive trend that started in 2022, after a steady decrease in beneficiaries from 2012 to 2021. Of those receiving BAföG in 2023, 501,400 were students and 134,200 were pupils. The average monthly amount of BAföG also went up in 2023. The average support was €640 per month, which is €47 (or 8%) more than the previous year.
As a result, the total spending on the BAföG program increased significantly to 3.4 billion euros in 2023, up 14% from the year before. This rise reflects both the higher average amount given and the larger number of beneficiaries.
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What amounts are payable from 2024
Starting in 2024, the basic aid for students will rise from 452 to 475 euros per month. For those who do not live with their parents, the housing allowance will go up from 360 to 380 euros per month. This means the total maximum amount will increase from 812 to 855 euros per month. Older students who pay for their own health insurance will get an additional supplement, bringing the total maximum amount to 992 euros per month. The increase for students started on August 1.
Students under 25 who receive social benefits like Citizens’ Income, Child Benefit, or Housing Benefit will get an initial grant of €1,000. This money is meant to help with study-related costs, such as buying a laptop or paying a deposit for an apartment. About 15,000 students are expected to benefit from this grant.
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Income limits for calculating BAföG scholarships will increase by 5.25%, allowing more people to qualify. This year’s reform also introduces a flexibility semester. Students close to finishing their studies who face difficulties with their thesis can get BAföG for one more semester, even if they’ve exceeded the standard study period. Additionally, changing specializations will be easier without losing BAföG eligibility.
How to access BAföG
Students can apply for BAföG and the start-up aid online through the “BAföG Digital” portal. They will be able to upload proof of income and enrollment certificates to receive the aid. This reform follows criticism from social associations and student representatives, who highlighted the need to adjust BAföG to the high living and rent costs. Critics argue that while the increase is a positive step, it still falls short of covering the rising expenses students face.