For many students in Germany, whether they are locals or internationals, the Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG) serves as a vital source of financial support. It is designed to help cover the essential costs of living and studying, making higher education more accessible to those who might otherwise struggle to afford it. From rent and food to study materials, BAföG helps bridge the financial gap so that students can focus on their studies without the constant burden of money worries.
BAföG is open to a wide range of applicants. German students who meet the financial need requirements form the majority of recipients. However, foreign nationals with a long‑term right of residence, permanent EU residency, or specific settlement permits also qualify. Recognised refugees under the Geneva Refugee Convention, those with subsidiary protection, and students holding certain residence permits under Section 24 of the Residence Act are eligible as well.
Refugees with tolerated status must have lived legally in Germany for at least 15 months without interruption before applying. While asylum seekers whose cases are still pending are not eligible, BAföG remains a key support system for many international students who are already integrated into German society.
The amount of BAföG awarded depends on several factors, including the type of educational institution attended, whether the student lives with their parents or independently, and both personal and parental income. In 2024, the average monthly BAföG payment was €635. Students received an average of €657 per month, while school pupils received an average of €539. This support can make the difference between financial strain and being able to fully focus on education.
In the winter semester of 2024/2025, the government introduced Studienstarthilfe, a new initiative under BAföG. This one‑time grant of €1,000 is designed for first‑year students under 25 who were receiving certain social benefits before starting their studies. It aims to help ease the financial burden of transitioning into higher education.
In 2024, 10,700 students benefited from this scheme. Most recipients were receiving citizen’s allowance, child supplements, or housing benefits before starting university. This new tool complements the monthly BAföG payments, providing additional targeted help where it is most needed.
BAföG applications can be submitted through the official portal www.bafoeg-digital.de or by using paper forms. The BAföG Digital platform also offers trainees a user-friendly BAföG calculator to estimate potential eligibility in advance. The accuracy of the calculator depends heavily on the data entered. More detailed information about the digital application process can be found on the website, making the application simpler and more transparent for students.
In 2024, only 612,800 people received BAföG benefits, a decrease of 22,800 from the previous year, a drop of 4%. This marks the lowest number of recipients since 2000, despite modest growth in 2022 and 2023. Of all recipients, 79% were university students and 21% were school pupils. Women continued to represent the majority, making up 59% of recipients, and 71% lived independently from their parents.
Federal spending on BAföG in 2024 totaled €3.1 billion, down 9% compared to the previous year. The reasons for this decline are varied, ranging from changes in eligibility rules to shifts in student funding preferences, with some students choosing part‑time work over applying for government aid.
Despite the fall in recipient numbers, BAföG remains an essential program for ensuring equal access to education in Germany. It continues to support hundreds of thousands of students every year, helping them manage living costs while studying. The repayment terms remain highly favorable, ensuring graduates do not face unmanageable debt. For local and international students alike, BAföG can make the difference between pursuing higher education and having to give up due to financial constraints.
For those planning to study in Germany, applying for BAföG should be one of the first steps in securing a stable and focused academic journey. With both monthly payments and one‑time start‑up grants available, the program remains a cornerstone of student financial aid in Germany, and a lifeline for those who need it most.
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