BAföG-Reform: Changes from winter semester 2024/25

Due to the BAföG reform, the chances of receiving (more) BAföG will increase significantly from the winter semester 2024/25. 

This will change from winter semester 2024/25:

• The BAföG rate increases depending on their housing situation and health and long-term care insurance to a maximum of 855 € for students aged under 25 years. For 25-30 year olds, the maximum is 992 € and for over 30 year olds, up to 1,088 €.

• The asset allowance for students is still
  • 15,000 € up to the age of 30 years.
  • from the age of 30 even 45,000 €.
    This means that students are allowed to have this amount of assets without it being counted towards BAföG. The circumstances at the time of application are decisive.

• The tax-free amounts for students’ income were also increased. For BAföG recipients, a mini-job with an average monthly income of currently €538 or €6,456 per year will continue to be exempt in future. For married students or students with their own children, even higher allowances are provided for, so that even a higher income may not affect the entitlement to funding.

• The parents’ income allowances will increase to:
  • 2.540 € for parents who are married to each other (for both together) or
  • 1.690 € for parents who are not married to each other or who are permanently separated (for each parent);
  • In addition, the allowances for siblings (who are not pursuing an education eligible for BAföG funding) will increase to 770 euros for each sibling. And best of all: income from underage siblings, e.g. if they have a mini-job or receive a training allowance, will not have a negative effect on the sibling allowance in the future. 
  • The deduction of social security contributions (which is a lump sum in BAföG) has also been increased. For parents who are employed, 22.3% instead of the previous 21.6% will be deducted from the annual income when determining BAföG entitlement. For self-employed parents 38.8% instead of the previous 38.0% and for non-employed parents (e.g. old-age pensioners) 16.5% instead of the previous 15.9%

As a result of the increases listed above, parents’ income will only be taken into account from a significantly higher amount than was previously the case. This significantly increases the chances of receiving BAföG!

In addition, the 29th BAföG amendment provides for the introduction of a flexible semester, study start-up aid and a simplification of the change of specialisation.

• Detailed information on the new changes