BAföG benefits despite Brexit

A stay abroad in the United Kingdom subsidised with BAföG benefits can be continued after Brexit. The same applies to studying in Germany for British students.

The Federal Ministry of Education and Research makes preparations as the dreaded, alleged Brexit deadline approaches: It must be prevented that students are being forced to terminate their (academic) training in case of a no-deal Brexit.

A new transitional provision for BAföG regulations provides a safety net for German and British school and university students who were granted BAföG benefits for their education before Brexit. They will receive financial support until the end of their studies/training, even if the United Kingdom leaves the EU in a no-deal scenario. The provision aims at granting legal certainty and legitimate expectations to the affected students. Forced drop-outs from training that are impending due to financial difficulties will be prevented.

Particularly at risk are many students who are currently enrolled at a university situated in the United Kingdom. A stay abroad in the United Kingdom that is subsidised with BAföG benefits can be continued after Brexit. The same applies to studying in Germany for British students.

In case of questions, students may refer directly to the Department for Grants.