Social
Cabinet initiates Bafög reform
The Bafög rates were last increased for the winter semester 2022/2023. photo
© Andrea Warnecke/dpa
Despite sharp criticism from unions and student representatives, the cabinet is sticking to the planned Bafög reform. There is no provision for a rate increase.
There are no plans to increase the Bafög rates. Trade unions and student representatives criticized this again with regard to the increased cost of living. The rates were last increased by 5.75 percent by the traffic light for the winter semester of 2022/2023.
The reform also introduces study start-up assistance
Anyone who is studying and still lives with their parents can currently receive up to 511 euros per month – this includes a so-called basic need of 452 euros plus 59 euros for housing. Away from home it is 452 plus 360 euros for accommodation. Further surcharges for health and nursing care insurance are also possible if students are no longer insured by their parents. Since assets, your own income, and the income of your parents and spouses are taken into account, the actual Bafög amount is always individual.
The reform also introduces so-called study start aid. Starting in the fall, first-year students from poorer families can count on a government subsidy of 1,000 euros to purchase laptops, books or to finance moving costs at their place of study.