BAföG in 30 seconds
BAföG is Germany’s state support for students. The maximum rate in 2026 is €992/month (€475 basic need + €380 housing allowance + €137 health/care insurance supplement). Half is a grant you never repay; the other half is an interest-free state loan capped at €10,010 — no matter how long you are funded. How much you get depends on your parents’ income and your own.
The key figures 2026
- ✓Maximum €992/month with your own place and own health insurance — a room at A23 counts as your own place (€380 housing allowance instead of €59 at your parents’).
- ✓Half grant, half interest-free loan: repayment starts about 5 years after funding ends, in small instalments, capped at €10,010.
- ✓Own income: a mini-job up to €603/month is not counted.
- ✓Assets: allowance of €15,000 (under 30), €45,000 from 30.
- ✓Study start-up grant: a one-off €1,000 gift for first-time students under 25 from families on social benefits (§ 56 BAföG).
- ✓Duration: generally the standard period of study; BAföG is granted for 12 months at a time — don’t forget the renewal application.
Planned: increase in 2027
In August 2026 the federal cabinet approved a BAföG reform: from 01.04.2027 the housing allowance is set to rise from €380 to €440 — the maximum rate would then be around €1,075. Until the law is enacted, current rules apply. Handy for you: the early-bird rooms at A23 become free on 01.08./01.09.2027 — the higher allowance would kick in right at your move-in.
BAföG and A23
For the application you need a rental contract in your name — that’s what you get from us. The all-in rent (€395–650) makes declaring housing costs simple: one amount, no utility statements. Estimate your BAföG with the calculator →
As of September 2026, without guarantee — the student services office (Amt für Ausbildungsförderung) calculates bindingly.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to repay BAföG in full?
No. Half is a grant. The loan half is interest-free and capped at €10,010 — repayment starts about 5 years after funding ends, in instalments from about €130/month, with waiver options.
Is applying worth it if my parents earn "too much"?
Often yes. The allowances have been raised several times, and siblings in education raise them further. Applying is free — and only an official decision brings certainty. A rejection letter is also required for some alternatives, such as housing benefit.
Does a furnished room in a shared flat count as my own place?
Yes. What matters is that you don’t live with your parents and have a rental contract in your name. Then you get the full €380/month housing allowance.
Do I get BAföG in a dual-study programme?
Possible in principle, but your company salary is counted against it — with typical pay, little to nothing remains. See our dual-study page.