BAföG 2026: Maximum Rate, Application, and Repayment
BAföG is the most important financing pillar for many students. But the regulations are complex: Who is eligible? What is the maximum rate? How do you apply? And how does repayment work? This article answers all important questions about BAföG in 2026.
The Current Maximum BAföG Rate
The maximum BAföG rate for students not living with their parents has been 992 euros per month since winter semester 2024/25. This consists of the basic allowance of 475 euros, the housing allowance of 380 euros, and the health and long-term care insurance supplements of 102 and 35 euros (for students who are no longer covered by family insurance and must insure themselves). For the summer semester 2027 the government plans a higher housing allowance (440 euros), but this has not yet been passed.
Students under 25 who are covered by family insurance do not receive the insurance supplement, so their maximum rate is 812 euros. Those living with parents receive only a 59 euro rent allowance instead of the housing supplement.
The federal government is planning a further BAföG reform for 2026 with higher benefit rates and increased exemption limits. However, BAföG rates have not been increased at the same pace as inflation, meaning the real purchasing power of the funding has decreased.
Who Is Eligible for BAföG?
In principle, all students at state and state-recognized universities are entitled to BAföG, provided certain conditions are met. Parental income is the decisive factor. The current exemption limits are approximately 2,415 euros net for married parents and approximately 1,605 euros for single parents.
Additional requirements: The age limit is 45 at the start of studies. Only the first degree is funded (exceptions for master's after bachelor's). The maximum funding period is the standard study duration plus two semesters. A change of subject is possible without justification up to the 3rd semester, after that only for compelling reasons.
Parent-independent BAföG exists in exceptional cases: when students were employed for at least five years before starting studies, after completing vocational training with at least three years of work experience, or when the parents' whereabouts are unknown.
How to Apply for BAföG
The BAföG application is submitted to the responsible student services office. Since 2022, online applications are possible in all federal states via BAföG Digital (bafoeg-digital.de). Required documents include: Form 1 (application), Form 3 (parental income declaration), enrollment certificate, rental agreement, and bank statements.
Important: Submit your application as early as possible, ideally two to three months before the semester starts. BAföG is paid from the month of application, not retroactively. Anyone who submits their application in November for the winter semester loses funding for October.
Processing time averages six to ten weeks. In the meantime, an informal application (application for advance payments) can be submitted to receive at least partial payment.
Repayment: What You Need to Know
BAföG consists half of a grant and half of an interest-free loan. Repayment begins five years after the end of the maximum funding period. The repayment amount is capped at a maximum of 10,010 euros, regardless of how much BAföG was received in total.
Monthly installments are at least 130 euros (1,560 euros per year). Those with low income (below 1,605 euros net for single individuals) can apply for exemption. Anyone who repays the loan in full at once receives a significant discount.
An example: With a BAföG loan of 15,000 euros over the entire study period, only 10,010 euros must be repaid. With immediate full repayment, this amount is further reduced by up to 50 percent to approximately 5,000 euros. This makes BAföG one of the cheapest loans available.
Tips for Optimizing BAföG
Submit your application as early as possible. Complete your studies within the standard period, as exceeding it leads to loss of funding. Check whether a part-time job affects your BAföG rate: up to 6,270 euros gross per year is exempt. Apply for a change of subject in a timely manner if necessary. And inform the BAföG office about changes in parental income, as an update application can lead to higher benefits.