Estimate your BAfoeg student aid based on student type, living situation, parent income, and your own income/assets.
How much BAfoeg can I receive in 2025?
The maximum BAfoeg rate for 2025 is EUR 992/month for students living away from parents and EUR 632/month for students living with parents. The actual amount depends on your parents' income, your own income and assets, and your living situation. BAfoeg is paid as 50% grant (non-repayable) and 50% interest-free loan.
How does parent income affect BAfoeg?
Parents' net income above a certain allowance (approximately EUR 2,415 for married parents) reduces your BAfoeg by 47.5% of the excess amount. Each sibling adds about EUR 730 to the allowance. If your parents earn significantly above the threshold, your BAfoeg may be zero. In such cases, you might consider applying for elternunabhaengiges BAfoeg if you qualify.
How does BAfoeg loan repayment work?
Repayment of the BAfoeg loan starts 5 years after the end of the maximum funding period, in quarterly installments of EUR 390 (EUR 130/month). The maximum repayment is capped at EUR 10,010 regardless of how much loan you received. The loan is interest-free. If you repay early in a lump sum, you receive a discount.
Disclaimer: These calculations are estimates based on 2025 German tax rules and should not be considered professional tax advice. Consult a Steuerberater for your specific situation.
How BAföG works, how much you can get, and what you need to pay back
What is BAföG and who can get it?
BAföG (Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz) is financial support from the German government for students and school pupils. You can apply if your parents cannot fully fund your education. It covers university students, vocational trainees, and some school pupils. You usually need to be under 45 when you start your course.
How much BAföG can you receive per month?
The maximum BAföG rate for students living away from home is €934 per month in 2025. This includes €360 for living costs, €360 for housing, and €122 for health insurance. The actual amount depends on your parents' income, your own savings, and whether you live with your parents. Many students receive between €300 and €700 per month.
How much of BAföG do you have to pay back?
For university students, BAföG is half a grant and half an interest-free loan. You only pay back the loan half, capped at €10,010. Repayment starts five years after your maximum funding period ends. You pay €130 per month. If you earn less than €1,605 net per month, you can apply for a deferral. School BAföG is a full grant with no repayment.
How does your parents' income affect your BAföG?
BAföG is means-tested based on your parents' income from two years ago. Each parent has a basic allowance of about €2,415 per month. Income above this reduces your BAföG. For example, if both parents earn a combined €5,000 net per month, the excess above the allowance is split and deducted from your entitlement.
Can you work while receiving BAföG?
Yes, you can earn up to €6,270 per year (about €522 per month) from a mini-job or part-time work without your BAföG being reduced. Earnings above this threshold are partially deducted. Many students take a mini-job paying up to €538 per month, which stays close to the limit and is largely tax-free.
How do you apply for BAföG?
You apply at the Studentenwerk (student services) of your university or at your local BAföG-Amt. You can apply online at bafoeg-digital.de. You need proof of enrolment, your parents' tax returns, and details of your savings. Apply early because processing can take 6 to 10 weeks. BAföG is not backdated before the month you apply.
What happens if you change courses or take too long?
If you switch courses within the first three semesters, you usually keep your BAföG. After that, you must show a serious reason. BAföG is paid for the standard length of your degree (Regelstudienzeit), typically 6 semesters for a Bachelor's. Extensions are possible for illness, disability, or caring for a child.
Bundesfinanzministerium-Aligned: Based on 2025 Bundesfinanzministerium rates and thresholds. For personal advice, speak to a qualified Steuerberater (tax adviser).
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on current German tax rates and thresholds for the 2025 tax year. It does not constitute professional tax, financial, or legal advice. Your actual liability may differ depending on your individual circumstances. Always consult a qualified tax adviser before making financial decisions. Read our terms
Related Calculators
Salary Calculator
Calculate your net salary after tax, social contributions and deductions in Germany.
Mini-Job Calculator
Calculate employer costs and employee net pay for mini-jobs up to €556/month.
Child Benefit
Calculate your Kindergeld entitlement — €255/month per child in 2025.
Housing Benefit
Check your eligibility and estimate your Wohngeld housing benefit.