Parliament of Germany endorses the amendment to Bafög, increasing funds for students.
Starting from August first, the highest limit for BAföG funding will be upped from 934 to 992 euros. The new law also features enhancements to the housing allowance and parental allowances. The housing allowance will rise by 20 euros, reaching a total of 380 euros, while the parental allowance will increase by 0.25%, reaching a new rate of 5.25%.
Further changes in the legislation include more freedom for students to modify their course of study. They'll now be able to switch their major up to the beginning of their fifth semester without stating a reason. Previously, they had to give a reason to make any changes before the end of their third semester. Additionally, the law incorporates the concept of a "flexibility semester" that will enable students to extend their funding for an extra semester without explaining themselves.
As the bill also details, monthly repayments for BAföG recipients are set to jump from 130 euros to 150 euros beginning in the upcoming winter semester.
Student representatives expressed positive feelings towards the rise in the maximum amount and housing allowance. However, they claimed these adjustments were still insufficient. Matthias Anbuhl, the managing director of the German Students' Union, said, "380 euros a month for housing expenses are inadequate in nearly every German university city." He cited research that suggests the average rent for a shared apartment on the open market is 479 euros.
The Education and Science Union (GEW) voiced disapproval, explaining that the baseline expenditure allowance of 475 euros for BAföG beneficiaries is well below the estimated 563 euros needed monthly. GEW Vice President Andreas Keller insisted that if the traffic light coalition wanted to avoid a slap from the Federal Constitutional Court, they'd need to pass further modifications quickly.
Federal Education Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger (FDP) argued that the coalition had already revised BAföG three times with the measure passed on Thursday. This means need limits have been improved by 11% over the legislative period, and the housing allowance has been raised by 17%. She concluded, "Now, with the latest reform step, BAföG will be even more comprehensive, more straightforward, and more versatile."
Prior to the decision to raise the maximum limit, there was some disagreement within the traffic light coalition. The initial cabinet decision in March only advocated for a new student benefit but not for any changes to the limits. This led to criticism from several parties, prompting a reconsideration of the bill.
