The maximum funding period (Förderungshöchstdauer) is the number of semesters for which BAföG is paid at most during a course of study. It depends primarily on the standard period of study (Regelstudienzeit) of your course, but several rules extend it or count earlier time against it. This glossary entry explains the most important terms, with the rules as they stand in BAföG in October 2026.
Short answer: Under § 15a BAföG, the maximum funding period is generally the standard period of study of your course. It is extended by one semester for each additional language that your course requires. In addition, a flexibility semester (Flexibilitätssemester) usually applies (Stand: October 2026).
The Key Points
- The basis is the standard period of study of your course (§ 15a Abs. 1 BAföG).
- Each additional language required by your course extends the maximum funding period by one semester (§ 15a Abs. 3 BAföG).
- Once the funding period has ended, a flexibility semester is available if you have not used it yet (§ 15 Abs. 4 BAföG).
- Serious reasons can justify an extension (§ 15 Abs. 3 BAföG).
- Earlier periods of training and practical experience are counted against the maximum period (§ 15a Abs. 2 BAföG).
How Is the Maximum Funding Period Made Up?
The maximum funding period starts with the standard period of study. Supplements are added on top, for example for an additional required language. Earlier periods that you spent in previous training or at work, by contrast, are counted and shorten the funding. The table below shows an example with assumptions.
| Step | Semesters |
|---|---|
| Standard period of study of a bachelor’s programme (assumption) | 6 |
| Supplement for one additional required language (assumption) | 1 |
| Maximum funding period | 7 |
| Flexibility semester, if not yet used | 1 |
| Possible funding in total, without grounds for extension | 8 |
These values are a worked example. Whether and for how long you receive funding is decided in your individual case by the responsible BAföG office (Amt für Ausbildungsförderung). Your standard period of study is set out in the examination regulations (Prüfungsordnung) of your course.
What Happens When Funding Ends?
Funding generally ends with the maximum funding period (§ 15 Abs. 2 BAföG). Repayment of the loan portion begins five years after the end of the maximum funding period. The standard instalment is 130 euros a month (status July 2024, according to bafög.de). If you finish your training quickly, you start repaying earlier than if you need many semesters.
When Is There an Extension?
Funding continues beyond the maximum period for an appropriate time if the overrun is due to serious reasons (§ 15 Abs. 3 BAföG). These include caring for a close relative at home with at least care level 3 (Pflegegrad 3), taking part in university bodies, failing the final examination for the first time, a disability, a pregnancy, or raising a child up to the age of 14. The reasons must be documented.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I study longer than the maximum funding period?
Then funding generally ends. If one of the serious reasons under § 15 Abs. 3 BAföG applies, funding can continue for an appropriate time. You must submit the evidence to the office before the deadline runs out.
What is the flexibility semester?
After the funding period has ended, students at universities receive one more semester, provided they have not already used it for an earlier phase (§ 15 Abs. 4 BAföG). It is a reserve and not an extension for serious reasons.
Do semesters before my studies count?
Yes, certain earlier periods are counted. These include time spent in previous training and recognised work experience or internships (§ 15a Abs. 2 BAföG). Part-time periods are converted into full-time periods.
Does an additional language extend the funding?
Yes. If your course requires language skills beyond German, English, French or Latin, the maximum funding period is extended by one semester for each language (§ 15a Abs. 3 BAföG).
Where can I find my standard period of study?
The standard period of study is set out in the examination regulations of your course. If anything is unclear, the student office of your university or the BAföG office of your student services organisation (Studierendenwerk) can help.
How to Proceed Now
- Check the examination regulations of your course and note the standard period of study in semesters.
- Add language supplements and the flexibility semester, then set the total against your earlier periods.
- Check whether one of the reasons under § 15 Abs. 3 BAföG applies to you, and collect the evidence.
- Clarify with your BAföG office which semesters it counts for you before you apply for further funding.
Related Articles
- BAföG 2026: Eligibility, amount and repayment explained
- BAföG Repayment: Start, Instalments, Exemption and Partial Write-off
- BAföG with a Child: Childcare Supplement and Extension
- BAföG Reform 2027: What Is Changing and When
Sources: Federal Ministry of Justice, § 15a BAföG (accessed October 2026), Federal Ministry of Justice, § 15 BAföG (accessed October 2026), bafög.de, leaflet on loan repayment (page status July 2024).
Stand: October 2026. This glossary entry is general information and not individual advice.
