The 30th amendment of the German training assistance act (BAföG) is a government draft that is currently in the parliamentary process. To judge how far it has progressed, you need to distinguish between the cabinet decision, the opinion of the Bundesrat, the first reading and the later promulgation. Only promulgation turns a draft into applicable law.
Short answer: The cabinet adopted the draft on 12 August 2026. The Bundesrat issued its opinion on 25 September 2026. Printed matter 21/8405 is dated 7 October 2026, and the first reading in the Bundestag took place on 15 October 2026. The second and third readings and the conclusion are still pending, so the law is not yet adopted (as of November 2026).
Key Points in Brief
- The draft is printed matter 21/8405. The first reading in the Bundestag took place on 15 October 2026.
- The Committee on Research, Technology, Space and Technology Assessment leads the procedure.
- The second and third readings and the Bundesrat’s consideration of the adopted law are still pending.
- The Bundesrat criticised, among other things, the late start of the housing allowance and the cut for students living with their parents.
- Until promulgation the existing rules apply, so no date from the draft is binding for your application today.
Which Stages Has the Procedure Gone Through So Far?
The table lists the steps so far in chronological order. The information comes from official documents of the Bundestag and the federal government, and the status is November 2026.
| Date | Stage | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 12 August 2026 | Cabinet decision on the government draft | Completed |
| 25 September 2026 | Opinion of the Bundesrat at its 1068th session | Completed |
| 7 October 2026 | Draft submitted to the Bundestag as printed matter 21/8405 | Completed |
| 15 October 2026 | First reading in the Bundestag | Completed |
| Open | Second and third readings in the Bundestag | Pending |
| Open | Bundesrat consideration of the adopted law | Pending |
| Open | Promulgation in the Federal Law Gazette | Pending |
What Does the First Reading Mean, and What Follows?
In the first reading, the plenary debates the draft in principle and refers it to the responsible committees. The lead committee prepares the further deliberations, usually holds a hearing and can table amendments. Only after that come the second and third readings, in which the Bundestag votes on the law.
After the Bundestag has adopted a law, it goes on to the Bundesrat. The role the Bundesrat plays at the end depends on how the law is classified. That question has not been settled here and should be answered once the Bundestag has decided. The stage plan itself is explained in BAföG stage plan to 2029: the planned increases at a glance (in German).
Which Contents Are in the Draft, and How Far Have They Got?
The draft contains several components that can still change during the procedure. The table shows the main points with the status from the printed matter. All figures are draft values, not applicable rules.
| Component | Content under the draft | Procedural status |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation allowance, living away from home | 440 euros a month from 1 April 2027 | In progress |
| Basic need allowance for students | 503 euros from the winter semester 2027/28, 563 euros from the summer semester 2029 | In progress |
| Accommodation allowance, living with parents | 41 euros from 1 August 2027, then no allowance | In progress |
| Application | Only via BAföG Digital from 1 April 2027 | In progress |
| Proof of performance | Dropped under the draft from the fifth subject semester | In progress |
The figures on amounts and dates come from the printed matter. How the Bundestag changes the proposal in the course of the procedure is open. An overview of the individual changes is given in BAföG reform 2027: what changes and when (in German).
What Has the Bundesrat Criticised So Far?
In its opinion of 25 September 2026, the Bundesrat raised points that matter for those affected. It names the late start of the housing allowance and the cut for students who live with their parents. According to the available information, the federal government rejects most of the Bundesrat’s demands. Whether the Bundestag changes anything in this respect is open.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has the BAföG reform already been adopted?
No. The Bundestag has not yet passed the law in the second and third readings. Until promulgation in the Federal Law Gazette, the existing rules apply, even though the draft has already been published.
Who decides on the law?
The Bundestag decides on the draft in the second and third readings. Every federal law then goes on to the Bundesrat. Which majorities are required depends on how the law is classified and should not be derived from rumours.
When would the law take effect?
Under the draft, the changes apply in three steps, on 1 April 2027, 1 August 2027 and 1 April 2029. These dates presuppose that the law is passed and promulgated as planned.
Can the draft still change during the procedure?
Yes. Amendments can be tabled in the committee, and amounts or dates can shift as a result. Until promulgation, draft values should therefore count as planning figures and not as a firm promise.
What does “in progress” mean in practice?
“In progress” means that a proposal has been introduced and is being discussed but has not been adopted. A figure at this stage may still be dropped, moved or replaced. Only promulgation makes it applicable law and therefore a basis for an application.
Where can I follow the current status?
The Bundestag publishes printed matter, text archives and short news items on its website. There you can find the current stage of the procedure and the dates of the committee sessions.
What is a printed matter?
A printed matter is the official document with which the Bundestag and the Bundesrat record and distribute proposals. The number 21/8405 identifies the draft in the 21st electoral term. The original text can be found through the Bundestag’s documentation.
What to Do Next
- Follow the procedure through printed matter 21/8405 and the Bundestag’s announcements.
- Distinguish for every piece of information whether it is adopted, in progress or only planned.
- After promulgation, check whether your notice shows the new values before you calculate with them.
- Clear up specific questions about your funding early with the competent office for training assistance.
Related Reading
- BAföG Reform 2027: What Is Changing and When
- BAföG-Stufenplan bis 2029: Die geplanten Erhöhungen im Überblick (in German)
- BAföG-Antrag ab 2027 nur noch digital: Ab wann die Pflicht gilt (in German)
- BAföG ohne Leistungsnachweis ab dem fünften Semester: Was geplant ist (in German)
- BAföG Age Limit: Studying Over 30 and Funding in 2026
Sources: Printed matter 21/8405, government draft for the 30th BAföG amendment, 7 October 2026 (German), German Bundestag, text archive on the BAföG reform, October 2026 (German), German Bundestag, news item on the draft, October 2026 (German), Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space, cabinet decision, August 2026 (German)
Last updated: November 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
