Definition of the student support rate
The student support rate (BAföG-Bedarfssatz) is the monthly amount that BAföG provides for students’ living costs. It consists of a basic need and a housing allowance, which is higher when you live away from home. Your countable income is deducted from this requirement, and the remainder is the support. The support rate is therefore the starting figure, not the amount that finally reaches your account.
Value (as of 20 October 2026)
| Figure | Value 2026 | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic need for students | 475 euros a month | official | Studierendenwerke, BAföG rates up to 2026 |
| Housing allowance, living away from home | 380 euros a month | official | Studierendenwerke |
| Housing allowance, living with parents | 59 euros a month | official | Studierendenwerke |
| Maximum rate, living away from home, ages 25 to 29 | 992 euros a month (including supplements) | official | Studierendenwerke FAQ, January 2026 |
| Basic need from winter semester 2027/28 | 503 euros a month | government draft, not adopted | Printed paper 21/8405 |
The basic need of 475 euros and the housing allowance of 380 euros are applicable law. The government draft (printed paper 21/8405) provides for a basic need of 503 euros from the winter semester 2027/28. For the housing allowance when living away from home, the draft sets 440 euros from the summer semester 2027. Until a reform takes effect, the values in force today apply.
Example
You are 22 and live away from home. Your need is 475 plus 380 euros, so 855 euros. If you are between 25 and 29 and have your own health and long-term care insurance, supplements of 102 and 35 euros are added, bringing the total to 992 euros. According to the fact base, the maximum rate for students up to 24 living away from home is also 855 euros. The need without supplements therefore matches this figure.
Distinction from other figures
The support rate is not the same as the parental allowance. The need describes what you require to live on, while the parental allowance describes what your parents may keep. A loan share is a separate matter as well. Half of the support is an interest-free loan that you must repay. How much of it is actually repaid depends on your repayment.
Related terms
BAföG health and long-term care insurance supplement, parental allowance (Elternfreibetrag), loan share (Darlehensanteil), performance record (Leistungsnachweis).
Further articles
- BAföG 2026: Entitlement, amount and repayment explained (in German)
- Applying for BAföG: Application, deadlines and documents (in German)
- Glossary: BAföG requirement rate (in German)
- Studying with a disability: Compensation, advice and support
- Additional Contribution Rate 2019 to 2027: Trend Overview
Sources
Studierendenwerke, BAföG rates up to 2026, Studierendenwerke, FAQ BAföG 01/2026, German Bundestag, printed paper 21/8405. As of 20 October 2026.
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice. The German version is authoritative.
Editorial team: Academycon
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