The study abroad BAföG supplement depends mainly on where you go. Alongside the standard BAföG needs, there are supplements for studying abroad, and their rules depend on the host country. This guide explains which supplements exist, why the monthly foreign supplement does not apply within the EU, and how to check the amount.
Short answer: The monthly foreign supplement is paid only for training outside the EU and Switzerland. Tuition fees, travel costs and health insurance costs can also be funded within the EU. The amount of the foreign supplement is a percentage set by the German Foreign Office. Last updated: October 2026.
The most important points
- The monthly foreign supplement applies only outside the EU and Switzerland. For Italy it does not apply.
- Tuition fees, travel costs and health insurance can be funded even within the EU.
- The foreign supplement is a percentage of the BAföG need, set by the German Foreign Office to balance purchasing power.
- The percentage applies for the whole funding period: the value from 1 October of the previous year for the first half-year, the value from 1 April for the second.
- The BAföG reform for 2027 is a bill and not yet passed.
- Half of BAföG funding is an interest-free state loan, and the other half is a grant.
Which supplements exist for study abroad under BAföG?
Supplements for training abroad are set by the BAföG supplements regulation (in German). It applies to stays abroad under section 5(2) BAföG. Section 1(1) lists four types of supplement. The table shows where each applies.
| Supplement | Within the EU | Outside the EU and Switzerland |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly foreign supplement (no. 1) | No | Yes |
| Tuition fees that are proven necessary (no. 2) | Yes | Yes |
| Travel costs (no. 3) | Yes | Yes |
| Costs of health insurance (no. 4) | Yes | Yes |
According to the wording, the restriction applies only to the monthly foreign supplement. Under sentence 2, numbers 3 and 4 also apply to internships abroad under section 5(5) BAföG.
Is there a foreign supplement for Italy?
No. The monthly foreign supplement requires training outside an EU member state or Switzerland. The purchasing power at the place of training must also be lower than in Germany. Italy is an EU member, so this supplement does not apply. Travel costs, tuition fees and health insurance can still count if the conditions are met. For a semester in Italy, see our guide to the Italy exchange semester (in German).
How is the foreign supplement calculated?
The regulation sets a percentage, not a fixed euro amount. The reference figure is the BAföG need under section 13(1) no. 2 and section 13(2) no. 2 BAföG. The German Foreign Office sets the percentage to balance purchasing power under section 55 of the Federal Civil Servants Remuneration Act. The percentage applies to the whole funding period (section 2 of the regulation, in German).
For students who do not live with their parents, the basic need in 2026 was 475 euros and the housing allowance 380 euros per month (German Student Services Organisation, status 2026, in German). Together that makes 855 euros. Here is how to calculate it:
- Determine the reference figure. Assumption: you do not live with your parents, so it is 855 euros per month.
- Ask the office for the percentage that applies to your destination. It applies to the half-year of your funding period.
- Reference figure times percentage gives the monthly supplement.
Purely hypothetical example, not an official rate: suppose the percentage were 10 percent. Then 855 times 0.10 gives 85.50 euros per month. The actual rate for a country outside the EU may differ considerably.
What counts for tuition fees, travel and insurance?
Tuition fees are taken into account only where they are proven to be necessary. Travel costs and health insurance costs are also supplements (section 1(1) nos. 3 and 4). Your BAföG office decides the amounts based on your proof. Keep invoices, confirmations from your university and proof of insurance. For other funding options, see Funding Study Abroad: BAföG, Erasmus and Scholarships.
What does the BAföG reform for 2027 change?
The government bill amending the BAföG for the 30th time (printed paper 21/8405, in German) has not been passed. It provides for a housing allowance of 440 euros from 1 April 2027 and a basic need of 503 euros from the 2027/28 winter semester. The first reading in the Bundestag took place on 15 October 2026. Until it is promulgated, today’s rates apply. Higher rates usually take effect only in the next funding period for ongoing funding.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to repay the study abroad BAföG?
Half of BAföG funding is an interest-free state loan and the other half is a grant. For loans with first funding from 1 September 2019, repayment is capped at 10,010 euros. For the full picture, see BAföG Rates 2026/27: Figures, Allowances and Limits.
Does the monthly foreign supplement apply in Switzerland?
No. Switzerland is treated like an EU member state for this purpose, so the monthly supplement is not paid. Supplements for tuition fees, travel and insurance remain possible if the conditions are met.
Who sets the percentage?
The German Foreign Office sets the percentage to balance purchasing power. For funding periods in the first half-year, the value set on 1 October of the previous year applies. For the second half-year, the value from 1 April of the same year applies.
Can I get supplements for an internship abroad?
Under the regulation, travel costs and health insurance supplements also apply to internships abroad. Whether your internship is required by your course and how it is recognised is decided by your office case by case.
When should I apply?
Apply as early as possible before you leave. Your BAföG office will tell you which documents it needs. Stays abroad use their own application form, which you receive from the office.
What to do next
- Ask your BAföG office which supplements are possible for your destination.
- If your destination is outside the EU or Switzerland, ask for the current percentage for your country.
- Collect proof for tuition fees, travel costs and health insurance.
- Submit your application as early as possible, before you leave.
- Check the 2027 reform if your stay falls on or after April 2027.
Related guides
- Student Support Rate (BAföG) 2026: Amounts and Example
- BAföG Rates 2026/27: Figures, Allowances and Limits
- Funding Study Abroad: BAföG, Erasmus and Scholarships
- Erasmus Funding Rates 2026/27: Deadlines Explained
- Auslandssemester finanzieren: Kosten, Auslands-BAföG und Stipendien (in German)
Sources: BAföG supplements regulation, section 1, in German (accessed October 2026); BAföG supplements regulation, section 2, in German (accessed October 2026); Bundestag, printed paper 21/8405, 30th BAföG amendment act (status October 2026); German Student Services Organisation, BAföG need rates up to 2026 (status 2026).
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
