Books, specialist literature and a laptop are among the costs that add up quickly during a degree. The federal training grant (Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz, BAföG) does not provide a separate allowance for them. Help is still available, mainly through the university library, emergency funds at universities, scholarships and the services of the student services organisations (Studierendenwerke). This guide shows where to start and how to put the costs into perspective.
Short answer: In the checked wording of BAföG, there is no separate allowance for books or laptops. The monthly need under § 13 para. 1 BAföG is 475 euros for students at universities, a lump sum with no separate amount for learning materials. Help usually comes from universities, student services and scholarships. Last updated: October 2026.
The Most Important Points at a Glance
- The monthly need under § 13 para. 1 BAföG is a lump sum for university students and has no separate item for books or a laptop.
- Additional lump sums for living at home or away from home are set out in § 13 para. 2 BAföG.
- Many universities and student services offer emergency funds or social counselling. Whether and how much is available for you depends on local rules.
- Libraries, used textbooks and campus licences for software can lower costs considerably.
- Study costs can play a role in your tax return. Whether and how much is decided by the tax office in each case.
Is There a BAföG Allowance for Books or a Laptop?
The need under the Federal Training Assistance Act is fixed as a monthly lump sum. For university students, § 13 para. 1 BAföG sets it at 475 euros per month. The law does not split this amount into items such as learning materials, a laptop or software. If you need books or a computer, you have to cover these costs from the overall amount or look for other help.
| Item | Amount per month | Legal basis |
|---|---|---|
| Need for university students | 475 euros | § 13 para. 1 BAföG |
| Supplement for living with parents | 59 euros | § 13 para. 2 no. 1 BAföG |
| Supplement for living away from parents | 380 euros | § 13 para. 2 no. 2 BAföG |
The amounts reflect the version that the Studierendenwerke cite for current funding periods. Check the current figures before you apply, because amounts are adjusted from time to time.
What Do Books and a Laptop Typically Cost?
Costs depend heavily on your subject. The example below shows how large these items can be compared with the BAföG need. All values are assumptions, not averages.
| Item | Assumption | Per month |
|---|---|---|
| Specialist literature per semester | 300 euros over six months | 50 euros, about 10.5 percent of the 475 euro need |
| Laptop | 900 euros, three years of use | 25 euros |
| Together | Assumption for both items | 75 euros, about 16 percent of the need |
The example shows that books and technology can quickly take up a noticeable share of the lump sum. If you plan for this early, you can decide more carefully which purchases are really necessary.
Where Can You Get Books More Cheaply?
- Your university library often lends textbooks and provides course reserves for a limited period.
- Older editions are sufficient for many subjects. Check with lecturers whether a new edition is really needed.
- Used books can be found through student councils (Fachschaften), swap groups or classified ads. Pay attention to condition and edition.
- Digital editions are sometimes free or discounted through university licences. Ask the library what is currently offered.
The student council of your degree programme often knows which titles are actually used in courses. Buying only the required reading usually saves much more than buying every recommended title. Ask before you buy which books are needed for exams and seminars.
What Help Do Universities and Student Services Offer?
Many universities have emergency funds for acute financial situations. Whether one exists for you, which conditions apply and how quickly a decision is made is answered by the social counselling service or your Studierendenwerk. Bring documents about your situation to speed up the advice.
Scholarships can also cover material costs if they are broad enough. For an overview of types and providers, see scholarships for students in Germany. For free learning resources, the list of learning platforms (in German) is a useful start.
Laptops and Software: What Universities Provide
Many universities provide software through campus licences that students can use for free or at a reduced price. Your computing centre or IT department can tell you which programmes apply to your subject. Before buying a device, check which software you really need and what your university already provides.
For a laptop, compare the minimum requirements of your degree programme. If you need less performance, a used device often saves money. What matters is that the device runs the software of your subject without problems.
What Plays a Role for Taxes?
Study costs can play a role in your tax return if they arise for your studies or your job. Whether that pays off and how much it is worth depends on your income and costs. The tax office assesses this case by case. For an introduction, see our guide to taxes for students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a state grant for a laptop?
The BAföG does not provide a separate laptop grant. Whether foundations, universities or regional programmes fund devices varies. Ask the student records office and the social counselling service about current offers.
Is the BAföG need enough to cover books and a laptop?
That depends on your rent, your subject and your needs. The lump sum under § 13 BAföG has no separate item for learning materials. Plan these costs as their own block in your budget before making larger purchases.
Can I borrow textbooks from the library?
Many libraries lend textbooks or make them available as course reserves. Loan periods and availability differ between universities and libraries.
Are textbooks and a laptop tax deductible?
They can play a role in your tax return if the costs arose for your studies or a job. Whether and how much they count is decided by the tax office in each case. Keep your receipts safe.
What You Should Do Now
- List the compulsory literature and software for your first two semesters and ask what the library already holds.
- Ask the social counselling service or your Studierendenwerk whether an emergency fund or other support could apply to you.
- Check campus licences and digital offers before you buy software or equipment.
- Keep your receipts and note study costs for your tax return.
Related Articles
- Scholarships for students: Types, providers, requirements
- How to Apply for a Scholarship: Tips That Impress
- Studying Without BAföG: Your Funding Options
- Taxes for Students: When You Pay and When You Do Not
Sources: Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG), § 13, gesetze-im-internet.de (in German). Studierendenwerke, BAföG need rates, PDF (in German), status 2026, checked via the fact base for this guide.
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
