Voluntary pension contributions for study periods can close gaps in your statutory pension record (gesetzliche Rentenversicherung). Whether that pays off depends on how many university years already count and how much you can invest now. This guide explains the rules, the amounts for 2026 and a worked example.
Short answer: You can pay voluntary contributions for university periods, as long as they do not already count as credited periods (Anrechnungszeiten). The application must be filed before your 45th birthday. According to the German Pension Insurance (Deutsche Rentenversicherung, DRV) Rheinland, one month costs at least 112.16 euros and at most 1,571.70 euros in 2026 (status: 20 August 2026). Last updated: October 2026.
The most important points at a glance
- University periods after age 17 count as credited periods, but only for up to eight years in total (section 58 SGB VI).
- Periods beyond those eight years can be covered by voluntary contributions, according to the DRV announcement of 20 August 2026.
- The application must be filed before your 45th birthday.
- In 2026, one month costs between 112.16 and 1,571.70 euros.
- Twelve months at the minimum amount come to 1,345.92 euros.
- Before you pay, check your insurance record, because it shows which periods are already stored.
Which study periods can I pay for?
The statutory pension insurance distinguishes between periods that count without any payment and periods you can fill with voluntary contributions. For school, vocational school and university attendance after the age of 17, the law sets an upper limit of eight years in total (section 58 subsection 1 sentence 1 number 4 SGB VI). How those credited years affect your future pension is shown in your insurance record.
| Period | Classification | What you should do |
|---|---|---|
| School, vocational school and university periods up to eight years in total | Credited period, no extra payment needed for these years | Check in your insurance record that they are recorded |
| Periods beyond the eight years | Eligible for a voluntary payment | Observe the deadline before your 45th birthday |
| Training periods in general | The DRV uses a separate form for these (V0080) | Request the form from the DRV and gather the evidence |
These figures come from the DRV announcement of 20 August 2026. What counts in the end is what your personal account shows, because gaps, periods abroad or side jobs can change the picture.
What does a payment cost in 2026?
The DRV names a minimum contribution of 112.16 euros and a maximum of 1,571.70 euros per month paid in (status: 20 August 2026). The maximum corresponds to the contribution rate of 18.6 percent applied to the monthly contribution assessment ceiling of 8,450 euros (contribution rate notice 2026, status: October 2026).
Worked example. Assumption: you pay the minimum amount for twelve months. That makes 12 x 112.16 euros, which is 1,345.92 euros. For this annual payment, the DRV expects a later pension increase of 5.92 euros per month, based on current values (status: 20 August 2026). Your personal figure will differ, so ask the DRV for a calculation based on your account.
Second worked example. Assumption: you pay the maximum amount of 1,571.70 euros for twelve months. That makes 18,860.40 euros. The gap between the two examples shows why it is worth comparing options before you decide.
Does a payment make sense for me?
A voluntary payment is a long-term decision. You pay fixed costs now, and the benefit arrives in retirement. The table below helps you sort the arguments. It does not replace a check of your own account.
| For a payment | Against a payment |
|---|---|
| The amount is fixed and easy to plan | The money is missing during your studies for rent and living costs |
| Your pension rises by the points you add | The benefit only shows many years later |
| The deadline is clear: your 45th birthday | Other forms of retirement provision may suit your situation better |
| Contributions to statutory pension insurance can be relevant for your tax return | How much you benefit depends on your income and tax situation |
If you are unsure, a personal conversation can help. For questions on retirement provision, Academycon offers personal advice: how we work.
How do I check my gaps step by step?
You need two things: your insurance record from the DRV and the exact length of your university periods, meaning the start and end of each semester. Compare both. Make sure every period has a clear start and end date, because gaps often appear at transitions between school, university, internships and the first job.
A simple table with three columns helps: period, evidence and status (credited, open or unclear). Discuss open and unclear periods with the DRV before you file an application, so that you do not pay for months that already count.
What happens if I do not pay?
If you do not pay, your credited periods and contribution periods remain as they are, and your pension is calculated on the basis of what is stored. You will not notice this immediately, but the gap can show up later. Whether that gap can be closed in your case is shown in the pension information issued by the DRV.
Which details do I need for the application?
For the application you usually need your insurance number, the periods concerned and details of your university. Evidence such as enrolment certificates for the relevant semesters is also normally required. The DRV confirms the exact documents in each case. Check that the dates and evidence match before you send the form, because corrections take time.
- Insurance number and name as they appear in your pension record
- Start and end of each university period, with evidence
- Details of any training periods if form V0080 is required
- Your preferred payment method and payment schedule
Frequently asked questions
Can I pay for periods that already count as credited periods?
Whether a payment is worth it for months that already count is something the DRV checks against your account. That is why the insurance record is the first step. There is no general answer that fits every case.
What is the deadline for the application?
According to the DRV, the application must be filed before your 45th birthday. The announcement does not mention a limit on how many years back you may pay. If you start early, you have more room to decide.
Can I pay in instalments?
The DRV announcement uses an annual payment as its example. How individual months or partial amounts can be paid depends on the procedure, so ask the DRV directly.
Can I deduct the contributions from my taxes?
Voluntary contributions to statutory pension insurance generally count as pension-related expenses for tax purposes. How much you can deduct in your case is a question for your tax return or a tax adviser. More on tax benefits for students is in the guide Tax Benefits for Students in Germany.
What about working students?
If you work alongside your studies, you are usually subject to statutory pension insurance unless an exemption applies. These periods count as contribution periods and do not need to be paid later. The 20-hour rule is explained in the guide Student Job 20-Hour Rule, Pension and Semester Breaks.
What you should do now
- Get your insurance record from the DRV, for example through your online pension account or the pension information.
- Mark all university periods and check whether they already count as credited periods or go beyond eight years.
- Ask the DRV to calculate the monthly amount and the effect on your future pension.
- File the application before your 45th birthday and note the deadline in your calendar.
- Keep the confirmation of payment and all letters from the DRV in a safe place.
Related reading
- Pension Insurance for Students in Germany: Rules
- Student Job 20-Hour Rule, Pension and Semester Breaks
- Taxes for Students: When You Pay and When You Do Not
- Investing as a Student: First Steps for Beginners
Sources: German Pension Insurance Rheinland: Closing pension gaps from school and university periods (announcement of 20 Aug 2026, German) · Social Code Book VI, section 58 credited periods (retrieved October 2026, German)
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
