BAföG Estimator 2026

The maximum BAföG amount in 2026 is €992 per month for students living away from home. Students living with their parents receive a lower maximum of €632/month. Half of the total received is a grant (never repaid) and the other half is an interest-free government loan, with a maximum repayment cap of €10,010 regardless of how much total loan was received. Additional supplements are available for students with children (+€160/child per month).

Most international students on a Student Visa are not eligible for BAföG. Eligibility is primarily for German citizens, EU/EEA citizens who have worked in Germany, and certain categories of long-term residents with permanent or specific residence statuses. If you are an Indian, Chinese, or non-EU student on a standard Student Visa, you generally do not qualify. The blocked account requirement (Sperrkonto) is the alternative financial proof mechanism for visa applications.

Only 50% of the BAföG you receive is a loan — the other 50% is a non-repayable grant. The loan portion carries 0% interest. Importantly, the total maximum you ever repay is capped at €10,010 (approximately 77 monthly installments of €130) regardless of how much total BAföG you received during your studies. Repayment begins 5 years after the end of your standard study period (Förderungshöchstdauer).

BAföG uses a sliding scale based on parental net income after allowances. If parental income is low enough, you receive the full maximum amount. As income increases, the BAföG amount reduces proportionally. Parents receive income allowances for each dependent child. Parental income is assessed on the second calendar year before your application (e.g. 2024 income for 2026 application). You must reapply each year as income changes.

For first-degree Bachelor programmes, you must begin the eligible study programme before turning 30. For Master's programmes, the age limit is 35. These limits apply to when you start the programme — if you began before the limit, you can continue receiving BAföG even after passing the age threshold. Exceptions exist for certain circumstances (disability, child-rearing periods, military/civil service).