01. Is it worth applying for BAföG?

Yes, definitely.

Improvements have been introduced for the winter semester 2024/2025.

• The parental allowance on income will increase by 5.25 %. The income of underage siblings who are not in an eligible education will no longer be offset against the parental allowance in future.
• The benefit rates will be increased by 5%.
• The housing supplement will increase from 360 euros to 380 euros
• For students who do not live with their parents, are under 30 and have their own health and long-term care insurance, the maximum subsidy is 992 euros.
• Income from a mini-job remains exempt from deduction up to 556 euros gross.
• A change of subject is possible until the beginning of the fifth semester for good cause.
• The maximum funding period increases (for Bachelor's and Master's together) by one flexible semester
• Students who are under 25, are taking up their first full-time degree course and have received certain social benefits up to the month before starting their studies (which they must prove with a notification no older than 6 months) can receive a one-off study start-up grant of 1,000 euros, which does not have to be repaid