In 2024, the Office for Educational Assistance processed 11,534 BAföG applications – a slight decrease of 2.0% compared to the previous year (11,772). This means that, for the first time in several years, the number of applications stagnated at a still high level. Domestic applications fell by 3.6% to 8,152 (previous year: 8,455), while applications for foreign funding rose by 2.1% to 3,382 (previous year: 3,313).
The total amount of funding paid out was €53,184,000 (previous year: €59,200,000). Students who need short-term financial support can apply for interest-free loans from the Student Services Organisation. In 2024, five students took advantage of this offer, with a total funding volume of €2,000
A reform of the BAföG student loan system came into force in the 2024/25 winter semester, bringing tangible benefits for students: under the new study start allowance, first-year students from low-income families receive a one-off grant of €1,000 – without any red tape and independently of educational support. In 2024, 215 students applied for this start-up assistance, and 153 applications were approved.
An additional flexibility semester allows for funding beyond the standard period of study. Changing fields of study has also been made easier by extending the deadline for changing for important reasons by one semester. The rates of need have increased by 5%, and the maximum amount of support is now £992. Higher allowances also ensure that more students are eligible for BAföG.
Due to the long processing times for BAföG applications, the Tübingen-Hohenheim Student Services Association launched a reorganisation project to examine internal processes with a view to making them more efficient. The first effects were noticeable in the summer semester of 2025: the introduction of personal consultation hours and an online appointment booking tool has made communication with applicants easier and more direct.
Head, Office for Domestic Education Grants
“Students can assist us in processing applications by submitting them completely and exclusively via BAföG Digital. Duplicate submissions – for example, by post and additionally by email – create considerable additional work and delay processing.”
