How Is BAföG Calculated in Germany in 2026?
The Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG) provides financial support to students in Germany whose families cannot fully fund their education. The most common question is: How much can my parents earn before I lose my BAföG entitlement? The answer depends on several factors, including the regular parental income allowances (Freibeträge). In this guide, we cover the maximum student rates, allowances, and rules for siblings in 2026.
For detailed calculations, you can use our free BAföG calculator.
What Is the Maximum BAföG Rate in 2026?
The maximum rate (Höchstsatz) depends on your living situation and health insurance status. For university students in 2026, the key components are:
- Basic Allowance: 475 € per month
- Housing Allowance: 380 € per month (if renting; if living with parents: 59 €)
- Health Insurance Subsidy: 94 € per month (if self-insured)
- Care Insurance Subsidy: 28 € per month
This results in a maximum rate of 992 € per month for students living away from their parents and paying their own health insurance. If living with parents, the rate is lower (around 534 €).
Parental Income Allowances (Freibeträge)
The BAföG office (BAföG-Amt) calculates BAföG based on your parents' income from two years prior. After deducting taxes and a flat social security rate (21.6% for employees), the following monthly allowances are applied to their net income:
- Married Parents (living together): 2,415 € net/month
- Single Parent: 1,605 € net/month
- Step-parent (married to parent): 810 € net/month
How Do Siblings Affect the Parental Allowance?
For each sibling who is in education and not receiving BAföG, the parental allowance increases by 730 € per month. If a sibling receives BAföG, they are not counted since their education is already subsidized.
Rules for the Student's Own Income and Assets
Students' own financial situations are also assessed:
- Income Limit: Students can earn up to an average of 556 € gross/month (Minijob limit) without any reduction in their BAföG. This equals 6,672 € per 12-month period.
- Asset Limit (Vermögensfreibetrag): Students under 30 can hold up to 15,000 € in assets (savings, stocks, car, etc.) before it affects their funding.
BAföG Repayment: How Does It Work?
BAföG is paid 50% as a **grant** (free money) and 50% as a **zero-interest state loan**. Repayment begins 5 years after the funding ends. The total repayment is capped at a maximum of 10,010 €, and you can get substantial discounts if you pay it back early in a lump sum.
Sources: Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG), 29th BAföG Amendment Act, German Studierendenwerk info, as of 2026.