Milestone reached - Federal Government provides 150 million for BAföG

In the meeting that began on Thursday afternoon, the Bundestag's Budget Committee approved numerous amendments to the draft budget by Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP). However, the committee has yet to reach a final decision. Firstly, experts are to be heard next Tuesday.

However, an important initial goal with regard to BAföG now appears to have been achieved. Contrary to the original plans of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), an additional 150 million euros are to be made available in the 2024 federal budget for a BAföG reform for the 2024/2025 winter semester. Matthias Anbuhl, Chairman of the Executive Board of Deutsches Studierendenwerk, comments:
"A one-day victory on a difficult stage, the tour is not yet won. Parliament recognises the difficult situation of students and is providing 150 million euros for a BAföG reform for the winter semester 2024/2025. This means that a BAföG zero round in 2024 can be averted, and a middle ground in the coming year is possible. Now it's up to you, Mrs Stark-Watzinger.
It has paid off that we have fought for a better BAföG with a broad alliance with the universities and student associations as well as churches and trade unions."

Johannes Zedel, Acting Managing Director of Studierendenwerk Dortmund, also expressly welcomes this: "The result shows how important it was to fight together to maintain the BAföG increase and once again emphasises the need to create more educational equality with a reformed BAföG."