Research Minister Dorothee Bär (CSU) said she no longer expects an increase in BAföG student grants for the coming year [1].

The potential reversal of this promised financial boost affects the ability of low-income students to fund their education without relying on external loans or extensive employment.

The BAföG reform was a key component of the coalition agreement between the Union (CDU/CSU) and the SPD. However, financial bottlenecks in the federal budget and the necessity for spending cuts have stalled the implementation of the promised increases [2, 3].

Bär said it is "no drama if students work" [4]. This perspective suggests that the government may view student employment as a viable alternative to increased state subsidies.

More than 600,000 students are affected by the possible loss of this increase [5]. The government had originally planned for the cabinet to reach a decision on the BAföG reform by late July 2026 [6]. If approved, the reforms were intended to take effect starting with the winter semester of 2026/27 [6].

Internal coalition dynamics continue to complicate the process. While the decision rests with the federal government as a whole, reports indicate that leadership figures within the coalition have not committed to a specific increase [7, 8].

Bär said, "We no longer expect a BAföG increase in the coming year" [1].

“"We no longer expect a BAföG increase in the coming year."”

The shift in stance from the Ministry of Education and Research indicates a prioritization of fiscal austerity over the social commitments made in the coalition agreement. By suggesting that student employment is an acceptable substitute for grants, the government is effectively shifting the financial burden of higher education from the state to the individual student, which may impact graduation rates and accessibility for those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.