Fewer Bafög recipients in Saxony

Processing mostly within two months

Critics see a need for reform in view of the decline in numbers - including the German Student Union. "BAföG has been weakening for a long time; it is too low and reaches too few students," criticized spokesperson Stefan Grob. He demanded: "BAföG must become higher, simpler and more digital."

There is also repeated criticism of the sometimes long processing times. According to the Saxon Ministry of Science, a complete application is usually processed within 2 months until approval. However, the processing time depends on many factors, said a spokesperson. For example, whether it is a first or follow-up application, how the applicant and parents cooperate and how many supporting documents have to be submitted.

In its coalition agreement, the German government had agreed on a reform of the Bafög. The flat-rate housing allowance included in the Bafög is to be increased from the current 380 to 440 euros per month from the winter semester 2026/2027. The so-called Bafög basic requirement of 475 euros per month is to increase in two stages from 2027.

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