Reduced number of student grant recipients in Saxony - Fewer students in Saxony receiving Bafög financial aid
In a recent development, the number of BAföG recipients across Germany has dropped to its lowest level since 2000, with 612,800 recipients, marking a decrease of 22,800 or 4% compared to the previous year. This trend is also evident in Saxony, where the number of BAföG recipients has been decreasing with slight fluctuations since 2005.
The decline in the number of BAföG recipients in Saxony peaked in 2005 with nearly 80,000 recipients, but by 2024, this number had reduced to approximately 37,500. The breakdown of these recipients shows that most are students, with around 28,000 being students and about 9,500 being pupils.
The German National Student Association has criticised the current state of BAföG, stating that it is too low, doesn't reach enough students, and needs reform. Spokesman Stefan Grob has demanded that BAföG be higher, simpler, and more digital.
In a positive move, the federal government has agreed to increase the housing cost allowance for BAföG from 380 to 440 euros per month by the winter semester 2026/2027. Additionally, the BAföG basic requirement of 475 euros per month will be increased in two steps from 2027.
It's important to note that the amount of individual BAföG support depends on the school attended, accommodation, and the income of the recipient and their parents. The processing time for a complete BAföG application in Saxony usually takes two months, but it can vary based on factors such as whether it's a first or follow-up application, cooperation from applicants and parents, and the number of documents required.
The reasons for this decline in BAföG recipients in Saxony and nationwide are not definitively known. Possible factors could include changes in the eligibility criteria or stricter application requirements, demographic shifts leading to fewer students overall or changes in the student population’s socio-economic background, increased income levels of students' families, changes in student preferences or educational pathways, and possible regional economic improvements. Without specific data or studies, these remain general hypotheses rather than confirmed explanations.
The city of Dresden, located in Saxony, was not specifically mentioned regarding changes in the number of BAföG recipients. The average monthly BAföG support in Saxony was 623 euros in 2024, which is 1.1% lower than the previous year.
[1] Source: Statistical State Office report, 2024.
Community policy should address the recent decrease in BAföG recipients in Saxony by exploring avenues for increased vocational training opportunities, as part of a comprehensive education-and-self-development strategy. This could help alleviate the pronounced drop in students and ensure a steady supply of skilled professionals for the future workforce.
To combat the perceived insufficiency of BAföG funding, local education institutions could consider offering additional financial aid options for vocational training programs, supplementing the fluctuating base of BAföG recipients and bolstering the educational landscape of Saxony.
