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Student Struggles with High Housing Costs: BAföG Funding Insufficient in Many Locations for Rent Payments

Rising educational costs, notably housing expenses, pose a significant challenge: For the first time, German students are spending an average of over 500 euros monthly on rent, as indicated by Moses Mendelssohn.

Rent prices surpass 500 euros, exceeding BAföG aid for housing expenses in numerous locations for...
Rent prices surpass 500 euros, exceeding BAföG aid for housing expenses in numerous locations for students.

Student Struggles with High Housing Costs: BAföG Funding Insufficient in Many Locations for Rent Payments

Rising Student Rents in Germany: A Growing Concern

The cost of living for students in Germany continues to climb, with the national average for student rent surpassing 500 euros per month for the first time. This marks a 2% increase since the summer semester, with the average monthly rent for students during the winter semester standing at 505 euros.

The financial situation of parents is increasingly playing a significant role in determining whether a student can attend their desired university. This trend is particularly evident in the university cities where rents are significantly higher than the BAföG housing allowance of 380 euros. In fact, 70 out of the 88 university cities in Germany have rents that exceed this limit.

Despite the high costs, students can find more affordable housing in certain regions. University cities in eastern federal states like Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia offer relatively lower rents, with average student rents at about 350 and 362 euros respectively. These figures are significantly below the BAföG limit, making them the most affordable options for students.

Berlin remains the most expensive city for students, with an average monthly rent of 650 euros. Hamburg follows closely behind, with an average monthly rent of 620 euros. Bavaria also has a high average monthly rent for students at 603 euros.

Experts continue to call for an expansion of BAföG and more support for affordable student housing. They argue that the rising costs are making it increasingly difficult for students, particularly those from lower-income families, to afford higher education.

In conclusion, while some university cities in Germany offer more affordable housing options, the majority of cities have rents that are significantly higher than the BAföG housing allowance. This trend is causing concern among experts and is making higher education increasingly inaccessible for some students due to financial constraints.

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