(de-news.net) – Federal Research Minister Judith Bär (CSU) has announced a comprehensive reform of the Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG), scheduled to take effect by the winter semester of 2026–2027. The Minister emphasized that a substantial proportion of eligible students refrain from applying for financial support due to the complexity and limited accessibility of the current application process. She identified excessive administrative burden as a principal impediment and underscored the need to modernize the program by enhancing its digital infrastructure, simplifying procedures, and increasing public awareness. The overarching objective, she noted, is to improve the program’s usability and to dispel its outdated public image.

Recent figures released by the Federal Statistical Office indicate that the number of BAföG beneficiaries has declined to its lowest level in over two decades. In the previous year, approximately 613,000 individuals received support, representing a four percent decrease compared to the preceding year. In line with their coalition agreement, the governing parties CDU and SPD have committed to revising the BAföG framework to better align with contemporary educational and social needs.