HRK and DSW: “Get the BAföG reform started!”

Joint appeal by Hochschulrektorenkonferenz (HRK) and Deutsches Studierendenwerk (DSW) to the federal government to implement the BAföG reform outlined in the coalition agreement by the 2026–2027 winter semester.

Berlin, 20 April 2026. Hochschulrektorenkonferenz (HRK) and Deutsches Studierendenwerk (DSW) call on the federal government, in particular Research Minister Dorothee Bär (CSU) and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil (SPD), to resolve their dispute over the financing of the announced BAföG reform for the benefit of students and to launch the amendment as announced in the coalition agreement for the 2026/2027 winter semester.

HRK President Prof. Dr. Walter Rosenthal comments:
“An immediate increase in BAföG grant rates is urgently needed, especially given the high cost of living. Too many students are forced to work significant hours alongside their studies—with detrimental consequences for their academic success.   Policymakers must act here. Beyond an immediate increase in funding rates, we finally need a fundamental reform that substantially and sustainably improves BAföG and develops it in a reliable and contemporary manner. We have made concrete proposals to this end.

A policy that postpones fair and adequate student financing fails to recognize the strategic importance of higher education: Students are the specialists and leaders of tomorrow. Our society depends on their knowledge, their innovative spirit, and their commitment—especially in a time of profound transformation.”

DSW President Prof. Dr. Beate A. Schücking:
“It is a tragedy that this fairly moderate amendment has been stuck in the cabinet for months. While the fuel rebate is set to be waved through parliament in a matter of weeks, BAföG—this vital investment in the future—does not seem to be a particular priority. It is the younger generation that is paying the price.

Even today, young people are being literally crushed by high rents in college towns. They spend more than half of their income on housing. Our society cannot afford students dropping out due to lack of funds. Today’s students are the engineers, doctors, AI experts, and teachers of tomorrow that are so urgently needed. Yet they are hit particularly hard by the consequences of the uncertain global situation and the accompanying price hikes. Germany needs these young people, and it needs them from all walks of life.

It is still the case that 78 out of every 100 children from families with a college education go on to college, compared to only 25 out of every 100 children from families without a college background. There is a proven way to narrow this gap, even if only slightly: the BAföG.

That is why we are calling on the federal government: Reach an agreement and get the BAföG reform started!"

You can find this press release online