As more and more students start ir studies, number of bafög beneficiaries is declining. The number of students and students supported with Bafög has fallen by 16.7 percent within four years to 2016. This is clear from Bafög report of federal cabinet. In case of students, Gefördertenzahl declined in annual average from a total of 440,000 in year 2012 to 377,000 last year. For students, total decline of 190,000 in annual average of 2012 to 148,000 last year was even more substantial. However, report adds that demographic decline of pupils as a whole should be taken into account. The rapporteurs justify total minus, including rising income and a higher employment rate.

"The new Bafög report reflects good economic situation of people of Germany," said responsible rapporteur Stefan Kaufmann (CDU). Fewer pupils and students than in past were dependent on social benefits on ir educational pathways.

The decline in subsidies was compared to an increase in funding contributions. "With an annual 2.9 billion euro, confederation spends as much money on bafög as never before," said union's education and research spokesman, Albert Rupprecht. Students who were entitled to Bafög 2012 still received an average of 401 euros, 2016 were 435 euros per month. Students also received more in comparison. Their funding increased from an average of 448 euros to 464 euros.

The report was criticised by Greens and SPD. The green education expert Kai Gehring criticized: "The bafög is increasingly fulfilling its purpose as most important educational justice law in our country." The hindering ascension through education. The recent Bafög reform has also been completely evaporated.

The SPD spoke out in favour of a rapid reform of bafög funding. The subsidy rates and allowances would have to be increased, as would flat-rate housing allowance in view of rising rents. "A declining Gefördertenquote urges us to act quickly before people are held for financial hurdles by studying," said SPD MEP Oliver Kaczmarek. SPD Bundestag MEP Swen Schulz called "disappointing" number of students who were recently promoted and increase in average amount of funding to 464 euros "manageable".

Union to improve bafög in new legislature

The president of German Studentenwerk, Dieter Timmermann, correctly mentioned report's conclusion that a new federal government must redefine requirements and allowances as well as maximum amounts of social lump sums.

Federal Minister of Education Johanna Wavera (CDU) announced that government will also "ensure confidence in reliability of state training promotion" in current parliamentary term. According to Kaufmann, union wants to furr improve Bafög services in new legislature. "The next reform is intended to make bafög more family-friendly," said CDU politician.

The Bafög was reformed for winter semester 2016/17. Since n, maximum rate for students is 735 euros. The 21st Bafög report was adopted on Wednesday with a clear delay in federal cabinet. In fact, a recast would have to be published every two years, last one appeared in spring 2014.

Date Of Update: 14 December 2017, 12:02