Die Zeit14 hours agoEducation1 min readGermany

Bafög reform: “Studying is not a privilege, but tangible poverty”

Quick Look

The long-promised Bafög reform is now being implemented, but many students in Germany remain financially limited.
According to the study “Poor in Studying – Income, Housing Costs and Needs Rates in a Reality Check” the poverty threshold is 1,446 euros in monthly disposable income.
Greta Schabram, co-author of the study and speaker at the Joint Association, criticizes politicians for unrealistic decisions and warns of a dramatic development in student poverty.

AI-generated summary

Why It Matters

The Bafög reform was promised for a long time, but was temporarily considered a failure. Now it is being implemented. Nevertheless, many students report financial bottlenecks. The poverty threshold in Germany is 1,446 euros in monthly disposable income.

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A student loan reform was promised for a long time, then doomed to failure, but now it's coming. Nevertheless, many students are financially at their limit. This is also shown by the new study “Poor in Studying – Income, Housing Costs and Requirements in Reality Check”. Your co-author Greta Schabram, 38, is a consultant for poverty, social research and housing policy at the General Parity Association. “We are seeing a dramatic development in Germany,” she says. And is annoyed by unrealistic political decisions.

ZEIT Campus: Ms. Schabram, anyone who has less than 1,446 euros per month in Germany is considered poor. How many students are below this poverty threshold?

What to Watch

AI outlook — possibilities, not facts

The Bafög reform will be implemented gradually over the coming months and the first payments will be made to students.
Very likely · Within months
The debate about student poverty and the adequacy of Bafög rates will continue in public and political discussion.
Likely · Within months

Open Questions

What is the exact percentage of students who are below the poverty threshold?
What specific measures does the Bafög reform that has now been implemented contain?
How have housing and living costs for students developed in recent years?
Which political parties are currently supporting or blocking further steps to combat student poverty?