Support for Students with Children

At a glance

• Where: BAföG office (Amt für Ausbildungsförderung), Studierendenwerk, your university
• When: Tell the BAföG office about the child as soon as it is born to get the childcare supplement
• You need: Birth certificate, BAföG application or change notice
• Official: §14b BAföG · Studierendenwerke

Studying with a child is possible, and there is specific support for it. Here is what students and student parents can claim.

During pregnancy

Maternity protection also applies to students. In the 6 weeks before and 8 weeks after the birth you do not have to attend classes or exams, but you may choose to (§ 1 MuSchG).

Money

• BAföG childcare supplement: 160 € a month for each own child under 14 living with you (§ 14b BAföG).
• Longer BAföG: the maximum funding period can be extended for time spent caring for a child.
• Elterngeld: at least 300 € a month, even without previous income (Elterngeld).
• Kindergeld: 259 € per child a month in 2026 (Kindergeld).
• More help: Depending on your situation, Kinderzuschlag, Wohngeld or single-parent support may also apply.

At university

• Leave semester: an Urlaubssemester for pregnancy or childcare is usually possible; check your university’s rules.
• Flexible study: many universities offer family offices, flexible exam dates and part-time study.
• Studierendenwerk: the Studierendenwerke run Kitas, family housing and advice for student parents.
• Get advice: Counselling at the BAföG office or your Studierendenwerk helps you combine these benefits correctly, as they affect each other.

Sources

• § 14b BAföG, childcare supplement
• bafög.de, Federal Ministry of Research
• § 1 MuSchG, maternity protection for students
• Studieren mit Kind, Deutsches Studierendenwerk