German students face high poverty rates due to rising housing costs

A new study by the Paritätische Forschungsstelle, conducted by the Paritätischer Gesamtverband and the Deutsches Studierendenwerk, reveals significant financial hardship among students in Germany. More than one-third of all students are affected by poverty, with the rate reaching 82.4 percent for those living alone.

Housing costs represent the primary financial burden. Students living alone spend a median of 48.9 percent of their available income on housing, with actual median costs reaching 461 euros per month. This exceeds the current BAföG housing allowance of 380 euros. Even the government's planned increase to 440 euros by April 2027 is expected to fall short of actual median costs.

Joachim Rock, Managing Director of the Paritätischer Gesamtverband, criticized the current situation, noting that students are forced to focus on financial survival rather than their studies. He called for existence-securing BAföG rates, realistic housing cost coverage, and regular adjustments to benefits based on cost developments. The study also noted that for students living alone, employment accounts for 43.1 percent of income, while BAföG contributes only 13.8 percent on average.