Housing

Wohngeld (housing benefit)

Wohngeld ·Administered by Kommunale Wohngeldbehörden

Wohngeld is the catch-all rent support for students who are not BAföG-eligible 'in principle' — for instance because they started after 45, exceeded the maximum funding period, study part-time, missed a progress certificate, or had a subject change that wasn't recognized. Since the Wohngeld-Plus reform it includes a heating and CO2 component; the amount follows a formula based on household size, income, rent and the local Mietstufe.

Who qualifies

Decisive test: no BAföG entitlement 'in principle' (dem Grunde nach)
Typical cases: study start after 45, maximum funding period exceeded, part-time study, missing Leistungsnachweis, unrecognized subject change
Mixed households — for example with children — can also qualify
International students with lawful residence: no BAföG entitlement means the exclusion doesn't apply

How to apply

Apply at the Wohngeldbehörde of your city or district.

Recent & announced changes

Last increased by around 15% in January 2025 (Wohngeld-Plus); the next adjustment is due in January 2027.

Sources

Wohngeld für Studierende — Studis Online (retrieved 10 July 2026)
Wohngeld für Studenten — wohngeld.org (retrieved 10 July 2026)

Last verified 10 July 2026