First Apartment as a Student or Trainee: Budgeting with BAföG and Dorms

For students and trainees, budgeting for a first apartment looks different than it does for someone starting a full-time job. Available income is often capped, whether by BAföG or a training wage, which narrows the range of affordable options from the outset.

How much BAföG is available for rent

Students who don't live with their parents have received a maximum BAföG rate of €992 a month since August 2024. That includes an €855 basic allowance, which also covers housing costs, plus a €137 supplement for health and long-term care insurance. The amount is a maximum, and it depends on parental income, so many students receive less than the full rate, or none at all.

Importantly, the basic allowance is a flat sum meant to cover your entire cost of living, not rent alone. If you receive the full grant, you have to split that €855 between rent, Nebenkosten, groceries, and every other expense.

Student dorms as the cheaper alternative

If you're working with a tight budget, a student dormitory (Studierendenwohnheim) is often the most affordable option. According to Germany's Studierendenwerke, the average Warmmiete for a dorm room recently stood at €280 a month, well below what a regular studio apartment costs on the open market in most cities. The downside: demand for dorm places outstrips supply in many university towns, so applying early through your local Studierendenwerk matters.

A worked example for students

At the full BAföG basic allowance of €855 (excluding the earmarked health/care insurance supplement):

• A dorm room at the average Warmmiete of €280 leaves €575 for all other living costs.

• A shared-flat room or small apartment with a Warmmiete of €450–500 leaves only around €355–405 for the rest of the month.

This comparison shows why many students choose a dorm or shared flat over their own apartment while money is tight. Our rent affordability guide has more on how landlords assess proof of income if you do go the standalone-apartment route.

What trainees should additionally consider

Trainees (Azubis) don't receive BAföG. Instead they get a collectively agreed or company training wage, which varies widely by industry and training year. If you're working with a low trainee wage, you may be able to apply for Berufsausbildungsbeihilfe (BAB) through the Federal Employment Agency if your housing costs and income don't otherwise add up. Whether you qualify depends on your individual case and should be clarified directly with the agency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the maximum BAföG rate for students living away from their parents?

€992 a month in total: €855 basic allowance plus a €137 supplement for health and long-term care insurance, as of 2024/2026.

How much does a dorm room cost on average?

Germany's Studierendenwerke report an average Warmmiete of €280 a month.

Does BAföG cover the full rent?

Not necessarily. The basic allowance is a flat sum for your entire cost of living, out of which rent, Nebenkosten, and every other expense have to be paid.

Can trainees get financial support for rent?

Under certain conditions, Berufsausbildungsbeihilfe (BAB) is available through the Federal Employment Agency, depending on income and housing situation. Our understanding the 30% rule guide explains how to size up whether a given rent fits a tight budget at all.