What to Study in Germany in 2026: Important for Youth and Parents 0 11

Germany is an extremely popular destination for higher education: in the winter semester of 2025/26, around 402,000 international students are enrolled here. According to the latest data, this year the number of international students at German universities has increased by six percent compared to the previous year, when 379,939 people were studying at the universities in the country.

In light of this, we have compiled some important changes and other information that students coming to Germany or already residing there need to know in 2026.

Minimum Wage Increase

For students who work part-time while studying, there is good news. At the beginning of the new year, the legally mandated minimum wage in Germany will increase.

Starting January 1, the rate will rise to €13.90 per hour, which is more than one euro higher than the previous €12.82 per hour. This means that millions of workers in Germany will receive an automatic pay increase.

Students working at the university are generally entitled to the minimum wage, although there are some exceptions. For example, for those undergoing mandatory internships, for many dual study programs, and for students under 18 who have not completed vocational training.

Another increase is planned for 2027. At that time, the minimum wage will reach €14.60 per hour.

Changes in Mini-Job Regulations

The earnings threshold for mini-jobs is tied to the minimum wage. Next year, it will also increase — to €603 per month.

Students from non-EU countries are generally allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during the semester or 120 full days / 240 half days per year. Students from EU countries are treated the same as German students. They can also work up to 20 hours per week during the semester without restrictions.

What is particularly important for students is that the amount of the BAföG grant, which determines how much students can earn without losing financial aid, will also increase, ensuring that students earning up to the mini-job limit will not face a reduction in their student grant.

This means that students who previously received maximum income from mini-jobs will be able to work more hours in 2026 without losing BAföG support.

Changes in Tuition Fees

Starting from the summer semester of 2026, Ingolstadt University of Applied Sciences (THI) will charge tuition fees of €800 per semester for undergraduate students and €1,200 for master's students from non-EU/EEA countries.

This change will not affect THI students who currently pay €500 per semester or those who continue their studies without changing programs in the summer semester of 2026.

In most federal states of Germany, tuition is free. However, Bavaria has recently passed the Higher Education Innovation Act, which allows universities to introduce tuition fees. The Technical University of Munich (TUM) has introduced tuition fees for international students starting from the winter semester of 2024/25.

Meanwhile, all public universities in Baden-Württemberg charge tuition fees to non-EU students.

Child Benefit Increase

Students who still receive child benefits through their parents will benefit from an increase in payments.

Starting January 2026, the child benefit (Kindergeld) will increase to €259 per month for one child, totaling €3,108 per year.

In Germany, the Kindergeld benefit is typically paid until the age of 25 if the child is studying full-time (including university education or vocational training) and is not working full-time.

There are no income restrictions for the students themselves. However, if a student regularly works more than 20 hours per week, this may be considered full-time work and could disqualify them from receiving the grant.

Child benefits are paid to parents, not directly to the student, although they are often passed on. Payments cease after graduation or upon reaching the age limit.

Student Maintenance Payments Not Increasing

According to the new Düsseldorf table, the official tool used in Germany to calculate child maintenance, the standard amount of maintenance for students living apart from their parents remains unchanged at €990 per month for 2026.

The purpose of maintenance (Kindesunterhalt) for students in Germany is the obligation of parents to provide financial support to their child during their studies until they can support themselves.

This amount includes €440 for housing but does not include health insurance, long-term care contributions, or tuition fees.

In exceptional cases, an increase in the amount of maintenance may be possible. However, for many students, an increase is unlikely, especially if they have younger siblings who also depend on parental support.

Blocked Account Requirement

To meet student visa requirements, many international students open a so-called blocked bank account (Sperrkonto). This allows them to withdraw only a certain amount of money each month.

Currently, students still need to deposit €11,904 annually (which is €992 per month) to cover living expenses. This amount is similar to what will be in effect in 2025.