15 July 2026 – “The planned improvements to the Advancement BAföG represent an important signal. Better support for prospective business administrators, master craftsmen, as well as Bachelor Professionals and Master Professionals, enhances the attractiveness of advanced vocational training and helps counteract skilled labour shortages in this sector. 

However, the draft bill falls short of the announcements in the coalition agreement. For example, no second regular funding at the same level of further training is currently planned – not even in shortage occupations, as provided for in the coalition agreement. 

In terms of securing skilled labour for the economy and the growing requirements for professional flexibility among workers, a second round of funding would be sensible. Furthermore, the loan component of the Advancement BAföG should be offered interest-free, as is the case with Student BAföG. This would underline the equality between vocational and academic education. Improvements should be made during the parliamentary process to ensure that the reform of the Advancement BAföG provides the strongest possible impetus for attracting skilled workers.”