The Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG) for advanced training is being expanded.

The German government plans to expand the "Aufstiegs-BAföG" (a government-funded student loan program for advanced vocational training). The Central Association of German Crafts sees room for improvement, especially regarding specializations and bureaucracy.

The German government plans to expand the " Aufstiegs-BAföG" ( Advanced Training Assistance Act) – also known as "Meister-BAföG " (Master Craftsman's BAföG). This aims to reduce the financial burden on participants in advanced training programs. Further goals of the reform include less bureaucracy and more tailored support for skilled trades and other professional groups.

The German Federal Cabinet adopted the draft bill for the Fifth Act Amending the Advanced Vocational Training Promotion Act unchanged on July 15, 2026. The draft bill strengthens advanced vocational training and reduces the costs of further training. The reform is scheduled to come into force on August 1, 2027.

What is the Advanced Training Assistance Act (Aufstiegs-BAföG)?

The "Aufstiegs-BAföG" (Advanced Training Assistance Act), also known as "Meister-BAföG" (Master Craftsman's BAföG ), has been available since 1996. Anyone preparing for a demanding advanced vocational training examination, whether full-time or part-time, is eligible – regardless of age. This includes, for example, the master craftsman's examination . Currently, around 700 advanced training qualifications are supported. Applications can be submitted online in the federal state where the applicant resides.

The Master Craftsman's Grant (Meister-BAföG) currently covers up to 75 percent of course and examination fees in continuing education . However, participants are responsible for 25 percent of the training costs.

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Planned changes 

With this draft legislation, the German Federal Government is pursuing the goal outlined in the coalition agreement to further expand the Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG) for advanced vocational training. In particular, participants in advanced training programs are to be relieved of fees . Furthermore, single parents with childcare responsibilities are to receive even better financial support in the future . The draft legislation incorporates key demands from the skilled trades sector . You can read about the planned measures in detail > here.

Criticisms of the trade

The proposed changes have been met with general approval from the German Confederation of Skilled Crafts (ZDH) , but some funding gaps remain. " It is positive that the higher funding frameworks, greater loan forgiveness, and the waiver of employer contributions as stipulated in the draft law improve funding and relieve the burden on participants in vocational training programs," explains ZDH Secretary General Holger Schwannecke . "This strengthens the master craftsman qualification, as the demand for master craftswomen and craftsmen is high."

The German Confederation of Skilled Crafts (ZDH) criticizes the fact that the draft legislation falls short of the promised improvements in benefits outlined in the coalition agreement . For example , it lacks funding for a second advanced training course at the same level, even though such specializations are becoming increasingly important in businesses. Furthermore, those wishing to pursue further training would have to bear a significant portion of the costs themselves . The bureaucratic burden also remains high, and the ZDH also laments the lack of reliable and transparent oversight of the application process.

The trade association announced that it would raise these points in the parliamentary legislative process.

Source: Central Association of German Skilled Crafts

Questions about career advancement funding: The Federal Ministry of Education and Research provides a question and answer catalog on the Federal Training Assistance Act (Aufstiegs-BAföG) . There are also several explanatory videos.

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