Outlook 2026 for Students: Review of 2025 and New Rules from 2026

The year 2025 has now come to an end and showed many students how important good planning is in everyday student life. Rising living costs, part-time jobs, and increased personal responsibility have long been part of daily life for many. Looking back, it quickly becomes clear: studying now means far more than just attending lectures.

Even though each new year brings new challenges, we remain optimistic and say: new year, new opportunities! With the start of 2026, new rules come into effect, many of which already apply from January 2026. Here you will find a compact overview of what will change for you in 2026 and what is truly relevant.

Review of 2025: How Was 2025 for Students in Germany?

Admittedly, 2025 was a year of rethinking for many students. It was characterized by rising rents and higher living costs. As a result, part-time work became essential for many. Mini-jobs or even working student positions with up to 20 hours per week became the financial backbone for many students. The mini-job earnings limit was €556 per month last year, which played a decisive role in financing studies and daily life.

At the same time, Germany remained an attractive study destination for international students in 2025. Many international students consciously chose Germany due to comparatively low tuition fees, high teaching quality, and good career prospects. The past year was challenging for both domestic and international students.

Topics such as housing, financing, part-time jobs, and residence regulations played a major role. Platforms like Studis Online therefore continued to be widely used to stay informed about rules, options, and changes. BAföG also remained a central topic.

Allowances, monthly income limits, and BAföG regulations determined how much money was actually available for daily living. Looking ahead to 2026, understanding the new rules around income allowances becomes even more crucial.

In special situations, topics such as basic income support or citizen’s benefit even came into focus, for example during transition phases between studies and employment. Rather than dwelling on the past, let’s take a look at what the new year brings—including several new rules that will shape student life in 2026.

Outlook 2026: What Will Change for Students in Germany in 2026?

Studying in Germany will remain demanding in 2026, but also manageable if you know what matters and what you want. But what will change for students? Several new rules are coming into effect that directly impact student life. Let’s start with the basics: money matters. Minimum wage regulations are changing.

The statutory minimum wage will increase from January 2026, along with the basic tax-free allowance. For many students who work alongside their studies, this means higher hourly wages. Since the minimum wage is linked to mini-jobs, any increase also affects mini-job earnings. But what else is new?

Housing, Costs, Part-Time Jobs, and Saving Potential

Housing will remain one of the most important issues for students in 2026. Affordable accommodation continues to be scarce, especially in university cities. Many students, therefore, work alongside their studies in order to remain financially flexible and to manage rent, living expenses, and everyday life. For many, this has long been a normal part of student life.

In addition, ongoing costs continue to rise and need to be planned for on a regular basis. With new rules around minimum wage and income limits, these costs require even closer attention. These include, in particular, contributions to health and long-term care insurance, which represent a fixed monthly amount and should not be underestimated.

Those who keep track of their income and expenses and plan ahead can better avoid financial bottlenecks and get through the year with less stress. It is therefore important to handle your budget consciously and make use of saving potential.

Even small changes in everyday life can already make a big difference, for example when it comes to fixed costs, groceries, or leisure activities. Practical suggestions can be found in the article Saving Tips for Students, which shows how expenses can be reduced without major sacrifices.

Nationwide New Rules from 2026: Key Figures, Facts, and What Matters Most at a Glance

• The statutory minimum wage will increase to €13.90 gross per hour in 2026, directly affecting student part-time jobs and mini-jobs.
• The mini-job earnings limit will be adjusted to €603, as the income threshold is linked to the minimum wage.
• The BAföG income allowance remains a key factor for many students, so additional earnings should be carefully reviewed.
• Health insurance, as well as contributions to health and long-term care insurance, must continue to be taken into account.
• Child benefit will increase for students who are eligible.

Student Life, Organization, and Long-Term Success

In addition to finances, student life continues to change over time. With the new rules taking effect in 2026, the demands placed on self-organization, time management, and personal responsibility are steadily increasing, regardless of whether it is the summer or winter semester. Lectures, exams, part-time jobs, and leisure time all need to be coordinated in a sensible way so that studying does not become a constant strain.

Just as many people start the new year with resolutions such as eating more consciously, 2026 once again highlights how important clear structures in everyday life are. Those who learn early on to set priorities correctly and to realistically plan their daily and weekly routines can reduce university-related stress and work more productively.

Why not establish small routines, such as fixed study times, regular breaks, or clearly separated phases for studying and relaxation? These habits help you stay consistent in the long run. A clear study and time plan can also provide orientation and help prevent feeling overwhelmed.

Ready to achieve your goals for 2026? How to do so is explained in the article The 3-Step Study Plan for a Stress-Free Exam Period, which offers practical tips for better organization during your studies.

Part-time jobs and the practical experience you gain are also an important part of studying, but they should be in balance with your overall life situation. Too many working hours can have a negative impact on concentration and academic performance. If you plan carefully and know your personal limits, you can create a healthy balance between studying, work, and leisure time — and do so with ease.

In the long term, a structured daily study routine pays off by supporting academic success while also increasing satisfaction and motivation.

Outlook for a Well-Prepared Academic Year 2026

Looking back at 2025 makes one thing clear: studying in Germany remains attractive, but it has also become more demanding. Rising living costs, limited housing options, and the challenge of balancing studies with part-time work continue to shape student life.

For 2026, this makes early planning more important than ever: secure accommodation in good time, assess costs realistically, and keep a close eye on both income and expenses. Equally important is maintaining a healthy balance between studying, work, and leisure in order to stay motivated and productive in the long term.

With the right preparation, studying becomes not only more successful but also more relaxed. Therefore, the guiding principle for 2026 is: STAY well informed about the new rules, stay organized, and stay structured to create the best possible foundation for a successful year in 2027.