A Tsunami of Students Hits German Universities

STUTTGART, Germany, October 31, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

More and more students enroll at German universities, one record year followed by another record year.

This was foreseen for eight years and there was certainly some preparations made, but were these sufficient?

The facts for German students

In 2012 Baden-Württemberg, Berlin, Brandenburg and Bremen were stormed by double school graduation classes at the universities. A portion of high school graduates were at school for nine years, while another portion eight. The elimination of the military or civilian service was the result of 50,000 additional students flocking to the universities. The problem has escalated because more and more high school graduates have chosen to study. We do not wish to perceive this as a problem, because as we know, in the coming years, we need more and more well-educated and scientific workers.

More than 500,000 students have enrolled as freshman at German universities and about 2.3 million students from all departments at universities have enrolled for study, which is around 25% more than 10 years ago, as per statistics of the study prepared by MAWISTA. Most popular are still the degree programs: Business Administration, German Studies, Engineering, Medicine, Computer Science and Law.

The proportion of foreign students is approximately 11%, while the largest group is Chinese, followed by students from Russia, Poland, Bulgaria, Turkey, Ukraine and Morocco. Studying in Europe and especially in Germany, the largest economy in Europe, is still very popular. The choice for studying in Germany can be explained by the better job opportunities and "specialized knowledge" acquired there. A subsequent internship with a German company, are for many in their home country, a springboard for their careers. The livelihood is funded according to the students, partly through their own merit and partly financed by their parents.

The popularity of the German universities has also caused an exodus of German students abroad. A stay abroad after successfully completing high school is a dream for many young people as they can gain some independence and attain international experience. Moreover, a stay abroad is even more beneficial if this dream can still be coupled to a degree. Many companies and organizations provide scholarships for this engagement. Thus, it is not always a question of money if you can afford to study abroad or not. But the cost of studying needs to be addressed separately. Especially popular with German students are Britain, the United States and other neighboring countries. Certainly, it is great to speak several languages, but this reflects the prominence that English has attained in the world. This is of course at the same time enhanced by studying abroad. Not only through lectures in English but also by the international nature of their peers.

Germany's universities are often at the limits of their capacity. For popular courses there are admission restrictions. One may think that school graduates that have a nine-year high school education score better results than an eight-year high school graduate. Therefore, the results expected this year was the stress test. Howeverm the result clearly demonstrated, beyond all fears, that both groups faired equally well.

Once the first hurdle is accomplished and you get the desired place to study, students still have to face overcrowded lecture halls and of course more difficult studying conditions. In addition to the overcrowded lecture halls, there is a massive housing problem. The students show a high level of mobility, in order to begin their studies, that is, a new accommodation is necessary. This mobility often makes them struggle with more than 15 candidates in a dormitory room. Due to the high demand for housing, rents have also drastically risen. Emergency shelters were set up for the freshmen, partly housed in gyms, which is not always a nice way to start a new life.

Will this situation change in the coming year for high school graduates?

We can only hope for the better. A relief is not in sight for the next year. As forecasts to get a place to study were very bleak in the last few years, many high school graduates have initially not applied to a university. Some feared that their grade average might not be adequate enough to study or to study at their chosen university. It is very clear that if a child cannot live and study at home then this is often associated with higher costs. Another great opportunity for students is to undertake a Volunteer Social Year (FSJ) abroad, which can provide an advantage for future university or job applications. Stays abroad on a "work and travel" visa, au pair or trainee, are many reasons to put off your study for a year. These young people can then fight for an admission to the university of their choice the following year.

Thomas Bezler
Manager
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Phone: +49(0)7024-469510
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