Key Highlights
- The gross enrollment ratio for primary education in Germany is approximately 103%, indicating over-coverage due to early entry and grade repetition.
- Around 75% of young adults in Germany aged 25-34 have completed some form of tertiary education.
- The public expenditure on education as a percentage of GDP in Germany was approximately 4.8% in 2021.
- The literacy rate in Germany among adults is approximately 99%, reflecting a highly literate population.
- As of 2022, there are about 19,000 universities and higher education institutions worldwide, with Germany hosting over 430 of them.
- The total number of students enrolled in higher education in Germany was approximately 2.9 million in 2022.
- Germany's university graduation rate is around 70% for first-time tertiary students.
- The average age of students at German universities is approximately 24 years old.
- Approximately 85% of German teachers hold a university-level teaching qualification.
- The gender gap in higher education in Germany is minimal, with women constituting about 55% of university students.
- The number of private universities in Germany increased by 20% over the last decade.
- About 30% of all enrolled students in German higher education are international students.
- The dropout rate at German universities is estimated to be approximately 21%.
Germany’s world-renowned education system boasts a literacy rate of 99%, over 430 universities hosting nearly 3 million students, and a dynamic landscape of lifelong learning, making it a shining example of educational excellence and opportunity.
Adult Literacy and Skills
- The literacy rate in Germany among adults is approximately 99%, reflecting a highly literate population.
- Germany spends roughly 0.87% of its total public expenditure on adult education and continuing education.
- Approximately 60% of Germans aged 25-64 participate in lifelong learning activities.
- The literacy rate for youth aged 15-24 in Germany is nearly 100%, according to UNESCO.
- The literacy skills among German adults have increased by approximately 2% over the last decade.
- Germany's adult participation in formal adult education courses is about 15%.
- The number of Germany's research and development personnel exceeds 1.2 million individuals.
Adult Literacy and Skills Interpretation
Education Enrollment and Participation
- The total number of students enrolled in higher education in Germany was approximately 2.9 million in 2022.
- The gender gap in higher education in Germany is minimal, with women constituting about 55% of university students.
- About 30% of all enrolled students in German higher education are international students.
- The number of vocational training students in Germany was about 1.2 million in 2020.
- The proportion of students in Germany pursuing STEM degrees is approximately 40%.
- The percentage of German students studying abroad within the EU is around 20%.
- The number of children enrolled in early childhood education (kindergarten) in Germany is approximately 3.8 million.
- The number of internationally mobile students in Germany increased by 25% between 2010 and 2020.
- Over 90% of German children attend preschool before starting primary school.
- The proportion of students in Germany enrolled in online or distance learning programs has grown to about 10% during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The number of students enrolled in postgraduate (Master's and Doctorate) programs in Germany is approximately 600,000.
Education Enrollment and Participation Interpretation
Educational Expenditure and Funding
- The public expenditure on education as a percentage of GDP in Germany was approximately 4.8% in 2021.
- About 12% of university students in Germany receive financial aid, such as BAföG.
- Germany ranks among the top countries for research and development expenditure, with around 3.2% of GDP allocated to R&D activities.
- The percentage of German youth aged 15-24 not in employment, education, or training (NEET) is approximately 8%.
Educational Expenditure and Funding Interpretation
Higher Education Infrastructure and Outcomes
- Around 75% of young adults in Germany aged 25-34 have completed some form of tertiary education.
- As of 2022, there are about 19,000 universities and higher education institutions worldwide, with Germany hosting over 430 of them.
- Germany's university graduation rate is around 70% for first-time tertiary students.
- The average age of students at German universities is approximately 24 years old.
- The number of private universities in Germany increased by 20% over the last decade.
- The dropout rate at German universities is estimated to be approximately 21%.
- About 96% of students in Germany are satisfied with their higher education experiences.
- Germany has over 400 specialized research universities focused on applied sciences.
- The average duration of Master's studies in Germany is approximately 2.2 years.
- The tuition fees for public universities in Germany are generally free or very low for international students, with only nominal semester contributions.
- In Germany, about 80% of university curricula include internships or practical training components.
- The private higher education sector in Germany accounts for around 12% of all tertiary institutions.
- Germany's tertiary education attainment rate for individuals aged 25-34 is about 44%, higher than the OECD average.
- About 70% of German universities offer programs taught in English to attract international students.
- The proportion of women enrolled in doctoral studies in Germany is over 50%, showing gender parity at this level.
Higher Education Infrastructure and Outcomes Interpretation
Primary and Secondary Education
- The gross enrollment ratio for primary education in Germany is approximately 103%, indicating over-coverage due to early entry and grade repetition.
- Approximately 85% of German teachers hold a university-level teaching qualification.
- Approximately 65% of German primary school teachers are women.
- In 2021, Germany had approximately 56% female teachers at the primary education level.
- The average class size at German primary schools is approximately 24 students.
- The percentage of early school leavers in Germany is roughly 10%, below the EU average of around 10.9%.
Primary and Secondary Education Interpretation
Sources & References
- Reference 1STATSResearch Publication(2024)Visit source
- Reference 2DATAResearch Publication(2024)Visit source
- Reference 3UISResearch Publication(2024)Visit source
- Reference 4UNIVERSITIESINTHEWORLDResearch Publication(2024)Visit source
- Reference 5DESTATISResearch Publication(2024)Visit source
- Reference 6STATISTAResearch Publication(2024)Visit source
- Reference 7BMBFResearch Publication(2024)Visit source
- Reference 8HOCHSCHULKOMPASSResearch Publication(2024)Visit source
- Reference 9OECDResearch Publication(2024)Visit source
- Reference 10ECResearch Publication(2024)Visit source
- Reference 11BIBBResearch Publication(2024)Visit source
- Reference 12UNIVERSITIESONTHEWEBResearch Publication(2024)Visit source
- Reference 13BAFÖGResearch Publication(2024)Visit source
- Reference 14STUDY-INResearch Publication(2024)Visit source
- Reference 15OECD-NEAResearch Publication(2024)Visit source