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Nearly 46,500 Bachelor students in German universities have dropped out of their studies within the first three semesters, indicating that more than one in ten students who enrolled at such institutions in 2019, interrupted their studies.

According to data by Destatis, the Federal Statistical Office, the dropout rate is particularly high among those in Bachelor programmes as 44,500 students, representing 12 per cent of Bachelor students in 2019, left their studies by the third semester, Studying-in-Germany reports.

“The dropout rate after three semesters for new students in bachelor’s degree programs was twice as high as in other undergraduate degree programmes,” a press release by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) reads.

However, the data show that for students who stick to their studies, indicating those who are in state examination, diploma or master’s degree programs, the dropout rate is quite low; around six per cent out of 51,700 new students in this category.

Vocational University Students at Higher Risk of Dropping Out

People enrolled at vocational universities were more likely to discontinue their studies compared to those who attended school-based universities.

Around 17 per cent of 12,900 people at a vocational school dropped out of the university compared to ten per cent of 368,000 enrolled in other universities.

“More young people in Germany tend to choose vocational education over traditional university studies due to its practical nature and strong industry links. Vocational training, particularly through the dual system, combines classroom learning with on-the-job training, providing real-world skills and a smoother transition into the workforce,” a statement by Gent Ukëhajdaraj, a Higher Education Expert, says.

Germany Among Countries With Highest Early School Leavers Rates in the EU

Bachelor students dropping out is one of many issues that Germany is having as the country has one of the highest rates for early school leavers in the EU.

According to data by Eurostat, the EU Statistical Office, Germany ranks third for the highest shares of early leavers in 2023 – with 12.8 per cent of the population aged 18 to 24 leaving their studies early.

Romania and Spain, with early leavers rates of 16.6 and 13.7 per cent, respectively, top the list while Poland and Croatia have the lowest rates. The EU’s average rate of the share of the population aged between 18 and 24, that have discontinued their studies is set at nine per cent.

The share of early leavers from education and training is less pronounced among women than men in most countries, except for Romania, Czechia, Greece and Bulgaria, with more or less a 0.2 percentage point difference.