Decline in Part-Time Students Despite Growing Study Options in Germany

The number of part-time students in Germany continues to fall, even as universities expand part-time study programs to accommodate diverse needs.

Germany has seen a reduction in part-time students, dropping to approximately 217,000 in the winter semester of 2023/2024, a decrease of 6,000 from the previous year.
Despite the decline in student numbers, the range of part-time study options has increased, with Berlin showing significant growth in offerings, now at 33.4%.
Hamburg leads the country with the highest proportion of part-time students at 21.4%, largely due to the presence of numerous distance learning institutions.
In contrast, states like Schleswig-Holstein and Bremen have low part-time student numbers, despite having a higher percentage of part-time study programs available.
Reasons for pursuing part-time studies include balancing work, family, and education, but students often face challenges such as lack of financial aid and limited course availability.