Overview
- A CHE report shows new student loan contracts fell to under 13,000 in 2024 from nearly 60,000 a decade ago.
- KfW’s state-backed lending has reached a near standstill as its 6.3 percent interest rate deters applicants.
- The coalition agreement pledged a fixed-rate student loan product but officials have yet to announce implementation details.
- Without accessible credit, many students face forced part-time work, prolonged studies or the threat of dropping out.
- Private lenders have been unable to fill the gap left by KfW’s collapsed offerings, leaving financing shortages in place.