The German Center for Higher Education and Science Research (DZHW) and the AG Hochschulforschung at the University of Konstanz developed and published with the cooperation of the the German National Association for Student Affairs (DSW) the 22nd Student survey in Germany (Studierendenbefragung in Deutschland - SiD), the most comprehensive survey focusing on study conditions and the socio-economic and psychosocial situation of students Germany. Almost 188 000 students from public and private universities in Germany provided information on their economic and social situation in the summer of 2021.

Some key findings highlighting the diverse realities of student life follow:

• Almost 15% of students at German universities are international students who have come to Germany to study.
• International students are more likely than students from Germany to come from an academic background (70% 56%).
• More than a third of students move to another federal state for studies.
• 10% of students are married, 42% are in a steady partnership, and 8% have children.
• 12% undertake caregiving responsibilities.
• The largest proportion among students with study-related impairments reports a mental impairment (65%).
• 63% of students are employed, a drop of 5% in a five years prior.
• 67% of students from non-academic backgrounds and 60% from academic backgrounds work alongside their studies.

The survey provides researchers, higher education institutions (HEIs) and policy makers with a comprehensive database and enables evidence-based analysis into social developments, supporting also the inclusive internationalisation approach and widening participation in mobility opportunities at German HEIs. Later in the year, a separate report will take a more in-depth look at the group of students with learning disabilities.

More info can be found here (in German).