From Growth to Graduation Rates
German Higher Education in the Post-Expansion Era
Abstract
Germany’s higher education system is at a turning point. Declining enrollments and structural pressures reveal persistent underperformance, including high dropout rates and prolonged study durations, while limited evaluation capacity hinders policy action. Shifting the focus from access to student success and aligning academic regulations with data-driven insights could strengthen the system’s resilience. Evidence-based governance of institutional policy will help universities navigate the post-expansion era and ensure students complete their studies successfully and on time.
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