In 2010, 35% of all German Bachelor students at universities
stopped their studies which compares to 25% four years earlier.
With 19% this number is much lower at universities of applied
sciences ("Fachhochschulen", UAS), less than half of what it used
to be in 2006 (39%).
"It is most likely that the difference in study success rates
between these two types of HE institutes is due to implementation
issues of the Bachelor/Master system at universities," a recent
government report states. UAS institutes were quicker to
adapt to Bologna reforms, while universities debated the issue
heatedly.
The government tries to cope with this trend and a flood of incoming applicants. Until, 2025
enrolment numbers are expected to stay considerably elevated around
400.000. This is accompanied by a financial boost of €26,000 per
student agreed upon in the "Hochschulpakt".
Cabinet supports constitution change
Right now, education Minister Annette Schavan is busy with
another project of hers: removing the so-called
"Kooperationsverbot" from the constitution. Ever since major
reforms of the federal system in 2006, the national government is
prohibited from directly funding education institutes.
Schavan wants to change this law and allow for a greater role of
Berlin in higher education. Today, her proposal was approved by Merkel's cabinet. This reform may
face significant opposition, however, as opponents demand that this
would apply to all forms of education, including primary and
secondary education.