Student numbers in MV: A worrying decline!

Student numbers in MV: A worrying decline!

The university landscape in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is struggling with a noticeable decline in student numbers. Around 36,000 students are currently enrolled at universities in the winter semester 2024/2025, which corresponds to a decrease of 2.8 percent compared to the previous year NDR reported. The situation in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is particularly precarious; even Schleswig-Holstein can outperform in terms of declines.

A look at the first-year students shows that the number has fallen to 5,562 - 1.1 percent fewer than in 2023. Fortunately, 43 percent of these newcomers come from their own federal state, which strengthens the connection to the region. In addition, the proportion of female students is remarkably high at almost 55 percent, which indicates a positive development.

Popular fields of study in the field of vision

There are clear preferences in the subject groups: a third of the students chose law, economics and social sciences. In addition to these subjects, engineering as well as human medicine and health sciences are in demand. What remains striking, however, is the extremely low demand in some fields of study, such as Italian, which only has five students. The number of students in subjects such as Baltic studies, Russian and biomedicine is also extremely manageable, with registrations sometimes being in the single-digit range.

The statistics clarifies: The total number of students is now at the level of the 2007/2008 winter semester and ranks 15th in a comparison of the federal states. Only in Saarland are fewer students enrolled. 63 percent are enrolled at universities and 34 percent at universities of applied sciences.

Success stories despite decline

Despite the declining numbers, there is also positive news: 6,777 students successfully completed their studies in the 2024 exam year. This corresponds to an increase of 1 percent compared to the previous year. The proportion of graduations is diverse; 45.4 percent of graduates received a bachelor's degree and around 30 percent received a master's degree. Teaching degrees and doctoral degrees account for 7.3 percent and 7.3 percent of degrees, respectively, while traditional degrees such as state examinations and diplomas account for 10.7 percent. The maximum age of graduates is 28.2 years, which indicates a relatively early entry into professional life.

Looking into the future

Looking forward, it can be said that the university landscape in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania must change. The decline in student numbers, which has been observed continuously since the peak of 40,471 students in the winter semester of 2011/2012, requires new strategies to inspire young people to study. The higher education statistics from the Federal Statistical Office could provide important clues to ensure the long-term success of students and at the same time reduce dropout rates. It remains exciting to see whether and how quickly the educational landscape can respond to these challenges, because one thing is clear: the future of students is at stake, and something is important.