Dropout rates in Germany differ strongly between fields of study. Anyone choosing a degree should therefore look at the figure for their own field group, not only at the overall rate. This guide presents the DZHW figures and shows how to read them correctly.
Quick answer: According to the DZHW, 50 percent of bachelor students in mathematics and natural sciences at universities dropped out, 49 percent in the humanities and 21 percent in law, economics and social sciences. The press release gives no values for computer science, engineering or medicine. Source: DZHW, 17 August 2022. Last updated: November 2026.
Key points
- The highest value in the DZHW analysis is 50 percent, for mathematics and natural sciences at universities.
- At universities the humanities also show a very high rate, at 49 percent.
- In law, economics and social sciences the rate is 21 percent at universities and 13 percent at universities of applied sciences.
- The DZHW gives 10 percent for teacher training (Lehramt) at universities.
- Values for computer science, engineering and medicine are missing from this publication.
Which field groups lead in the DZHW comparison?
The press release reports bachelor dropout rates by type of institution and field group. The table lists all values that the publication contains.
| Type of institution | Field group | Rate (bachelor) |
|---|---|---|
| University | Mathematics and natural sciences | 50 percent |
| University | Humanities | 49 percent |
| University | Law, economics and social sciences | 21 percent |
| University | Teacher training (Lehramt) | 10 percent |
| University of applied sciences | Mathematics and natural sciences | 39 percent |
| University of applied sciences | Law, economics and social sciences | 13 percent |
The reference groups are the entry cohorts of 2016 and 2017, with the graduating cohort of 2020 as the reference year. These periods apply equally to all values in the table. The figures refer to the groups as the publication defines them.
How do you read the differences between universities and universities of applied sciences?
A comparison within the same field group shows how much the type of institution matters. Calculation: in mathematics and natural sciences the rate is 50 percent at universities and 39 percent at universities of applied sciences. The difference is 11 percentage points (50 minus 39). In law, economics and social sciences the gap is 8 percentage points (21 minus 13).
The distinction between percent and percentage points matters. A rate of 50 percent means that half of the students in that group leave without a degree. The gap between two groups is stated in percentage points, not in percent.
Why are computer science, engineering and medicine missing?
The press release gives no values for these field groups. This guide therefore does not state numbers for them. If you are looking for values for computer science, engineering or medicine, check the original DZHW publications, because estimates from secondary sources cannot be attributed reliably.
What does a field rate tell you about your choice of study?
A field rate describes an average across many students. It does not tell you whether you will manage the subject. It does show that study content, supervision and course requirements differ between fields. The press release names no causes, so you should not interpret the figures too quickly.
A field group also brings together several degree programmes of different kinds. The figure for the group is therefore an average over all of them, not a verdict on one programme. Two programmes in the same group can differ greatly in structure, supervision and entry requirements.
Reviewing the study regulations, the module plan and the structure of the first semesters is useful. Many universities also offer trial lectures or taster sessions, which give a realistic impression.
How do you check a degree programme properly?
A structured check helps before you decide. Here is how to proceed:
- Read the study regulations and note the modules of the first and second year.
- Ask the student council (Fachschaft) about experiences from the higher semesters.
- Attend a trial lecture or taster session if your university offers one.
- Compare the course structure with your strengths and interests.
- Use the study advice service before you plan a change.
When choosing between a university and a university of applied sciences, the teaching format also differs. The guide Fachhochschule oder Universität: Was passt besser zu dir? (in German) explains these differences.
Frequently asked questions
Which field has the highest dropout rate?
In the DZHW analysis on which this guide is based, mathematics and natural sciences at universities has the highest value, at 50 percent. The analysis does not cover all field groups, so it does not allow an overall conclusion for the entire range of degree programmes.
Does the rate also apply to master’s degrees?
For the master’s programme the press release gives an overall rate of 21 percent. The publication does not break this down by field group in this form. The bachelor figures can therefore not simply be transferred to master’s degrees.
Is mathematics a risk for me?
A field group rate is an average and not a prediction for you personally. Interest, prior knowledge and support from teaching staff and study groups matter more. Treat the figure as an aid for planning, not as a verdict.
What if I am already studying?
If you are unsure, speak to the study advice service first. A change of subject, a reorientation within the university and a dropout are different paths, each with its own deadlines and consequences.
Why are the values so far apart?
The press release names no causes. Whether study content, entry requirements or study conditions play a role cannot be read from these figures. Anyone who wants more detail will find information in the original DZHW reports.
Does the comparison help me choose between two subjects?
The rate can be one indicator if you are torn between two subjects. It does not replace a look at content, interests and entry requirements. What counts is whether you can sustain the course structure over several semesters and whether the topics interest you long term.
What to do now
- Note the field group that interests you and the type of institution.
- Find the original DZHW source for the reference period.
- Check the study regulations and the module plan.
- Plan a trial lecture or a conversation with the student council.
- Clarify the consequences with the study advice service before a change.
Related reading
- Studienabbruch: Wie viele Studierende ihr Studium abbrechen
- Dropping Out of University: Your Alternatives
- NC and Waiting Time at University: How the Application Works (in German)
- Dropping Out and the Federal Employment Agency (in German)
- Health Insurance After Dropout: How to Stay Covered (in German)
Sources: DZHW press release on dropout rates, brief 05/2022 (in German, status: 17 August 2022).
Last updated: November 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
