FAZ: Three German Universities and Two Consortia Awarded Excellence Status
According to FAZ, the Universities of Freiburg, Jena, and Cologne, plus the Rhein-Main alliance and Ruhr Innovation Lab, won Excellence Status, securing up to €28m yearly.
Education
All publications and key updates in the "Education" category.
Registration Opens in Germany for European Statistics Competition
Destatis accepts entries for the statistics competition aimed at students in grades 8–13 until November 16, 2026. Tasks focus on data analysis and fact-checking.
OECD Study: Germany Leads in Proportion of STEM Degrees
Tagesschau reports OECD data on STEM degrees, young adults' educational attainment, education expenditure, and teacher shortages in Germany.
Eurobarometer Survey: Europeans Exercise More, but Income Disparities Remain a Barrier
The proportion of Europeans not engaging in sport dropped to 39%, yet access to regular exercise continues to depend on age and financial status.
School Year Starts Across All German States: Strict Schulpflicht, Phaseout of Brückenklassen, and Rules for Students
Following the end of summer break in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, schools are now in session across all 16 federal states. We examine compulsory schooling rules (Schulpflicht), transition to regular classrooms, DaZ language support, and parental liability for truancy.
50% Employment and 60% De-Skilling: IAB Report on Ukrainian Labor Integration, BAMF Autumn Courses, and Diploma Recognition
The IAB Institute confirmed Ukrainian refugees crossed the 50% employment threshold in Germany, but warned against the low-wage deskilling trap. How BAMF autumn courses and IQ Netzwerk bridging programs operate to accelerate diploma recognition.
School Year 2026/2027 in Germany and Poland: Mandatory Attendance, Abolished Exemptions, and Mainstream Classes
The new academic year commenced across Europe. Poland revoked online schooling exemptions and tied 800+ benefits to Polish schools, while Germany reinforced Schulpflicht enforcement and is transitioning Ukrainian children into mainstream regular classes (Regelklassen).
BAMF Courses in Autumn 2026: Online Fee Waivers via BundID and Childcare Subsidies
BAMF and Germany4Ukraine have launched digital applications for Kostenbefreiung on integration courses. We cover new evening Berufssprachkurse (B2/C1) and childcare funding for mothers during classes.
School Year 2026/2027 in Germany: Schulpflicht Rules, State Schedules, Ukrainian Studies Component, and EU Universities
The 2026/2027 school year begins in Germany: dates across 16 states, strict Schulpflicht attendance rules, measles immunizations, Willkommensklassen, the Ukrainian studies syllabus, and affordable EU universities.
Germany Resumes Access to Integration Courses for Ukrainians: Priority for §24 and New IntV Rules
As of August 1, 2026, the updated Integration Directive (IntV) has come into effect. Ukrainians with §24 have received priority access to language courses. We analyze the application process via Bundesportal, GEAS reforms, and BAMF statistics.
227 Thousand Ukrainian Children in German Schools: Shock, Adaptation, and New Rules
In the second quarter of 2025, statistics recorded an impressive figure: over 227,000 children from Ukraine attend German schools. This is about 2% of all students.
Reform of Integration Courses in Germany: What Ukrainians Need to Know
On November 27, 2024, the German government announced a reform that will affect everyone planning to build their future in this country. It concerns
New Start in Germany: All About "Welcome Classes" for Ukrainian Children
Special "welcome classes" (Willkommensklassen) are being widely opened in German schools, designed for the smooth and effective integration of children from Ukraine into the German education system.