Germany ranks first among OECD member states in the proportion of degrees awarded in mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, and technology — collectively known as STEM (MINT in German). Tagesschau reported the findings on September 29, citing the “Education at a Glance 2026” (Bildung auf einen Blick 2026) report.
- The share of STEM degrees stands at 34% among tertiary graduates who earned higher education entrance qualifications in Germany, compared to an OECD average of 23%.
- 41% of 25- to 34-year-olds in Germany hold a tertiary academic or higher vocational degree.
- Among 18- to 24-year-olds, 11% are neither employed nor in education or training (NEET).
Educational Attainment and STEM Qualifications
According to study findings cited by Tagesschau, the proportion of STEM degrees reaches 51% among international students completing their degrees in Germany. The 34% figure pertains to highly qualified individuals who obtained their higher education entrance qualification (Hochschulreife) in Germany.
The proportion of 25- to 34-year-olds with a tertiary academic or higher vocational degree increased by 11 percentage points compared to 2016, reaching 41%. The OECD average stands at 47%.
Furthermore, 86% of adults aged 25 to 64 in Germany hold at least a vocational qualification or an entrance qualification for universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulreife), compared to an OECD average of 82%.
At the same time, roughly one in seven residents aged 25 to 34 is classified as low-skilled in the report. This figure is two percentage points above the OECD average of 12%. The share of 18- to 24-year-olds who are not in employment, education, or training increased from 9% in 2016 to 11%.
Educational Spending and Teacher Shortages
As reported by Tagesschau, public spending on educational institutions in Germany accounts for 4.4% of GDP, compared to an OECD average of 4.7%. Expenditure on vocational education programs amounts to 27,880 US dollars per student (approximately 24,580 euros), significantly above the OECD average of 16,104 dollars.
OECD education researcher Andreas Schleicher pointed out that data on teacher shortages in Germany remains relatively scarce. According to the study, 55% of children and adolescents attend schools whose administration reports learning outcomes are impacted by teacher shortages. Additionally, 18.6% of teaching staff teach subjects outside their qualified field or lack completed formal professional teacher training.