Why it will be easier to get into some German universities this year

In the German states of Schleswig-Holstein and North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), grammar schools (Gymnasien) are making the switch from the G8 to the G9 system this year. In simple terms, this means that pupils in these states should attend nine years of secondary or grammar school after elementary going forward as opposed to eight years, as had been the case in these states for some time.

The change means there is effectively no graduating class (Arbitur) this year for most of the schools in these states. So universities there are expecting significantly fewer incoming first-year applicants for the winter semester of 2026. 

For incoming students, this means that competition at top universities in the region will likely be reduced for some courses this year, and there may also be improved availability for student housing.

READ ALSO: Why Germany’s most populous state is bringing back nine years of school

How many fewer students?

In the north-eastern state of Schleswig-Holstein about 10,600 pupils graduated from high school in 2025. In comparison, in 2026 only about 3,800 high school graduates are expected. (Some private schools, community schools or vocational schools will still send off graduating classes.)

According to North Rhine-Westphalia’s Ministry of Education, some 40,000 fewer high school graduates are expected there this year. A report by local news outlet WDR suggests that in total around 32,000 pupils are expected to graduate from Germany’s most populous state in 2026. 

How will universities be affected?

There are 14 universities in NRW as well as nearly 80 Hochschulen (sometimes called trade-schools in English) which also offer university degrees. Schleswig-Holstein is home to at least 15 Hochschulen, and three universities. 

Der Spiegel recently reported that officials at the Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel and the University of Cologne, are expecting a lower number of incoming applicants in the coming winter term. The number of available study places will not be reduced, so it could be easier to get a place in some courses of study at these schools. 

In Germany, many high school graduates also opt to do a year of volunteer service or to travel abroad for a year before applying to university. So rather than an abrupt drop in incoming students at the universities, a dip in incoming applicants may be seen over the next few years.

Many universities in these regions are also pausing their ‘numerus clausus’ (NC) for certain subjects, citing a lack of students to meet the typical numbers. NCs are limits set at universities and Hochschulen which may cap the total number of students that can be omitted, and also often set quotas for how many students of certain religious or ethnic backgrounds should be included.

The University of Cologne told Spiegel that a noticeable change in NC values can be expected, especially in the courses that receive a majority of local applicants, such as teacher training courses.

According to WDR, the University of Düsseldorf has announced it will completely abolish the NC in some subjects like art history and medical physics. The University of Duisburg-Essen is abolishing NCs in 15 of 42 bachelor's degree programs, and the Ruhr University Bochum is doing so in four subjects as well as opening up more slots in its marketing programme. 

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Despite the gap in incoming students, particularly competitive programmes are unlikely to have free spots left open. 

Courses in psychology, medicine or dentistry at the University of Cologne, for example, have for years had to turn away a number of Arbitur graduates with perfect grades due to a lack of open places. Little change can be expected here as applicants come from far and wide and competition remains fierce.

Student housing

One boon to the students who secure a place at universities in NRW or Schleswig-Holstein in the coming term will be a higher chance of finding a place in student housing.

But a higher chance does not necessarily mean a good chance. At the University of Cologne, for example, there are commonly around 10,000 applicants for about 3000 dormitory places, according to the school's student union.

Few German universities have enough student housing to shelter the majority of their student body, so it's common for many students to seek out their own accommodation, often in shared apartments in surrounding areas.

READ ALSO: How the price of student housing compares across Germany

Other effects

The shortage of school-leavers completing their Arbitur this year won't only affect universities. Businesses that hire young people for internships and apprenticeships (Praktikum, Lehrstellen or Ausbildung) are also expected to be affected by a shortage of applicants.

Additionally voluntary organisations, like the German Red Cross, are expecting a serious shortage of hands.

"In the worst case, 50 to 60 percent of the positions will not be filled," a German Red Cross spokesperson told WDR.

In response NRW’s Ministry of Education is reportedly making an effort to promote voluntary service terms among 10th graders in the region. The state’s Ministry of Labour is also advising businesses to consider applicants from the previous year, and to consider bringing on additional trainees this year to compensate.