Key Data

Surveys 1982 - 2017

1. Survey 1982/83

German Student Survey 1st Wave of WS 1982/83

Survey design: cross-section
Project duration: 1.1.1982 - 31.12.1983
Field period: November 1982 to April 1983

Study Series:
German Student Survey; study situation and student orientations at universities and universities of applied sciences
Survey institution: AG Hochschulforschung, University of Constance

Project Staff:
Hansgert Peisert, Tino Bargel, Gerhild Framhein, Michael Gleich, Werner Lenske, Siegfried Kammhuber, Doris Lang.
Supported by the Federal Ministry of Education and Science (BMBW)

DOI: 1st Student Survey 1983: doi.org/10.21249/DZHW:stsu83:1.0.0

Basic Population:
159 German universities and universities of applied sciences corresponding to the OECD level 5 ISCED classification (5A and 5B) in the tertiary sector of education.

Sampling Procedure: Stratified random sample, strata according to theoretical specifications.
Selection universities: 8 universities and 3 universities of applied sciences according to theoretical specifications (largest location, subjects offered). Student selection: simple stratified random sample, adjusted for university size.

Survey Method:
Standardized postal survey (paper pencil).
Gross sample: 18,940 (adjusted mailing).
Net sample: 7,817
Response rate: 41.3%

Questionnaire Size:
110 questions with 610 items.

Topics of the 1st Student Survey:
1) University access and study prerequisites.
2) Subject-related studies and study behavior
3) Student lifestyles and social situation
4) Orientations towards science and university
5) Orientations towards profession and social future
6) Orientations towards society and politics

2. Survey 1984/85

German Student Survey 2nd Wave of WS 1884/85

Survey design: cross-section
Project duration: 1.1.1984 - 31.12.1985
Field period: November 1984 to April 1985

Study Series:
German Student Survey; study situation and student orientations at universities and universities of applied sciences
Survey institution AG Hochschulforschung, University of Konstanz

Project Staff:
Hansgert Peisert, Tino Bargel, Gerhild Framhein, Michael Gleich, Werner Lenske, Friederike Behringer, Reinhard Gawatz, Gerhard Lensing, Doris Lang.
Supported by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Science (BMBW).

DOI: 2nd Student Survey 1985: doi.org/10.21249/DZHW:stsu85:1.0.0

Basic Population:
162 German universities and universities of applied sciences corresponding to the OECD level 5 ISCED classification (5A and 5B) in the tertiary sector of education.

Sampling Procedure: Stratified random sample, strata according to theoretical specifications.
Selection universities: 8 universities and 7 universities of applied sciences according to theoretical specifications (largest location, subjects offered). Student selection: simple stratified random sample, adjusted for university size.

Survey Method:
Standardized postal survey (paper pencil).
Gross sample: 22,470 (adjusted mailing).
Net sample: 10,038
Response rate: 44.7%

Questionnaire Size:
117 questions with 602 items.

Topics of the 2nd Student Survey:
1) University access and study prerequisites.
2) Subject-related studies and study behavior
3) Student lifestyles and social situation
4) Orientations towards science and university
5) Orientations towards profession and social future
6) Orientations towards society and politics

3. Survey 1986/87

German Student Survey 3rd Wave of WS 1986/87

Survey design: cross-section
Project duration: 1.1.1986 - 31.12.1988
Field period: November 1986 to April 1987

Study Series:
German Student Survey; study situation and student orientations at universities and universities of applied sciences
Survey institution AG Hochschulforschung, University of Konstanz

Project Staff:
Hansgert Peisert, Tino Bargel, Gerhild Framhein, Johann Sandberger, Michael Gleich, Werner Lenske, Friederike Behringer, Reinhard Gawatz, Gerhard Lensing, Doris Lang.
Supported by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Science (BMBW).

DOI: 3rd Student Survey 1987: doi.org/10.21249/DZHW:stsu87:1.0.0

Basic Population:
166 German universities and universities of applied sciences corresponding to the OECD level 5 ISCED classification (5A and 5B) in the tertiary sector of education.

Survey Method:
Standardized postal survey (paper pencil).
Gross sample: 22,400 (adjusted mailing).
Net sample: 9,852
Response rate: 44.0%

Questionnaire Size:
125 questions with 604 items.

Topics of the 3rd Student Survey:
1) University access and study prerequisites.
2) Subject-related studies and study behavior
3) Student lifestyles and social situation
4) Orientations toward science and higher education
5) Perceptions of career and social future
6) Attitudes towards society and politics

4. Survey 1989/90

German Student Survey 4th Wave of WS 1989/90

Survey design: cross-section
Project duration: 1.1.1989 - 31.12.1991
Field period: November 1989 to April 1990

Study Series:
German Student Survey; Study Situation and Student Orientations at Universities and Universities of Applied Sciences
Survey institution: AG Hochschulforschung, University of Konstanz

Project Staff:
E. R. Wiehn, Tino Bargel, Michael Ramm, Johann Sandberger, Hans Simeaner, Doris Lang, Karl-Ernst Wuttke.
Supported by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Science (BMBW).

DOI: 4th Student Survey 1990: doi.org/10.21249/DZHW:stsu90:1.0.0

Basic Population:
166 German universities and universities of applied sciences corresponding to the OECD level 5 ISCED classification (5A and 5B) in the tertiary sector of education.

Sampling Procedure: Stratified random sample, strata according to theoretical specifications.
Selection universities: 11 universities and 5 universities of applied sciences according to theoretical specifications (largest location, subjects offered). Student selection: simple stratified random sample, adjusted for university size.

Survey Method:
Standardized postal survey (paper pencil).
Gross sample: 19,730 (adjusted mailing).
Net sample: 8,812
Response rate: 44.7%

Questionnaire Size:
125 questions with 612 items.

Topics of the 4th Student Survey:
1) university access and specialized studies
2) Choice of education and study expectations
3) Study and teaching
4) Learning and work behavior
5) Study path and course of studies
6) Student life situation
7) Contacts and communication
8) Study experiences and problems
9) Perceptions about university and science
10) Role and chances of university graduates
11) career choice and career ideas
12) socio-political perceptions

5. Survey 1992/93

German Student Survey 5th Wave of WS 1992/93

Survey design: cross-section
Project duration: 1.1.1992 - 31.12.1993
Field period: November 1992 to April 1993

Project Staff:
E. R. Wiehn, Tino Bargel, Michael Ramm, Johann Sandberger, Hans Simeaner, Doris Lang, Karl-Ernst Wuttke.
Supported by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Science (BMBW).

DOI: 5th Student Survey 1993: doi.org/10.21249/DZHW:stsu93:1.0.0

Basic Population:
217 German universities and universities of applied sciences corresponding to the OECD level 5 ISCED classification (5A and 5B) in the tertiary sector of education.

Sampling Procedure: Stratified random sample, strata according to theoretical specifications.
Selection universities: 13 universities and 9 universities of applied sciences according to theoretical specifications (largest location, subjects offered). Student selection: simple stratified random sample, adjusted for university size.

Survey Method:
Standardized postal survey (paper pencil).
Gross sample: 20,175 (adjusted mailing).
Net sample: 9,240
Response rate: 45.8%

Questionnaire Size:
120 questions with 634 items.

Topics covered in the 5th Student Survey:
1) University access and specialized studies
2) Choice of education and study expectations
3) Study and teaching
4) Learning and work behavior
5) Study path and course of studies
6) Student life situation
7) Contacts and communication
8) Study experiences and problems
9) Perceptions about university and science
10) Role and chances of university graduates
11) career choice and career ideas
12) socio-political perceptions

New focus topics:
- Comparison of old and new federal states

6. Survey 1994/95

German Student Survey 6th Wave of WS 1994/95

Survey design: cross-section
Project duration: 1.1.1994 - 31.12.1996
Field period: November 1994 to April 1995

Project Staff:
E. R. Wiehn, Tino Bargel, Michael Ramm, Frank Multrus, Hans Simeaner, Doris Lang, Karl-Ernst Wuttke.
Supported by the German Federal Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Technology (BMB+F).

DOI: 6th Student Survey 1995: doi.org/10.21249/DZHW:stsu95:1.0.0

Basic Population:
225 German universities and universities of applied sciences corresponding to the OECD level 5 ISCED classification (5A and 5B) in the tertiary sector of education.

Survey Method:
Standardized postal survey (paper pencil).
Gross sample: 19,644 (adjusted mailing).
Net sample: 8,461
Response rate: 43.1%

Questionnaire Size:
129 questions with 667 items.

Topics of the 6th Student Survey:
1. exchange between old and new federal states with regard to changing universities, contacts and later professional mobility;
2. importance and significance of studies, status of students and identification with the chosen field of study;
3. effort required for studies and intended duration of studies, reasons for delays in studies and measures to shorten the duration of studies;
4. requirements in the study program in terms of performance level and regulatory density, type and scope of requirements, e.g. practical and research relevance;
5. study strategies (e.g., study abroad), student employment and acquisition of additional qualifications (e.g., foreign languages)
6. assessment of the teaching situation and study quality, suitability of different forms of teaching for study progress;
7. extent of contacts and quality of relationships with teachers; counseling services, their use and evaluation;
8. demands and wishes of the students for the development of the university and the improvement of the study situation.

7. Survey 1997/98

German Student Survey 7th Wave of WS 1997/98

Survey design: cross-section
Project duration: 1.1.1997 - 31.12.1999
Field period: November 1997 to April 1998

Project Staff:
Werner Georg, Tino Bargel, Michael Ramm, Frank Multrus, Hans Simeaner, Doris Lang, Karl-Ernst Wuttke.
Supported by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)

DOI: 7th Student Survey 1998: doi.org/10.21249/DZHW:stsu98:1.0.0

Basic Population:
250 German universities and universities of applied sciences corresponding to the OECD level 5 ISCED classification (5A and 5B) in the tertiary sector of education.

Survey Method:
Standardized postal survey (paper pencil).
Gross sample: 19,641 (adjusted mailing).
Net sample: 7,271
Response rate: 37.0%

Questionnaire Size:
127 questions with 706 items.

Topics of the 7th Student Survey:
(1) College Admission, Study Motives, and Expectations: Certainty of study entry; expectations of benefits of study; motives of subject choice.
(2) Study strategies, course of study and qualifications: Career benefits and personal development; study abroad and additional qualifications; subject and university changes; professional internships.
(3) Study intensity, time required, and duration of study: Intended study intensity; time required for study; planned study duration; delays in study and their reasons.
(4) Study requirements, regulations and examinations: Subject study requirements; study regulations and their binding nature; examinations: Preparation, results and reactions; support needs.
(5) Contacts, social climate, and advising: Contacts with teachers and fellow students; social climate in the departments; anonymity at the university; counseling services and their assessment.
(6) Teaching situation and quality of studies: Assessment of the teaching offered; research and practical relevance; basic elements of study quality; wishes for improving the study situation.
(7) Student lifestyles and social situation: Centrality of studies; identification with subject choice; financing of studies; extent of and reasons for employment; satisfaction with student status.
(8) Difficulties, impairments, and stresses: Difficulties with requirements; impairments due to large numbers of students (overcrowding); stresses in studies and life situation.
(9) University policy and student representation: Participation in groups and committees; tasks of student representation; demands for university development and study reform.
(10) Vocational orientations and labor market: Status of career choices; occupational value claims; desired areas of activity; career prospects; intended labor market responses (flexibility).
(11) Political participation and social perceptions: Political participation; democratic attitudes; political directions and goals; societal perceptions; European unification.
(12) Demographic and educational biographical data: Age, gender, marital status, and social origin; type of university entrance qualification; grades on entrance certificate; pre-college occupations.

New Focus Areas:
- New media and Internet; self-employment and business start-up.

8. Survey 2000/01

German Student Survey 8th Wave of WS 2000/01

Survey design: cross-section
Project duration: 1.1.2000 - 31.12.2002
Field period: November 2000 to April 2001

Project Staff:
Werner Georg, Tino Bargel, Michael Ramm, Frank Multrus, Hans Simeaner, Doris Lang, Karl-Ernst Wuttke.
Supported by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)

DOI: 8th Student Survey 2001: doi.org/10.21249/DZHW:stsu01:1.0.0

Basic Population:
250 German universities and universities of applied sciences corresponding to the OECD level 5 ISCED classification (5A and 5B) in the tertiary sector of education.

Survey Method:
Standardized postal survey (paper pencil).
Gross sample: 23,391 (adjusted mailing).
Net sample: 8,130
Response rate: 34.8%

Questionnaire Size:
102 questions with 593 items.

Topics of the 8th Student Survey:
(1) College Admission, Study Motives, and Expectations: Certainty of study entry; expectations of benefits of study; motives of subject choice.
(2) Study strategies, study progression and qualifications: Career benefits and personal development; study abroad and additional qualifications; subject and university changes; professional internships.
(3) Study intensity, time required, and duration of study: Intended study intensity; time required for study; planned study duration; delays in study and their reasons.
(4) Study requirements, regulations and examinations: Subject study requirements; study regulations and their binding nature; examinations: Preparation, results and reactions; support needs.
(5) Contacts, social climate, and advising: Contacts with teachers and fellow students; social climate in the departments; anonymity at the university; counseling services and their assessment.
(6) Teaching situation and quality of studies: Assessment of the teaching offered; research and practical relevance; basic elements of study quality; wishes for improving the study situation.
(7) Student lifestyles and social situation: Centrality of studies; identification with subject choice; financing of studies; extent of and reasons for employment; satisfaction with student status.
(8) Difficulties, impairments, and stresses: Difficulties with requirements; impairments due to large numbers of students (overcrowding); stresses in studies and life situation.
(9) University policy and student representation: Participation in groups and committees; tasks of student representation; demands for university development and study reform.
(10) Vocational orientations and labor market: Status of career choices; occupational value claims; desired areas of activity; career prospects; intended labor market responses (flexibility).
(11) Political participation and social perceptions: Political participation; democratic attitudes; political directions and goals; societal perceptions; European unification.
(12) Demographic and educational biographical data: Age, gender, marital status, and social origin; type of university entrance qualification; grades in entrance certificate; occupations prior to study.

9. Survey 2003/04

German Student Survey 9th Wave of WS 2003/04

Survey design: cross-section
Project duration: 1.1.2003 - 31.12.2005
Field period: November 2003 to April 2005

Project Staff:
Werner Georg, Tino Bargel, Michael Ramm, Frank Multrus, Hans Simeaner, Monika Schmidt, Doris Lang, Karl-Ernst Wuttke.
Supported by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).

DOI: 9th Student Survey 2004: doi.org/10.21249/DZHW:stsu04:1.0.0

Basic Population:
262 German universities and universities of applied sciences corresponding to the OECD level 5 ISCED classification (5A and 5B) in the tertiary sector of education.

Sampling Procedure: Stratified random sample, strata according to theoretical specifications.
Selection universities: 17 universities and 9 universities of applied sciences according to theoretical specifications (largest location, subjects offered). Student selection: simple stratified random sample, adjusted for university size.

Survey Method:
Standardized postal survey (paper pencil).
Gross sample: 27,498 (adjusted mailing).
Net sample: 9,975
Response rate: 36.4%

Questionnaire Size:
98 questions with 550 items.

Topics of the 9th Student Survey:
1. subject studies and university access.
2. choice of education and study expectations.
3. teaching situation and study quality.
4. study behavior and study strategies.
5. life situation and employment.
6. contacts and communication, counseling.
7. study difficulties, problems and burdens.
8. new media in studying and teaching.
9. wishes and demands for university development.
10. career choice and career ideas.
11. social and political perceptions.
12. social data and biographical situation.

New Focus Topics:
- European Higher Education Area

10. Survey 2006/07

German Student Survey 10th Wave of WS 2006/07

Survey design: cross-section
Project duration: 1.1.2006 - 31.12.2008
Field period: November 2006 to April 2007

DOI: 10th Student Survey 2007: doi.org/10.21249/DZHW:stsu07:1.0.0

Basic Population:
279 German universities and universities of applied sciences corresponding to the OECD level 5 ISCED classification (5A and 5B) in the tertiary sector of education.

Sampling Procedure: Stratified random sample, strata according to theoretical specifications.
Selection universities: 16 universities and 9 universities of applied sciences according to theoretical specifications (largest location, subjects offered). Student selection: simple stratified random sample, adjusted for university size.

Survey Method:
Standardized postal survey (paper pencil).
Gross sample: 26,064 (adjusted mailing).
Net sample: 8,350
Response rate: 32.0%

Questionnaire Size:
98 questions with 558 items.

Topics of the 10th Student Survey:
1. access to higher education, choice of subject, motives and expectations
2. study strategies, course of studies and qualifications
3. study intensity, time required and duration of studies
4. study requirements, regulations and examinations
5. contacts and communication, social climate, advising
6. subject studies, situation of teaching and quality of studies
7. student lifestyle, social situation, gainful employment
8. difficulties, impairments and burdens
9. new media and internet in studies and teaching
10. university policy: participation and student representation
11. internationality and European Higher Education Area (Bachelor/Master)
12. career choice, career values and fields of activity
13. career prospects and labor market reactions
14. social perceptions and political participation
15. wishes and demands for higher education development
16. demographic and educational biographical data

11. Survey 2009/10

German Student Survey 11th Wave of WS 2009/10

Survey design: cross-section
Project duration: 1.1.2009 - 31.12.2011
Field period: November 2009 to April 2010

Project Staff:
Werner Georg, Michael Ramm, Frank Multrus, Tino Bargel, Monika Schmidt, Hans Simeaner, Doris Lang, Karl-Ernst Wuttke.
Supported by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).

DOI: 11th Student Survey 2010: doi.org/10.21249/DZHW:stsu10:1.0.0

Basic Population:
307 German universities and universities of applied sciences corresponding to the OECD level 5 ISCED classification (5A and 5B) in the tertiary sector of education.

Sampling Procedure: Stratified random sample, strata according to theoretical specifications.
Selection universities: 15 universities and 10 universities of applied sciences according to theoretical specifications (largest location, subjects offered). Student selection: simple stratified random sample, adjusted for university size.

Survey Method:
Standardized postal survey (paper pencil).
Gross sample: 27,307 (adjusted mailing).
Net sample: 7,590
Response rate: 27.8%

Questionnaire Size:
100 questions with 576 items.

Topics of the 11th Student Survey:
1. access to higher education, choice of subject, motives and expectations
2. study strategies, course of study and qualifications
3. study intensity, time required and duration of studies
4. study requirements, regulations and examinations
5. contacts and communication, social climate, advising
6. subject studies, situation of teaching and quality of studies
7. student lifestyle, social situation, gainful employment
8. difficulties, impairments and burdens
9. university politics: participation and student representation
10. internationality and European Higher Education Area (Bachelor)
11. career choice, career values and fields of activity
12. career prospects and labor market reactions
13. social perceptions and political participation
14. wishes and demands for higher education development
15. demographic and educational biographical data

12. Survey 2012/13

German Student Survey 12th Wave of WS 2012/13

Survey design: cross-section
Project duration: 1.1.2012 - 31.12.2014
Field period: November 2012 to April 2013

Study Series:
German Student Survey; study situation and student orientations at universities and universities of applied sciences.
Survey institution: AG Hochschulforschung, University of Konstanz

Project Staff:
Werner Georg, Michael Ramm, Frank Multrus, Tino Bargel, Monika Schmidt, Hans Simeaner, Doris Lang.
Supported by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)

DOI: 12th Student Survey 2013: doi.org/10.21249/DZHW:stsu13:1.0.0

Basic Population:
323 German universities and universities of applied sciences corresponding to the OECD level 5 ISCED classification (5A and 5B) in the tertiary sector of education.

Sampling Procedure: Stratified random sample, strata according to theoretical specifications.
Selection universities: 14 universities and 11 universities of applied sciences according to theoretical specifications (largest location, subjects offered). Student selection: simple stratified random sample, adjusted for university size.

Survey Method:
Standardized postal survey (paper pencil).
Gross sample: 26,274 (adjusted mailing).
Net sample: 4,884
Response rate: 18.6%

Questionnaire Size:
104 questions with 569 items.

Topics of the 12th Student Survey
1. university entrance, subject choice, motives and expectations
2. study strategies, course of studies and qualifications
3. study intensity, time required and duration of studies
4. study requirements, regulations and examinations
5. contacts and communication, social climate, advising
6. subject studies, situation of teaching and quality of studies
7. student lifestyle, social situation, gainful employment
8. difficulties, impairments and burdens
9. university politics: participation and student representation
10. internationality and the European Higher Education Area
11. career choice, career values and fields of activity
12. career prospects and labor market reactions
13. social perceptions and values
14. political participation and democratic attitudes
15. wishes and demands for higher education development
16. demographic and educational biographical data

13. Survey 2015/16

German Student Survey 13th Wave of WS 2015/16

Survey design: cross-section
Project duration: 1.1.2015 - 31.12.2017
Field period: November 2015 to April 2016

Project Staff:
Werner Georg, Frank Multrus, Tino Bargel, Sandra Majer, Monika Schmidt, Hans Simeaner, Doris Lang.
Supported by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)

DOI: 13th Student Survey 2016: doi.org/10.21249/DZHW:stsu16:1.0.0

Basic Population:
322 German universities and universities of applied sciences corresponding to the OECD level 5 ISCED classification (5A and 5B) in the tertiary sector of education.

Sampling procedure: Stratified random sample, strata according to theoretical specifications.
Selection universities: 16 universities and 12 universities of applied sciences according to theoretical specifications (largest location, subjects offered). Student selection: simple stratified random sample, adjusted for university size.

Survey Method:
Standardized postal survey (paper pencil) and standardized online survey.
Gross sample: mailed paper: 36,902 (adjusted mailing); online: 33,369
Net sample: paper: 5,620; online: 2,929
Response rate: paper: 15.2%; online: 8.8%, combined: 13.3

Questionnaire Size:
92 questions with 413 items, plus 19 additional questions with 125 items, distributed into 4 additional modules.

Topic areas of the 13th Student Survey:
1. access to higher education, choice of subject, motives and expectations
2. study strategies, course of studies and qualifications
3. study intensity, time required and duration of studies
4. study requirements, regulations and examinations
5. contacts and communication, social climate, advising
6. subject studies, situation of teaching and quality of studies
7. student lifestyle, social situation, gainful employment
8. difficulties, impairments and burdens
9. university politics: participation and student representation
10. internationality and the European Higher Education Area
11. career choice, career values and fields of activity
12. career prospects and labor market reactions
13. social perceptions and values
14. political participation and democratic attitudes
15. wishes and demands for higher education development
16. demographic and educational biographical data