Diversity at the University of Cologne
The department Q³ - Evaluation, Development & Accreditation of the University of Cologne presents in its report "Diversity at the University of Cologne: Results of the Survey of Students and Graduates" students and graduates from non-academic and academic backgrounds, with and without a migration background, and with and without family obligations.
In the following, we have compiled some data from the report for you. Further information on the surveys can be found on the homepage of the department Q³ - Evaluation, Development and Accreditation and in the report "Diversity at the University of Cologne".
Survey of first-year students and graduates
The University of Cologne invites all students towards the end of their first semester to take part in the first-year survey. Depending on the semester, the participation period is from June to August or from January to March. The survey takes place online. The aim is to find out how the group of students is composed in order to gain a better understanding of the students' needs. Since 2008, the University of Cologne has conducted an annual survey of graduates in order to gain insight into the course of study and the connections between studying at the University of Cologne and the career success of graduates. The survey period is from October to February, so in the winter semester following graduation.
Results of the survey of first-year students and graduates with regard to the dimensions of educational and migration background, chronic illness or disability, and family responsibilities.
Of the 2,057 students who began their studies in the winter semester 2020/2021 and participated in the survey, 35% (n=1,937) come from a non-academic home and about one third of the first-year students (33%, n=2,001) have a migration background (according to the definition of the Federal Statistical Office). 4% stated that they have family obligations and children to care for in addition to their studies, 6% care for their relatives (each n=2,033). About 7% of the first-year students have at least one chronic illness or disability (n=1969).
A total of 2,219 individuals participated in the graduate* survey for the 2019 graduating class (winter semester 2018/2019 and summer semester 2019). 39% (n=2,151) reported coming from a non-academic home. 23% of the graduates have a migration background and 4% of the graduates have at least one child living in their own household (both n=2,191). 7% of the graduates completed their studies with at least one chronic illness or disability (n=2,190).
Further information on the student groups with regard to their study decisions, tendency to drop out, study success and study financing, among other things, can be found in the report "Diversity at the University of Cologne: Results of the Study Entrance, Graduate* Survey".
