PHKA welcomes over 800 first-year students: a new educational horizon begins!

PHKA welcomes over 800 first-year students: a new educational horizon begins!

On October 1, 2025, the Karlsruhe University of Education (PHKA) welcomes more than 800 first-semester students for the winter semester 2025/26. This number represents an increase compared to the previous year, which underlines the continued attractiveness of the university. Over 500 of the new students are starting their bachelor's degree, while around 40% are starting a master's degree. The introductory week starts on October 6th, followed by the start of lectures on October 13th. A total of around 3,400 students are enrolled at PHKA.

What is particularly noteworthy is that the bachelor's degree program in primary school teaching is already fully booked. In contrast, there has been a slight increase in the number of participants in teaching at secondary level I. In addition, the area of ​​scientific continuing education welcomes over 100 new participants in various certificate courses. There has been an increase of around 16% in the number of participants in the adult education master's degree program.

Innovations in the study programs

PHKA was recognized as a “Top University for Continuing Education” in 2025 and has further developed two of its master’s degree programs. The master’s program “Intercultural Education, Migration and Multilingualism” is now entitled “Migration, Education and Democracy” (MiBiD). The target group are graduates from the fields of education, social sciences, humanities, psychology, media studies or management, with career prospects in science, youth welfare and anti-discrimination agencies.

The “Biodiversity and Environmental Education” course was renamed “Biodiversity and Ecological Education” (BioBil). The focus of this program is on the areas of biodiversity, ecosystems, ecological education and research methods. Requirements include a bachelor's degree in biological or educational sciences with a minimum grade of 2.4, and professional fields include nature conservation, education, consulting, science and administration.

Ecology and biodiversity as key competencies

One of the central aspects of education at PHKA is the teaching of skills in ecology and biodiversity. The aim of the Master's program in Ecology and Biodiversity is to impart scientific education and working methods for ecology-related professions. The focus is on aquatic and terrestrial ecology. Topics ranging from molecular ecology to landscape ecology are covered, with a focus on the relationships between organisms, populations and their environment.

The analysis of the structure and function of ecosystems as well as the discussion of biodiversity and global change are also essential contents of the course. Students expect research-related and application-oriented questions that are closely linked to the research areas of “Ecology of the Alpine Region” and “Mountain Agriculture”, such as this Institute of Biology explained.

Strategic perspectives of universities

The developments at PHKA are in the context of the strategic orientation of the entire university system. The University Rectors' Conference (HRK) attaches great importance to promoting quality and diversity in the study offerings. Under the leadership of President Professor Dr. Walter Rosenthal's aim is to further develop university medicine and health sciences and to align the entire educational sector with the challenges of the future.

These measures reflect the desire not only to offer students a comprehensive education, but also to position universities as central players in social developments. With its broad and innovative range of courses, the PHKA shows how universities can respond to the demands of the time.