First semester celebration at the University of Paderborn: 3,081 new students!

First semester celebration at the University of Paderborn: 3,081 new students!

On Tuesday, October 7, 2025, the University of Paderborn welcomed its new students in Lecture Hall G. With a provisional enrollment of 3,081 people, what is particularly striking is that 2,050 of them are starting university studies, while 821 are taking the step into a master's degree. In addition, 656 of the newcomers chose to study to become a teacher, which accounts for almost half of the new students. The final figures will be published at the beginning of November, while the application deadlines for open-admission bachelor's and master's degree programs run until October 15th. This information was provided by the University of Paderborn and illustrates the high level of attendance at the university.

The welcome program started with a musical performance by the band “Animat” and was celebrated by university president Prof. Dr. Matthias Bauer opens. In further greetings, Prof. Dr. Beate Flath, the Vice President for Teaching, Studies and Quality Management, describes the opportunities available to students at the University of Paderborn. Vice President Prof. Dr.-Ing. Volker Schöppner also presented the advantages of the university, which include a wide range of dining options, proximity to the city center and the idyllic Pader spring area. He encouraged the students to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the campus university and make new acquaintances.

Commitment and student exchange

After the official speeches, the first-year students received valuable insights into life on campus. Julian Rische, the first chairman of the General Student Committee (AStA), and Dennis Kehne, deputy head of university sports, provided information about offers that aim to accompany students healthily and successfully through their studies. Innovative offers such as a new outdoor sports facility and a recharge station during the lunch break were presented.

The University Sports Improv Theater provided entertainment by performing scenes based on calls from the audience. The event was moderated by Julia Ures. After the official program ended, the new students had the opportunity to take advantage of subject-specific offerings and get to know their fellow students better.

Student numbers in Germany

In the broader context of higher education in Germany, it can be seen that around 2.9 million students are enrolled at universities in the winter semester of 2024/25, which represents an increase of around 1.8 million since 1998/99. However, the 3 million mark has not yet been reached and there has been a slight decline in student numbers in recent years. Of the total enrolled students, about 57.6% are enrolled in universities, which is approximately 1.7 million, while 38.1% study in colleges of applied sciences.

Students have the choice between various educational institutions, with 85.5% enrolled in state universities and 13% enrolled in recognized private universities. The increase in the proportion of women among students shows a positive trend, currently at 51.2%. The number of foreign students is also increasing, which underlines the internationality of the universities.

In summary, it can be said that the University of Paderborn is not only opening a new chapter for its freshmen, but is also part of a broader trend in Germany's higher education landscape. The university offers numerous opportunities for engagement and networking and thus contributes to the positive development of student numbers.