2021 cohort

The 2021 examination cohort comprises university graduates who completed a university degree at a state-recognised higher education institution in Germany in the winter semester 2020/21 or summer semester 2021. The thematic focus of this survey cohort is on their educational history to date and their future career, including the transition to working life.

Second survey of the 2021 examination cohort starts this year

In December 2022, around 50,000 people were invited to take part in the first survey of university graduates from the 2021 examination cohort. In contrast to similar surveys conducted by other institutions, the SLC surveys graduates from all over Germany. This provides a unique insight into the life situation of graduates from all types of higher education institutions, degrees and study programs nationwide. By providing the European graduate study EUROGRADUATE with german results, the SLC also enables a European comparison.

At the end of 2024, graduates from the 2021 examination cohort are surveyed for the second time. This time we would like to find out which paths university graduates have taken in the meantime. For example, we are interested in whether and how the transition to employment or further qualification has proceeded.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

How can I update my postal address or e-mail address?

You can inform us about your changed contact details at any time by e-mail to slc@dzhw.eu or by telephone. You can find the telephone numbers of our project assistants on our team page.

How many surveys will there be for my year of graduation?

As a rule, we survey each graduating class eight times. The first survey takes place in the final year of school, the second survey one year later and all further surveys follow at two-year intervals.

As a (former) international student or student with professional qualifications, we will interview you a total of four to five times every two years about your educational and professional history.

What happens if I no longer wish to take part in the survey?

This is possible at any time. Please feel free to contact us by e-mail at slc@dzhw.eu or give us a call. You can find the telephone numbers of our project assistants on our Team page.

How do I know if I won the prize draw?

If we have a valid address (or e-mail address) from you, we will contact you in case of a win.

Why do you want to know my postal address and e-mail address?

The SLC project usually uses e-mail to communicate with you. Unfortunately, we had to learn that our e-mails occasionally end up in junk filters unintentionally or that the e-mail addresses that we address are no longer used. Therefore, we would be grateful if you provide us with an alternative postal address in addition to your e-mail address. Since higher education graduates are very mobile in the first time after their studies, it is useful to use an address that is rather stable over time (e.g., the address of the parents).

How is data protection ensured?

The DZHW is obliged to strictly comply with the data protection regulations applicable to the collection and processing of personal data. The evaluation of the collected data is carried out in such a way that it is not possible to draw conclusions about individuals. The survey data will be used exclusively for scientific and not for commercial purposes. Contact details will not be passed on to third parties. You can find detailed information here.

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News from the Student Life Cycle Panel

  • Gesamten Text der Neuigkeit 'Exam year 2021: The prizes have been drawn!' anzeigen

    2023-Aug-14

    Exam year 2021: The prizes have been drawn!

    The first survey of the 2021 examination year is over! The SLC team would like to thank all survey participants for their support!

    Read more

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Kontakt

Are you unsure about answering the questionnaire, would you like to notify us of your changed address or do you have any other concerns regarding the Student Life Cycle 2021? Then send us a message to the following e-mail address: