2025 cohort

The 2025 cohort comprises individuals who completed a degree at a state-recognised higher education institution in Germany during the 2024/25 winter semester or the 2025 summer semester. The survey examines the graduates’ educational background to date and their subsequent career paths following graduation. A particular focus is on the transition into the labour market or into further study.

First survey of the 2025 cohort

From December 2026, graduates from the 2025 cohort will be invited to take part across Germany. The survey is part of the Student Life Cycle Panel (SLC).


Why is participation important?

The results will help to

  • further develop study programmes,
  • better understand the transition from study to work,
  • and show how educational and career paths develop in the long term after graduation.

By being part of the European comparative study EUROGRADUATE, the results can also be placed in an international context.


How can you take part?

Selected graduates will receive an invitation to take part in the survey from December 2026. Every single response is important: it helps to highlight the diverse experiences and perspectives of graduates for research and policy-making.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

It seems to me that a question is not worded appropriately for me. What should I do?

Please answer all questions if possible. You can indicate in the questionnaire (in the comment field if available) what caused you problems when answering or contact us before finishing the questionnaire (slc@dzhw.eu). In standardized surveys it unfortunately cannot always be avoided to use an easily understandable wording on complex issues without extensive additional explanations.

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.

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.

Do I need a computer to participate in the online survey?

You can answer the online questionnaire using a laptop as well as another mobile device (smartphone, tablet). However, using a larger display (PC, notebook) may be more user-friendly for some questions.

View all FAQs

News from the Student Life Cycle Panel

  • Gesamten Text der Neuigkeit 'New results from the 2021 graduating class have been published.' anzeigen

    2025-Jul-28

    New results from the 2021 graduating class have been published.

    The new DZHW-Brief has been published: “From university to the job: Adequacy of employment for university graduates”.

    Read more

View all News

Contact

Do you have any questions regarding the Student Life Cycle 2025? Then send us a message to the following e-mail address: