Approximately 1.9 million people with higher education in Germany were at risk of poverty in 2025, despite the increasing number of graduates.

According to data from the Federal Statistical Office, in 2025, approximately 1.9 million people with higher education in Germany will be at risk of poverty, 350,000 more than in 2022.

This increase coincides with a higher number of graduates, reaching 21.04 million in 2025, compared to 19.41 million in 2022.

The unemployment rate among people with higher education has risen from 2.2% in 2022 to 3.3% in 2025, suggesting that not all individuals with advanced qualifications are able to secure well-paying jobs.