More female than male students for the first time - higher qualifications for women are crucial for social change

„It is particularly important to us at the FH/HAW to strengthen our female students in particular and to promote them with targeted measures. We are delighted that more and more women are also choosing technical and scientific degree programmes. UASs are thus making an important contribution to breaking down traditional structures, supporting women in their choice of studies and attracting them to promising professional fields. At the same time, we are driving forward the academisation of professional fields such as the non-medical healthcare professions, which continue to be heavily dominated by women. Together with lecturers, researchers, students and graduates, the FHK is committed to their further development. We are seeing clear progress, but we also know that further steps are necessary,“ emphasises FHK President Ulrike Prommer.

The proportion of women among total students in the UAS sector reached a historic high of 54.1% in the academic year 2025/26. The proportion of women among first-year students and graduates in the FH/UAS sector is also well above 50% (53.9% and 55% respectively).
Fortunately, the proportion of female academic staff is also steadily increasing. At the end of 2024 (latest figures), the proportion of women in the UAS/ UAS sector was already 43%, around 5% higher than five years ago.

In order for UASs to continue on their successful path in the promotion of women in science, they need sustainable framework conditions in teaching and research. „We will therefore continue to advocate the creation of financial planning security for UASs and a stronger consideration of a research component in the new UAS development and financing plan as well as the examination of a doctoral model,“ concluded Prommer.