Study intensity and mobility

Not all students attend a higher education institution on a full-time basis. Many factors such as employment, children or illness can impact study behaviour. Study intensity is expressed as a percentage of a full-time course.

Average study intensity has decreased slightly since 2016/17. At the universities and institutes of technology (UIT), it has always been several percentage points higher than at the universities of teacher education (UTE).

The greatest study intensity is seen among students at Bachelor’s level, followed by those studying for a Master's degree or for a teacher education diploma for upper secondary level teaching (Upper Secondary Diploma).

Students are considered mobile if they are enrolled at one higher education institution and are assessed at another (host) institution of higher education. Differences in mobility rates can often be attributed to the way in which studies are organised but can also be due to the student’s own circumstances.

The percentage of mobile students has decreased slightly since 2016/17 and there is little difference between mobility rates at UITs and UTEs. Students’ mobility behaviour was, however, dependent on their level of studies: Bachelor’s students were the least mobile. While 2016/17 students pursuing a teacher education diploma for upper secondary level teaching were the most mobile, in 2021/22 this was true for Master’s students.

Further information

Documents on methodology

Contact

Federal Statistical Office Section Educational Processes
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