More students from less educated households getting degrees

The number of degree-holders from families with no tradition of university education is on the increase, according to the German research and education ministry.

In 1995 only 15 per cent of children from families where neither parent had a degree completed university. This number has risen to around 20 per cent at present, according to a survey published by the ministry on 15 September. The study also showed that university degrees protected those children from poverty and helped to close income gaps between different social backgrounds.