Germany’s schools are seeing a steady rise in the number of students with a migration background, according to new figures from the German Federal Statistical Office. In 2024, 29 percent of students in general education schools had a migration background. This means that almost one in three pupils is either a migrant or the child of migrants.
The data shows a clear increase compared to previous years. In 2019, students with a migration background made up 26 percent of the total school population. Today, only 59 percent of students in Germany come from families with no migration background at all, highlighting how fast classrooms are changing across the country.
Despite this shift among students, the teaching workforce has not changed at the same pace. Only 11 percent of teachers in general education schools have a migration background. This gap has raised questions about representation, language support, and how well schools can respond to the needs of a more diverse student population.
At the same time, the cost of supporting unaccompanied minor asylum seekers in Germany continues to grow. Data shared by AfD lawmaker René Springer shows that since 2015, Germany has spent at least €12.2 billion on the care of these minors. This includes housing, food, clothing, healthcare, education, language courses, and youth welfare services.
In some federal states, the cost per minor is extremely high. In Lower Saxony, spending can reach nearly €100,000 per child each year. Other states such as North Rhine-Westphalia and Thuringia also report costs above €80,000 per minor, adding pressure to local and regional budgets.
Most unaccompanied minors arriving in Germany are male teenagers from Afghanistan and Syria. Since 2022, there has also been a noticeable rise in the number of minors arriving from Ukraine, linked to the ongoing war and displacement.
The figures have renewed debate in Germany about migration, integration, and education funding. While many argue that schools must adapt to reflect society’s diversity, others are concerned about the long-term financial impact on the country’s education and welfare systems.
Question: Why is the number of students with a migration background increasing in Germany?
Answer: The increase is linked to years of migration, family reunification, and refugee arrivals, which have gradually changed the makeup of Germany’s population and school system.