Early studies: Brilliant students get started in Braunschweig!

Early studies: Brilliant students get started in Braunschweig!

A new chapter for talented young people begins: On October 13, 2025, early students at the Technical University of Braunschweig will start the winter semester. The focus of this program is to specifically prepare talented students for later studies. Alina Schindler and Ellen Stupar, both 17 years old, are also among the motivated participants. It is noteworthy that the early learning program has existed for over 18 years and that around 30 young people are currently studying at the university in parallel to their school education. The youngest participant is only 14 years old.

Early study allows students to attend regular university courses in STEM subjects. The requirements are neither complicated nor daunting: good grades, strong motivation and the approval of parents and teachers are enough to become part of this exciting program. Another advantage is that participation in the program is free because it is financed directly from the university's budget.

A good preparation for the future

A special highlight of early studies is the opportunity to collect credit points that can be credited towards later, regular studies. Knut Baumann, the Vice President for Studies and Teaching, emphasizes the promotion of curiosity and joy in learning. The interest in MINT subjects is particularly pronounced among young people: more and more of them are choosing mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology, as Vocatium reports.

A survey by the Deutsche Telekom Foundation shows that more and more talented students are taking up early studies at universities. In the 2018 summer semester there were almost 1,400 early students, almost half of whom were female. The MINT subjects on offer are particularly popular, with mathematics at the forefront. But even though the number of universities offering early study programs is constantly growing, there is an overall decline in early students. This is attributed, among other things, to the increased workload on students due to the shortening of school time.

Overcome challenges

The challenges for students should not be underestimated. Organizational skills are required because Alina and Ellen have to cleverly organize their timetable in order to meet the requirements of both the school and the university. In addition, many students struggle with problems such as a lack of living space and long waiting lists for dormitories, which makes integrating studies and everyday school life even more difficult.

The importance of MINT subjects is growing not only at school, but also at universities. A look at the statistics shows that in 2022, around 35% of new students in MINT subjects were women, an increase compared to 2002. However, the proportion of women is distributed very differently: While interior design has a proportion of women of 87%, this is only 8% in automotive technology. This shows how important it is to interest and motivate talented girls in technical careers at an early age. The overall figures show that despite some declines, the MINT disciplines are still attractive, as Destatis makes clear with its most recent surveys.

The early studies at the Technical University of Braunschweig is an exciting program that offers ambitious young people the opportunity to look beyond their school education and prepare for their academic career at an early stage. Not only is knowledge imparted here, but the foundation for a promising future is also laid.