University of Saarland loses students as HTW Saarland enrolment rises

The University of Saarland has recorded a modest decline in student numbers for the 2026-27 winter semester, while the Saarland University of Applied Sciences, known as HTW Saarland, has reported an increase in both new entrants and total enrolment.

The University of Saarland currently has around 15,800 students, approximately 300 fewer than a year earlier, according to figures released at the start of the semester. Its first-year intake has also fallen slightly.

As of Oct 7, 2,263 students had begun their studies at the university, compared with 2,304 recorded on October 6, 2025.

International student numbers increase

Despite the overall decline, the University of Saarland has reported a small rise in international enrolment.

The university currently has around 3,823 international students, compared with 3,787 in the previous year. International students account for approximately 24% of its total student population.

University president Ludger Santen cited demographic change and the return to a nine-year secondary-school pathway in some German states as possible reasons for the decline in enrolment.

HTW Saarland reports nearly 10% rise in first-year students

HTW Saarland has recorded a contrasting trend, with provisional figures showing 1,645 first-year students enrolled at the start of October. This represents an increase of nearly 10% from 1,498 in the previous year.

The institution’s overall student population has also grown, rising to 6,078 from 5,905 a year earlier.

The university said its newer programmes, including business psychology, had attracted strong interest from applicants. However, demand for engineering programmes remained below expectations.

Teaching for the 2026-27 winter semester began at both institutions on Oct 12.