The unemployment rate for those holding academic degrees has risen for the third straight year, according to fresh data from the Federal Employment Agency (BA) cited by the business magazine “Capital”. The numbers show a steady upward trend: 2.2 % in 2022, 2.5 % in 2023, 2.9 % in 2024 and 3.3 % in 2025. Berlin has the highest rate among the states at 5.6 %, while Baden‑Württemberg and Hesse report the lowest rates, each at 2.6 %.
The BA attributes the increase mainly to a tense economic climate. “A university degree still offers excellent protection against unemployment, but it does not provide comprehensive safety in times of crisis” explained Martina Musati, Regional Director of the BA in Baden‑Württemberg.
Despite the higher percentage, the average duration of unemployment for academics remains shorter. In 2025 the average spell lasted 267 days. By comparison, those with professional qualifications were unemployed for 491 days on average, and people without professional or academic qualifications for 557 days.
Overall, Germany counted 2,948,092 people without jobs in 2025, corresponding to a national unemployment rate of 6.3 %. Of these, 335,397 were university graduates.