Social and academic integration of refugees at German universities: a comparative approach

Germany is one of the most popular destinations for international students and is among the countries that host the most refugees worldwide. Although some studies have examined the social and academic integration of international students in German higher education degree programs, this perspective has not yet considered refugee students. Moreover, no comparative research has been conducted between these student groups and native students. We use a large representative survey of students at German higher education institutions to investigate and compare levels and determinants of the social and academic integration of native, domestic, international, domestic refugee, and international refugee students. We find that refugee students with both foreign and domestic schooling have lower levels of social and academic integration than native as well as other domestic and international students. Structural restrictions, such as financial difficulties and housing situations, appear as important determinants. We discuss implications for further research and policy.