Evaluation of a pilot project for vocationally qualified people in Hesse

Since the winter semester 2016/17, vocationally qualified people (mittlerer Schulabschluss and vocational training completed with a grade of 2.5 or better) have been allowed to study at universities and universities of applied sciences in the state of Hesse as part of a pilot project. This paper presents the evaluation results of this project, which show that vocationally qualified students (N = 572) are not more likely to drop out in the first year of study than traditional students. For both traditionally and vocationally qualified students, a successful start to their studies (ECTS achieved in the first semester) is crucial for a successful course of study. Studies related to vocational training as well as studies at universities of applied science are more likely mastered successfully.