Migrationsspezifische Unterschiede bei der Studienfachwahl

Abstract

This article deals with the question whether students with a migration background differ from students without migration background in their choice of major. In view of current research and with reference to the immigrant optimism hypothesis, it is assumed that migrants show higher aspirations and are more likely to choose more prestigious subjects than non-migrants. In addition, it is assumed that there are differences according to country of origin. Multinomial regression analyses using data from the 2012 and 2015 DZHW survey of school leavers with higher education entrance qualification show that students with a Turkish background choose prestigious subject groups more often than students without migration background. This difference can be partly explained by the immigrant optimism hypothesis. Students from the former Soviet Union choose maths, computer science or natural sciences more often and a teaching degree less often than non-migrants. The latter also applies to graduates with Polish or Romanian roots compared to those without a migration background.