In 2024, public budgets spent an average of €10,500 per pupil in state‑run schools-a nominal rise of about €700, or 7 %, compared with 2023. This marks the steepest increase since 2019 and is mainly driven by higher personnel costs, which took up 75 % of the total spending (€7,900 per student). The remaining funds were allocated to current operating expenses (€1,500, 14 %) and to capital investments (€1,100, 11 %).
The spending varies by school type. Across all general‑education schools, the average reached €11,300 per student, a jump of roughly €700 (7 %) over the previous year. Primary schools spent about €9,000 per pupil, integrated comprehensive schools about €12,500, and secondary schools (Gymnasien) about €11,700. In contrast, vocational schools recorded much lower spending at €7,600 per student-a €500 increase (7 %) from 2023. The lower figure reflects the predominance of part‑time lessons in the dual training system.
Per‑student expenditures increased in every federal state. The strongest gains were seen in Bremen, Brandenburg, and Hesse, each rising by 11 %. Berlin led the country with the highest spending at €13,700 per student, followed by Hamburg at €13,200 and Bavaria at €11,900. Saxony‑Anhalt recorded the lowest average, at €9,100 per student. Variations across states reflect not only differing school structures and curricula but also disparities in teacher‑student ratios, pay scales, building management practices, and the timing of investment programmes.
