German students score lowest on PISA science, reading, mathematics
The 2025 PISA study, coordinated by the OECD and led in Germany by TUM's Centre for International Student Assessment, found that 15-year-olds in Germany achieved their lowest scores in science (486 points), reading (465 points), and mathematics (464 points) since the studies began, placing Germany at the OECD average level. About one-fifth of 15-year-olds lack sufficient basic skills in all three areas, and the proportion of students lacking basic competencies has doubled in reading and mathematics since 2015. The correlation between science skills and socioeconomic status in Germany has reached its highest level since PISA studies began, roughly three times stronger than in Canada, with only 2 percent of students from disadvantaged families achieving high proficiency compared to around 25 percent from privileged families. The study assessed approximately 6,700 representative German students at about 250 schools, with approximately 760,000 students worldwide across 91 countries and regions participating.
