New Study Reveals the Hidden Struggles of First-Gen Vet Students —And Why It Matters

A new study is shining a light on a rarely discussed issue in veterinary education: the impact of social background on student success. Despite Germany’s tuition-free university system, being the first in your family to attend college still comes with major hurdles—and veterinary medicine is no exception.

The nationwide survey, conducted in spring 2023, gathered responses from over 1,500 veterinary students across Germany. The findings revealed that about 40% of vet students identify as first-generation students (FGS)—a group that faces significant financial and academic challenges when compared to their continuing-generation peers (CGS), whose parents also pursued higher education.

The differences were striking. First-gen students were twice as likely to describe their financial situation as poor or very poor. And while both groups worked during school at similar rates, their reasons diverged. CGS students were more likely to work for extra spending money, whereas FGS often worked out of necessity, with many citing that their income sources simply weren’t enough.

Financial pressure wasn’t the only factor. FGS students were also more likely to have started their studies with prior vocational training and entered vet school with slightly lower high school grades on average. Despite these challenges, dropout considerations were similar between the two groups—but FGS were more likely to cite money as the driving force behind their doubts.

The study reveals that parental education level continues to shape not only who chooses to enter the field of veterinary medicine, but also how students navigate the journey once they’re in. Researchers call for increased awareness and targeted support services to ensure that all students, regardless of background, have an equal shot at academic and professional success.

In a profession already grappling with workforce shortages, well-being concerns, and diversity gaps, this study is a wake-up call: equity in veterinary education doesn’t stop at free tuition—it starts with understanding the full picture of student experiences.