Abstract
An in-depth analysis of the funding of higher education in Germany was carried out, focusing on the role of the public sector. In 2023, the state took over 60 % of higher education funding, with almost two thirds of these funds going to universities. Almost half of the public support to private households went to students’ parents. Students received the rest as transfers in cash and in kind. Due to the complexity of the funding system, the strong focus on parent-related support and insufficient funding, the objectives of effectiveness, efficiency, transparency, and steerability are jeopardised or not achieved to varying degrees.