... to university. Back in the lecture theatre at over 60 - more and more people are taking this step. More than 600 guest students attend lectures at the University of Oldenburg every semester.
On her fourth day of retirement, Altje Hasche attended her first lecture in philosophy. She moved almost directly from her job at the Higher Regional Court to the lecture theatre. "After 45 years in academic appointments, I just had to do something different," says Hasche. After six years as a guest student at the University of Oldenburg, the 71-year-old is still enthusiastic about what the university has to offer: "There is so much to see and learn on campus. It's always very stimulating and I can choose whatever interests me at the time."
From astrophysics to music history, from philosophy and literature to Computing Science - interested students can put together their own personal study programme from more than 700 courses at the University of Oldenburg. Lectures in medicine have also recently been opened up. In the winter semester 2025/25, 625 guest students were enrolled - more than ever before. The university is setting standards in the north-west of Germany.
"A particularly large number of interested students come from the baby boomers," reports Can Eroglu, who coordinates the guest student programme at the C3L - Centre for Lifelong Learning at the University of Oldenburg. Apparently, many of the so-called baby boomers are using the end of their working lives to devote themselves to science and education. One of them is Dietmar Spille The former business graduate wants to actively utilise the passive phase of his partial retirement and "do something different from the last 35 years", while "deepening my knowledge and staying involved". In order to better participate in current discourse, the man in his mid-sixties is taking a series of lectures on the effects of global climate change, for example.
Both guest students put together their studies from very different subject areas, usually two to three courses a week, and mainly attend courses in which they have little or no prior knowledge. "I don't know them. Sounds interesting. I'll do it," is Hashe's motto. The two have already attended lectures in philosophy, sociology, astrophysics, business ethics, environmental education, history and politics.
The guest lecture programme, also known as Studium Generale in Oldenburg, was launched in 1983 and since then, inquisitive students have been attending courses at the university without being enrolled on a degree course. They are mainly older people - but not only. The youngest guest student at the University of Oldenburg is 15 years old. She attends science lectures on Mondays and is given time off from school to attend. The longest enrolled student is a 90-year-old.
What the generations have in common in the guest student programme: They want to deepen their knowledge, learn new things and exchange ideas. While younger guest students orientate themselves for their choice of study or career, those in employment continue their education or explore the possibilities of a new start. For many older people, it is important to stay mentally fit, receive inspiration and exchange ideas. There are plenty of opportunities to do this in the lecture theatre, on campus and in the canteen. Many lecturers also find the life and professional experience that guest students bring to some seminars enriching. The different perspectives of the generations often lead to interesting discussions.
Guest students can also attend the series of lectures on philosophy in Oldenburg. The Institute of Philosophy and the C3L cooperate with the Karl Jaspers Society on this lecture series. Another programme that opens up the university: In the "Blickwinkel" series, academics provide insights into research. A special programme of courses during the semester is aimed primarily at older students.
As with the guest lecture programme, interest in the lecture series is also higher than ever before, with more than 400 participants. Many educational programmes are now offered in hybrid form - around half of the participants take part online and half on site. By enrolling, guest students also gain access to university-related services. They can use the canteens, libraries and the wide range of university sports programmes.
Contact
Can Eroglu (C3L), T +49(0)441 798-2276, E studium.generale@uni-oldenburg.de
Wei Qing Hellwig (C3L), T +49(0)441 798-2275, E