Is a university degree still worth it for the job search?

LinkedIn Economic Graph 2025: 40% of job postings on LinkedIn no longer list a university degree as a mandatory requirement — a reversal from 2015. WEF: skills-based hiring is growing globally. On the other hand: in Germany, a university degree remains indispensable for many management levels and regulated professions (law, medicine, teaching). Cedefop and OECD AI Principles show: combination profiles of higher education + practical further training + AI competency are the most employable. ILO Youth Employment 2024: youth unemployment is a problem despite formal qualifications when skills gaps exist — a degree alone is not enough. Recommendation: yes to university, but combined with practical projects and current digital competencies.