This no longer has anything to do with the flexibility semester planned in Germany. Admittedly, David Marjot probably doesn't need study support similar to Bafög. He completed his training as a doctor 72 years ago. Now aged 95, the retired psychiatrist has upped the ante and completed a master's degree at Kingston University in London.

His recent degree in Modern European Philosophy was "hard work," and his memory was no longer what it used to be, he said, according to an article the university published online. »I was lucky to have world-class lecturers. It was a very positive experience,” said Marjot. According to the university, Marjot is the oldest graduate in its history.

Older students repeatedly make headlines. In 2022, a then 98-year-old completed his master's degree in Palermo, Italy. In Germany, too, people of retirement age return to university - for example as guest students. However, some universities have age limits for applicants.

According to the Federal Statistical Office, almost 190,000 people who were 37 years old or older were enrolled at German universities in the 2022/2023 winter semester. There are no statistics beyond this age.

Anyone who enrolls at university again in old age is taking a risk, Marjot told the BBC. “But the most important thing is that you do it if you are interested in it.” And Marjot's interest is not broken - on the contrary: according to the BBC, he is considering a part-time doctorate. At the end of it he could be 102 years old. »I think it's important to challenge yourself. Even when you get older.«

Marjot's wife died after 65 years of marriage, according to the report. The university course helped him keep his mind busy.

Diversity of generations

His professor at Kingston University, Stella Sandorf, told the BBC: "David came to Kingston after an already illustrious career and brought a lot of knowledge and experience to the class discussions." Diversity makes for more interesting discussions, said Sandorf. “We must not forget that this also includes generational diversity.”

And Marjot also has tips for people who, like him, are considering returning to the education system when they are older. It was a risk, he told the BBC,

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