Against the backdrop of the changing further education systems within Europe within the scope of the Bologna process this report provides information about the social and economic framework conditions of studies in Germany's further education system. The conditions in life and studies of students at German Universities are compared to those of students in other European countries. The international comparison is based on a survey of more than 200,000 students carried out in the period between 2008 and 2010 in 25 countries. This report covers nine different topics, from accessing the University and financing the studies to studies-related foreign mobility. In addition to the European comparison, further in-depth national analyses for Germany are presented. The synopsis of both levels allows for a standardised international comparison under consideration of the specific University context in Germany. This report is a significant contribution to the ongoing debate about the "social dimension of University education" in Germany as well as in the foreign countries within Europe and represents a starting point for further policy-relevant analyses.