The corollary is that while public universities, certainly in Germany, will admit almost anyone regardless of grades or pre-admission exams, the introductory co

The corollary is that while public universities, certainly in Germany, will admit almost anyone regardless of grades or pre-admission exams, the introductory courses will drive 40-50% away within the first two terms of any STEM degree. There is no grading on a curve, no endless midterms to pass a course despite failing the final - most of the time a single 2h final exam will entirely determine your passing grade, and it's not uncommon to have 60% of a cohort fail. Fail the same course three times and you are out right there and then, permanently barred from continuing your studies for the same degree. It's like hiring based on bullshit (cough essays) or work samples.