German 12-Year-Old Enrolls in University, Challenging Educational Norms

In a remarkable story that has captured attention, a 12-year-old girl from Germany has begun her studies in economics at the University of Bonn, having graduated from high school at the age of 11. This achievement likely makes her the youngest graduate in German history, completing her education in just six years.
The gifted student, Lina Haider, expressed her excitement about the university experience, stating that she finds her current studies more enjoyable than school, remarking, "Studying at university is fun and better than school."
Lina noted that she often felt bored during her school years, while university offers her greater freedom to manage her time and engage with more complex scientific content.
Her familiarity with academic environments is not entirely new, as she had participated in university-level courses during her schooling through a special program for gifted students, which eased her transition.
Lina is recognized as an exceptional talent, possessing a notably high IQ. She completed her schooling in just six years, rapidly advancing through several grades—from first to fifth, then to eighth, tenth, eleventh, and finally twelfth.
Her family confirmed that Lina's passion for learning emerged early; she was asking to read lengthy texts by the age of one and could count to ten by two. By eleven, she had tackled complex literary works such as "Faust - Part 1" and "Faust - Part 2."
Regarding the age difference with her university peers, Lina stated that it poses no barrier, as she is accustomed to interacting with older individuals. She also mentioned that two friends who graduated high school with her are studying at the University of Bonn, and she is making new acquaintances, saying, "I haven't felt excluded yet."
Looking ahead, Lina plans to first obtain her bachelor's degree and may travel abroad later. She is also interested in various other subjects, including biology, the German language, politics, and society, and does not rule out taking additional courses alongside her primary studies.
Lina Haider's story is not just an academic milestone; it exemplifies an early passion for science and an exceptional determination that challenges traditional educational pathways.
