Germany has reached a new peak in international student enrolment, with nearly 380,000 foreign students studying at its universities in the 2023/24 winter semester. This increase, reported by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), reflects a 3% rise from the previous year’s enrollment of approximately 370,000 international students. German universities are expanding English-taught programs, drawing students from India, China, Turkey, Austria, Iran, Syria and many more to address workforce needs and prioritise global academic partnerships.
International students now make up almost 13% of Germany’s student population which is a significant milestone in the country’s decade-long effort to internationalise its education sector. In the past year alone, Germany welcomed nearly 114,700 first-year international students, setting another record and highlighting the steady 4-6% growth rate seen in recent years. According to DAAD Secretary General Kai Sicks, this sustained increase is due to a combination of high-quality programs, increased English-language offerings and support for German language learning and cultural integration.
English-taught programs and cultural integration drive growth
A primary driver for international students is the availability of English-taught programs, particularly in master’s and doctoral studies. Germany’s strategy has centred on balancing these programs with opportunities for students to learn German, facilitating meaningful societal integration. Sicks emphasised that students’ success often correlates with their language skills, noting that mastering even basic German can enrich their university experience and help them form connections within the community.
Germany’s commitment to offering courses in English, combined with a strong support system for German language acquisition has created an appealing educational environment. “Our strategic approach as DAAD is to advocate for English-language programs while also providing students options to learn German,” Sicks explained.
Filling Germany’s skilled labour shortage
Germany’s focus on attracting international students aligns with its broader efforts to address skilled labour needs. Many international students, educated and trained within the German system, are seen as prime candidates to join the workforce. “International students are the optimal candidates because they are educated here, get to know the country, the language, and know what to expect when they stay,” Sicks said.
DAAD President Prof Dr Joybrato Mukherjee reinforced this sentiment, noting that Germany’s investment in its international student base poses a strategic advantage. “The rising number of international students is an extremely positive development for our country, which urgently needs more skilled labour,” he commented. Mukherjee added that this approach benefits Germany’s research landscape and strengthens the country’s international ties, with students often maintaining professional connections with Germany even if they return to their home countries.
Diverse international student community
Germany’s international student population reflects a wide range of nationalities. Indian students currently lead in numbers, with around 49,000 enrolled, followed by China with 38,700 students. Turkey ranks third with approximately 18,100 students, marking a notable shift as it joins Austria and Iran in the top five. North Rhine-Westphalia, Bavaria and Berlin host the highest numbers of international students, supporting the students through robust academic and community programs.
Germany’s role as a hub for international researchers
Germany has also become a major destination for international academics and researchers, surpassing the UK as Europe’s leading host country. Germany now ranks second only to the United States globally, with over 75,000 foreign researchers in the country, including around 4,000 professors. Most international researchers come from India (6,700), China (5,900) and Italy (5,800), contributing significantly to the nation’s academic and research institutions.
Prof Dr Monika Jungbauer-Gans, scientific director of the German Centre for Higher Education Research and Science Studies (DZHW), pointed out that the steady rise in international student enrolment demonstrates the strong appeal of German universities, even during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. “The number of international students at German universities has risen for 15 years in a row,” she said, underscoring the resilience and attractiveness of Germany’s educational programs.
Looking forward: a diverse, skilled future for Germany
Germany’s commitment to welcoming international students and researchers has solidified its position as a global education and research hub. The country’s approach balances academic rigour, cultural immersion and career readiness, offering students a comprehensive pathway to both personal and professional success. As Germany looks to meet its skilled labour demands and strengthen international partnerships, the record number of international students is one of the numerous foundations of its role as one of the top destinations for education and research.
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