According to a snapshot survey by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), Germany is forecast to welcome some 405,000 international students in the 2024/2025 winter semester. This marks a 7% surge in numbers versus the same period last year (380,000 in 2023/2024).
Notable growth
Data also showed that the number of international first-semester students rose to 88,000 in this winter semester period, compared to around 82,000 last year. Moreover, over half (56%) of universities surveyed revealed increases in postgraduate students.
Institutions also reported stable or growing numbers of newly enrolled international students, with the majority noting an uptick and a third stating a substantial growth (10% or more). One of the largest contributors to these spikes is the growth in English-language master’s programs in Germany, which has played a significant role in helping the country reach record-high numbers in international education.
“German universities are demonstrably very attractive for international students,” said DAAD president Dr. Joybrato Mukherjee. He further mentioned the need to “do more in science, business and society” to open up career opportunities for foreigners coming to study in the country.
Top source markets
The DAAD survey also highlighted Germany’s top source markets for international students. India and China remain the country’s largest senders, with nearly 50,000 and 40,000 students, respectively. Improvements were also seen in newly enrolled students from Turkey, Iran, Ukraine and Pakistan.
Slower growth rates were recorded in newly enrolled international guest and exchange students. Overall, however, 41% of universities reported higher numbers of these students, while 37% reported stable numbers and 22% reported a decline.
Key challenges for international students
Universities surveyed shared key challenges that their international students face in Germany. Among the most pressing ones include:
- entry policies and the visa allocation process
- availability of affordable housing
- cost of studying and living.
Initiatives for improvement
German organisations are calling for more initiatives to address obstacles hampering international student entry and experience. These include the creation of more affordable student housing – which also coincides with the country’s new internationalisation strategy. Planned campus developments are also likely soon, such as:
- expanding English-language degree programs
- increasing international student enrolment targets
- exploring new target markets in international university marketing.
As Germany gears up to flourish as another prime study-abroad destination, we are ready to assist you and your students explore opportunities in the region. Get in touch with our business development experts to know more.
