In a recent survey, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) garnered responses from over 20,000 students at around 130 German universities about their future in Germany.
Among the two-thirds of international students who viewed staying in Germany after graduation positively, those studying economics, engineering, and computer science were the most enthusiastic, according to the survey.
Moreover, the survey found that among those planning to stay back, nearly half (49%) are interested in starting a business in Germany, where fostering “business dynamism” and addressing key labour shortages are seen as crucial to reviving economic growth.
“Two thirds want to stay after graduation, and half are thinking about starting a business. That shows: Anyone studying in Germany today wants to help shape the future of our country,” commented Joybrato Mukherjee, president, DAAD.
“This is a great opportunity, especially in view of the shortage of skilled labour and demographic change. We should make the best possible use of it.”
Germany, amid major demographic shifts such as declining birth rates and a shrinking working-age population, could face a skilled worker shortfall of 768,000 by 2028, according to the German Economic Institute.
The country also issued a record 200,000 professional visas to skilled job seekers in 2024, a 10% increase from last year, through its “Opportunity Card” program.
If we want to attract international students as future skilled workers, we need to prepare them better for the labour market
Joybrato Mukherjee, DAAD
While career prospects in Germany, along with affordable degree programs and a wide range of English-language courses, remain attractive to international students, DAAD noted that many are seeking greater support in building a career there.
The survey found that only about one-third of international students feel prepared to start a career in Germany, with many seeking more support through career services, language programs, and professional networking opportunities.
“If we want to attract international students as future skilled workers, we need to prepare them better for the labour market,” stated Mukherjee.
“This requires targeted programs at universities and more staff who are permanently available to universities for this task. We at DAAD are also active here as part of our skilled labour initiative with funding opportunities for universities.”
According to Shettima Ali, who studied engineering in Germany and co-founded xTID, a startup aimed at helping verify the education credentials of international applicants, the country’s strong economy, high STEM demand, and competitive salaries are major draws, but language barriers and bureaucracy remain significant challenges.
“Learning German is tough with my busy schedule as a part-time research assistant and startup co-founder, but I’m addressing this by attending language classes when possible and immersing myself in German-speaking environments,” Ali told The PIE News.
“Bureaucratic processes, such as registering a company, securing a self-employment visa, and navigating tax laws, involve complex documentation. I rely on translation apps, support from startup hubs, and legal support to manage these challenges.”
As per the DAAD survey, while English remains an important recruitment tool, especially as master’s students often prioritise the option to complete a full degree in the language, many are also keen to improve their German language skills.
The organisation found that half of all international undergraduate students were studying in German, with 49% possessing language skills at B2 level or higher.
Among those studying in English, 63% said they improved their German through language courses taken alongside their main degree, a development DAAD views as key to integrating international students into the labour market.
While 52% of international students want to stay in the state where they studied and 36% plan to remain near their university, Ali notes that each region in Germany offers unique opportunities worth considering before deciding to relocate.
“Oldenburg, where I live and work, offers ample opportunities in the growing tech sector, with research hubs like OFFIS and DLR, and companies like EWE AG driving demand for STEM professionals,” stated Ali.
“However, I’m also not closed to the idea of relocating. For example, a city like Heilbronn, where I trained in software engineering and worked at an entrepreneurship hub, has a thriving startup ecosystem.”
For international students, Germany is no longer just a place to study or consider starting a business, its tech and innovation strengths, consistently highlighted by DAAD, are central to the country’s 2030 strategy.
While various nationalities are set to benefit from Germany’s relaxed rules for international students and graduates pursuing careers, the largest cohort, Indian students, are already reaping the rewards, according to officials.
“Between 2012 and 2024, the number of officially registered Indian employees with jobs in STEM areas has grown from around 7,000 to more than 53,000. This represents a growth rate of more than 600%,” a spokesperson for the German Embassy in India told The PIE.
“Growth is even higher in academic STEM jobs – from around 3,750 (2012) to more than 32,000 (2024). Indians are also playing and increasingly important role in Germany’s innovation ecosystem.”
According to the spokesperson, Germany also saw a fivefold rise in Indian-origin innovators and inventors between 2010 and 2020, “many of whom contributed to patent registrations in information and communication technologies and electronics”.
But international students from several of Germany’s major source countries, including India and China, Türkiye, Austria, Iran, Syria, Russia, Pakistan, and others, are broadly economically beneficial to the country.
Moreover, a recent DAAD study found that they contribute eight times more to public budgets than the government spends on them.
With international students in Germany now offsetting the decline in domestic intake in STEM programs, as their enrollments rose by 95% between 2003 and 2013, while German student enrollments fell by 24% over the same period, some believe it is important for the country to sustain this momentum.
“The question isn’t whether students will come to Germany as a study destination, in my opinion, it’s how Germany can continue making the country the most attractive option for global talent,” stated Priya Nayar, executive director, University Alliance Ruhr.
“Universities have strong networks within industry, government, and civil society, and we will continue leveraging these to advocate for sustained support of research and international collaboration.”
