According to a DAAD snapshot survey, which included responses from 200 German universities, the country will be home to some 405,000 students in the 2024/25 winter semester, compared to around 380,000 in 2023/34.
The number of international first-semester students has also risen to 88,000 this winter semester, compared to around 82,000 last year, the data showed.
Growth is particularly notable among postgraduate students, with 56% of universities surveyed reporting significant increases in their numbers, while only 16% observed a decline.
The survey also revealed that nearly 90% of institutions have seen stable or growing numbers of newly enrolled international students.
Over half of the universities reported an increase and a third noted substantial growth of 10% or more. Approximately a third of institutions reported no change, while just over 10% experienced a decline.
We should do more in science, business, and society to open up career prospects in Germany for young people who come here from all over the world to study
Dr Joybrato Mukherjee, DAAD
“German universities are demonstrably very attractive for international students,” said DAAD president Dr. Joybrato Mukherjee.
“In times of an increasingly noticeable shortage of skilled workers, we should do more in science, business, and society to open up career prospects in Germany for young people who come here from all over the world to study.”
The survey also provided data regarding Germany’s top 10 source markets for international students.
While most universities reported an increase in newly enrolled students from India, Turkey, Iran, Ukraine, and Pakistan, the majority saw a decline in enrolments from Syria, Austria, and Russia compared to the previous year.
For China and Italy, roughly equal numbers of universities reported respective increases and decreases in enrolments.
The survey further noted slower growth rates in newly enrolled international guest and exchange students, including those not aiming to complete a degree in Germany.
According to the findings, 41% of universities reported increased numbers of these students, 37% reported stable numbers, and 22% reported a decline.
In line with the recently released Global Enrolment Benchmark Report, the DAAD also asked universities to identify key challenges international students face in Germany.
The results showed that entry policies and the visa allocation process (83%), the availability of affordable housing (75%), and the cost of studying and living (69%) were the most significant obstacles.
Although India and China, with nearly 50,000 and 40,000 students respectively, remain Germany’s largest international student source markets, the introduction of APS certificates in both countries has caused visa processing delays and intake deferrals in recent years.
Additionally, German organisations, including the DAAD, have called for more affordable student housing to achieve the goals outlined in Germany’s new internationalisation strategy.
“In Germany, we urgently need more affordable accommodation for both domestic and international students. This is essential for maintaining Germany’s status as a centre of business and innovation,” stated Mukherjee.
In Germany, we urgently need more affordable accommodation for both domestic and international students
Dr. Joybrato Mukherjee, DAAD
Regarding planned campus developments, German universities identified several initiatives as somewhat or very likely.
These include expanding English-language degree programs (56%), increasing international student enrolment targets (48%), and exploring new target markets in international university marketing (43%).
Experts previously told The PIE News that the growth in English-language master’s programs in the country has significantly enhanced the appeal of German universities and their study offerings.
In contrast, most universities deemed other initiatives as rather or very unlikely, such as greater use of AI in university marketing (41%), significant changes to subjects and degree programs (66%), expanding online study programs (70%), and, most notably, lowering the required German language proficiency level for admission (85%).
