Timed to take place just a few days before ICEF Berlin, The PIE Live Germany is bringing together the key policymakers to discuss Germany’s meteoric rise as a study destination.
The PIE News takes a sneak preview at what to look out for in the voll agenda.
1. Bigger than Canada, but can Germany avoid the mistakes of the other study destinations?
Immigration politics, social licence and unemployment; the international recruitment sector has been a victim of its own success in recent years, with rapid growth triggering political curbs on study visas and post-study work rights in major study destinations.
Management of numbers elsewhere has only served to supercharge Germany’s appeal – but can it manage growth alongside maintaining public support for the value of international students?
The PIE will be talking to stakeholders from DAAD, the German Rectors’ Conference (HRK), public and private universities to explore if this is sustainable growth or a bubble that may burst.
2. Saxony-Anhalt election: what It means for Germany and the EU
The Saxony-Anhalt elections mark a new political watershed, with a party officially classified as right‑wing extremist achieving a dominant first place in the state elections. The Alternative für Deutschland’s (AfD) victory follows the rise of anti-immigration politics in the western world and could mark the start of a political powershift in other states and nations.
The PIE will be carefully canvassing opinion and exploring a new era for universities in this political climate that might require a coalition. Could fees increase, could visas be curbed? Expect candid discussion and sobering realities about an increasingly polarised society.
3. Public v private
There are two distinct pathways in Germany’s tertiary appeal for international students, and The PIE will be unpacking the market share and pull factors associated with each.
The first route is accessing traditional, research-intensive public universities, often STEM specialists, who offer free tuition but require C1 level German as a standard entry requirement. These universities don’t have to recruit; the demand is often organic.
The other route is modern, private universities and international branch campuses that are sophisticated recruiters specifically catering for international students who want industry-orientated degrees taught in English.
We will explore this landscape and how it is evolving under increased volume, scrutiny and in a changing world for graduate employability.
4. International branch campuses, franchises and cross-border institutions
Cross-border higher education is top of the agenda these days and German is a hub for various articulation models, branch campuses and alliances. When doors have been closed elsewhere, Germany has been open to innovation and many British universities and Europe-wide institutions have moved in.
Meet the leaders and the students from these institutions and satellite hubs, and find out more about how they maintain teaching standards and a sense of identity.
5. Sprechen Sie Deutsch?
Teaching in English language has undoubtedly been a huge factor in Germany’s ability to attract international applicants – but do they need to speak German to integrate and get a job?
This is a key question for the conference as language and skills specialists debate the necessary language requirements for teaching, learning and assessment, alongside the soft skills for living and thriving in Germany.
We will also hear from delegates from France and the Netherlands about their own experience of embracing English language medium degrees in non-native English-speaking countries.
6. Where are German students choosing to study abroad?
As one of the largest and wealthiest European populations, Germany continues to support many students to study abroad at the world’s most prestigious universities.
Alexandra Michel has spent her career offering careers advice to her compatriots about how to access the world’s best universities, and she will be offering valuable insights into the types of questions and concerns the latest generation are raising.
It is hard to turn down free education, but some German students see opportunities around the world to expand their horizons and capitalise on the changing power in the world.
7. The next decade: looking ahead to 2036
The traditional international education playbook is being challenged by technological disruption, demographic change, new mobility patterns, and evolving learner expectations.
Our expert speakers will explain how Germany’s institutions adapting. Often described as ‘disruptor’ institutions, we gathered a group of forward-looking educators to showcase innovative approaches to recruitment, partnerships, student support, digital transformation, and lifelong learning.
Join sector leaders as they explore what’s changing, what’s emerging, and how Germany can shape the future of international education rather than simply respond to it.
8. Ich bin ein Berliner
Berlin is one of the best cities in the world and the perfect place to stand in solidarity for the international education sector. The PIE, working with ICEF and Made Impact, has timed our event to maximise the sector representation in Berlin between 29 October and 4 November 2026.
Refresh, reinspire and represent as we draw the end of a hectic year in international education. Enjoy the cultural feast of Berlin with sector friends and colleagues, including The PIE Live Germany drinks receptions and meet-ups. Expect delegates from all over the world to be flying in for what promises to be an action-packed few days.
9. Marketing in an AI world
Generation Alpha spots inauthentic content fast. A major theme for The PIE Live events in 2026 has been exploring what transparent marketing really looks like in an AI-driven world, and how institutions can use AI in student recruitment without losing authenticity.
We will be taking the German institutional view on this topic and exploring what innovations are happening in Europe to help support this work. Marketing masterclasses from EduOpinions and EducationCubed are just some of the insight gems lined up for delegates.
10. One in three international students stay in Germany until retirement
Germany’s 2023 international student cohort could generate a €23.1 billion surplus for public finances but stronger pathways into employment remain essential. Explore the many initiatives to help international students contribute to the German economy after graduation.
From the STEM skills gap to medical and research pathways, Germany is being proactive about what education is needed to help the country thrive in an uncertain future. Explore case studies and the data as we map the employability landscape.
See the full agenda and book your ticket to The PIE Live Germany 2026 here.
