Germany Hits Record High with 380k International Student Enrollment

International students studying in Germany have multiplied to stand at around 3,80,000, according to new data by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). Germany has set a milestone for international students. It has become a hotspot destination for international students from different parts of the world, and over 379,900 international students have registered to study in Germany at various universities during the winter semester of the 2023-2024 academic year, a 3% rise from the previous year.

This Story also Contains

1. Increase in First-year International Students
2. Germany showcasing consistent growth in international student enrollment
3. Top German regions as international study abroad destinations around the world
4. English-Taught Programs as a Key Attraction
5. India and China's Consistent Presence in Germany’s Top Student Markets

While currently accounting for almost 13% of the student population, Germany is believed to be an even more common destination for international students in Europe than the United Kingdom.

The majority of students within Germany's international student population are from Asia. Most came from China with 38,700 and India with 49,000. Nearly 18,100 Turkish students have enrolled in place for the first time as the third-largest supplier. In descending order come Syria with 13,400, Austria with 15,400, and Iran with 15,200.

Increase in First-year International Students

In 2022 alone, the country saw nearly 114,700 new international student applications in different German universities, setting a new record. It clearly pointed towards the growing fascination of students for studying in different universities in Germany, especially those who were pursuing postgraduate and doctoral programs.

Germany showcasing consistent growth in international student enrollment

“Since 2010, the country has seen a consistent growth in the number of international student enrolments. It witnessed a linear trend with a year-on-year increase of 4-6%”, says Kai Sicks, the general secretary of DAAD. Unlike other study abroad nations, which experience a steep rise and fall, Germany has seen a gradual and consistent increase, indicating a well-planned and sustainable international student attraction effort. DAAD President Prof Dr Joybrato Mukherjee explained “The rising number of international students is an extremely positive development for our country, which urgently needs more skilled labour,”.

Top German regions as international study abroad destinations around the world

There are international students in various universities based in specific regions of Germany. North Rhine-Westphalia stands out with the highest number of 78,500 students. It is followed by Bavaria with 61,400 students and then Berlin with 40,800 students. The regions have established themselves as destinations for learning due to quality institutions and an excellent environment for international learners.

Also Read:

• Top Universities in Germany

• Germany Student Visa

English-Taught Programs as a Key Attraction

Germany has strategically increased the number of master's and doctoral programs taught in English in the universities, making it a key attraction for international students. This open invitation sets the stage with immense opportunities for students worldwide.

Including the master's course in English has set the country on a different pedestal for students and made it one of their favourite study abroad destinations in the world. According to Monika Jungbauer-Gans, Scientific Director at DZHW, "It will be essential to maintain our commitment to further improve their academic performance in bachelor's and master's programs to achieve even higher gains in student numbers."

India and China's Consistent Presence in Germany’s Top Student Markets

China and India remained the number one and number two source countries of international students coming to Germany for a fifth year running. India was the source country of the most international students in Germany, with 42,578 out of 458,210 international students enrolled in 2022-2023, or 11.6% of all those students. China was the second-ranking nation, with 38,743 international students studying in Germany last academic year, or 10.5% of all those students.

Germany will maintain a superior position among the European destinations preferred by international students seeking quality education as long as it continues to open up its institutions in all fields of study. Germany to attract even more international students in the future