Germany is projected to host around 405,000 international students in the 2024/25 winter semester, a notable increase from approximately 380,000 in the previous year, according to a recent DAAD survey that gathered input from 200 German universities. The survey also revealed a rise in the number of first-semester international students, reaching 88,000 this winter, compared to 82,000 last year.
Postgraduate student enrollment has seen significant growth, with 56% of universities reporting increases, while only 16% observed a decrease. Nearly 90% of institutions have experienced stable or growing numbers of international students, with over half of the universities noting increases and a third highlighting substantial growth of 10% or more. A small percentage of institutions (just over 10%) reported declines.
DAAD President Dr. Joybrato Mukherjee emphasized that German universities remain highly attractive to international students. He also pointed out the growing shortage of skilled workers and advocated for increased efforts to offer career opportunities in Germany for international students, particularly in fields such as science and business.
The survey also examined the top source countries for international students in Germany. While enrollments from India, Turkey, Iran, Ukraine, and Pakistan increased, institutions reported declines in students from Syria, Austria, and Russia. For China and Italy, the changes were more balanced, with some universities seeing increases and others reporting decreases.
Growth in international guest and exchange students has been slower, with 41% of universities noting an increase in these students, 37% reporting stable numbers, and 22% observing a decline.
The survey highlighted several challenges international students face in Germany, including visa processing and entry policies (83%), affordable housing availability (75%), and the costs of studying and living (69%). The introduction of APS certificates in India and China has caused delays in visa processing and deferred enrollments in recent years. Additionally, there is a call from German organizations, including the DAAD, for more affordable student housing to support Germany’s internationalization strategy.
Dr. Mukherjee stressed the urgent need for more affordable accommodation for both domestic and international students to maintain Germany’s competitive edge in business and innovation.
German universities are planning several initiatives to enhance their appeal, including expanding English-language degree programs (56%), setting higher international student enrollment targets (48%), and targeting new markets in international university marketing (43%). However, many universities are less inclined to implement other changes, such as expanding online study options or lowering German language proficiency requirements for admission.
