The number of international students at German universities has increased significantly again in the current winter term. According to a snapshot study by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), more than 400,000 international students are currently enrolled at German universities.
According to DAAD forecasts, the number of international students in the first semester is also increasing, reaching just under 90,000. 200 universities from all over Germany participated in the study.
“German universities are clearly very attractive to international students. With the shortage of skilled workers becoming increasingly pronounced, we aim to open career possibilities in Germany to young people who come to study from all over the world.” We need to do more in science, business and society,” said DAAD Chairman Professor Joybrat Mukherjee. . DAAD is already implementing this as part of its Skilled Worker Initiative.
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Since the beginning of this year, the initiative has supported 104 universities to further facilitate the transition of international students into pre-school, in-school and labor market environments. It is also important to address the issues identified in the university survey.
“Germany, for example, urgently needs more affordable accommodation for German and international students. This is also essential for Germany’s continued success as a center for business and innovation,” DAAD Chairman continued.
DAAD estimates that approximately 90% of universities report stable or increasing numbers of new international students. More than half of the universities surveyed reported an increase in numbers, and a third reported a sharp increase (more than 10 percent).
A further third reported no change, while a significant 10 percent of universities reported a decrease. Based on the responses, DAAD predicts the number of international students for the current winter term of 2024/25 to be approximately 405,000, compared to approximately 380,000 in the previous winter term. This represents approximately 7% growth over the current winter semester.
The number of first-year international students at German universities has also increased significantly, with DAAD forecasting that around 88,000 young people from all over the world are enrolling at German universities for the first time.
Last winter term, this figure was 82,000, representing a 7% increase. As in 2023, this increase is due to the training of regular international students (those scheduled to graduate). This is especially true for master’s degree students. More than half (56%) of universities surveyed reported a significant increase in numbers, while less than a fifth (16%) reported a decrease.
As part of its rapid review, DAAD asked the universities it surveyed to list the typical barriers for international students to access study locations. From a university perspective, these include difficulties in immigration policies and visa allocation processes (83%), availability of affordable housing (75%), and cost of study and living (69%). will appear.
