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Germany has cemented its status as a top destination for international academics, with recent data from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) showing an all-time high in the number of foreign students and researchers.
The latest “Wissenschaft weltoffen” report reveals that Germany now hosts nearly 380,000 international students and over 75,000 researchers, positioning it as the leading European academic hub and second globally, after the United States.
India Leads in International Student Enrollment
According to the DAAD, Indian students and researchers play a significant role in Germany’s academic landscape. Currently, around 49,000 Indian students and 6,700 researchers are enrolled at German universities. These numbers place India as the top source country for international students in Germany, with China following closely behind at 38,700 students.
Highlighting Germany’s appeal, DAAD President Prof. Dr. Joybrato Mukherjee said, “These numbers demonstrate Germany’s ongoing appeal and underscore the importance of international collaboration in science and education.” He noted that the increase in English-language programs, especially at the Master’s level, has made Germany a global education magnet.
International Research Talent Flocks to German Institutions
Germany’s reputation as a center for research excellence continues to grow, with the country surpassing the United Kingdom in 2021 to become Europe’s top choice for international researchers.
Among Germany’s 75,000 foreign researchers, nearly 80 percent work at universities, with around 4,000 holding professor positions. The primary sources of research talent are India (6,700), China (5,900), and Italy (5,800).
Record-Breaking Growth in International Student Enrollment
In the winter semester of 2023-24, German universities reported a three percent rise in international student enrollment, reaching 379,900. This group now represents nearly 13 percent of the total student body in Germany. Particularly notable is the surge in first-year international students, with nearly 114,700 new enrollments in 2022, marking a record high. Germany’s top regions for international student enrollment include North Rhine-Westphalia, hosting 78,500 students, followed by Bavaria with 61,400, and Berlin at 40,800.
Challenges and Opportunities in Academic Mobility
While Germany has seen substantial growth in its international academic community, it faces the challenge of supporting this momentum through sustained investments in academic support and integration programs. These efforts are seen as crucial for the long-term success of Germany’s international students and researchers.
The DAAD report also notes global trends, with UNESCO estimating that 6.4 million students were studying outside their home countries in 2021, up nearly 60 percent from 2011. The United States remains the top global destination, hosting around 833,000 international students, followed by Germany in Europe.
Decline in German Students Abroad, Brexit Impact Cited
While Germany attracts international talent, fewer German students are pursuing education abroad. In 2021, around 138,000 Germans studied internationally, a slight decline compared to previous years.
Austria, the Netherlands, and Switzerland remain the most popular destinations. However, Brexit has led to a significant drop in German students in the United Kingdom, falling from 15,300 in 2018 to 11,100 in 2021, as increased tuition fees for foreign students deter many.
