Germany’s largest organization for international academic cooperation, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), has unveiled its 2030 strategy, marking a significant step in positioning the country as a leader in global innovation, science diplomacy, and higher education.
Celebrating its centenary this year, DAAD views its new strategy as a response to shifting global dynamics and an opportunity to enhance Germany’s role in international academia.
Navigating Global Challenges
Through Science and Cooperation Highlighting the need for a science-driven and internationally collaborative approach, DAAD President Prof. Dr. Joybrato Mukherjee emphasized that the world is undergoing rapid transformation, with geopolitical shifts and major global challenges redefining international cooperation.
“We are witnessing a time of profound change that demands a cross-border and science-based perspective,” Mukherjee noted. “To maintain Germany’s standing in the global academic landscape, we must strengthen transnational collaboration and develop evidence-based solutions to the pressing issues of our time.” Mukherjee stressed that DAAD’s mission goes beyond securing Germany’s position as an academic hub—it also involves working with global partners to address climate change, technological advancements, and social transformation.
Four Key Pillars: Science, Innovation, Diplomacy, and Social Cohesion
Over the next five years, DAAD will focus on four strategic objectives:
• Enhancing Germany’s position as a center for science, business, and innovation
• Developing solutions to global challenges through research and academic cooperation
• Expanding science diplomacy to navigate geopolitical complexities
• Promoting democracy and social cohesion through educational exchanges
These priorities reflect DAAD’s commitment to fostering international collaboration while adapting to evolving global conditions.
Germany’s Appeal to International Students on the Rise
Germany continues to be a leading destination for international students, a trend that aligns with DAAD’s strategy to attract global talent. A DAAD survey of 200 German universities projects that the number of international students will increase to 405,000 in the 2024/25 academic year, up from approximately 380,000 in 2023/24.
This surge in student numbers is seen as a key factor in strengthening Germany’s innovation ecosystem, with many international graduates choosing to stay and contribute to the country’s workforce. According to DAAD research, 65% of students pursuing degrees in Germany intend to remain post-graduation, with 36% already committed to staying.
Strategic Adjustments Amid Geopolitical Shifts
As global political landscapes evolve, DAAD is adapting its approach to international academic cooperation. The organization has intensified its focus on South Asia, increasing scholarships for the 2024/25 academic year and supporting female students in Afghanistan. Meanwhile, in Europe, DAAD has suspended collaborations with Russia while launching large-scale academic support programs for Ukraine. “Our new strategy is designed to provide both direction and flexibility in navigating these complex global shifts”, Mukherjee remarked.
A Century of Academic Exchange and Future Aspirations
Celebrating 100 years since its founding, DAAD remains committed to its core mission of facilitating international academic exchanges. The organization’s guiding principle, “change through exchange”, continues to shape its vision for the future. “As we mark a century of fostering academic collaboration, we remain dedicated to nurturing open-minded individuals and shaping global change through education,” Mukherjee affirmed.
With its 2030 strategy, DAAD is not only reinforcing Germany’s position in the global academic sphere but also contributing to broader discussions on science diplomacy, sustainability, and social progress in an era of unprecedented change.
