Germany has seen a steady rise in the number of international students enrolling in its universities. According to a recent study conducted by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the country is currently home to over 400,000 international students. This number has been consistently increasing, with nearly 90,000 international students beginning their first semester in Germany.
The study, which surveyed 200 universities across Germany, provides valuable insights into the country’s growing popularity among international students. The results show that 90% of the participating universities reported an increase in international student enrollment. Furthermore, more than half of the universities saw a rise in new international students, while a third reported a sharp increase of 10% or more.
Germany’s growing appeal for International students
Prof. Dr. Joybrato Mukherjee, President of the DAAD, said, “German universities are demonstrably very attractive for international students. In times of an increasingly noticeable shortage of skilled workers, we should do more in science, business and society to open up career prospects in Germany for young people who come here from all over the world to study.”
In 90% of universities, the number of international students has increased. Only 10% of the universities that took part in the survey reported a decline in the number of international students, while more than half reported an increase in new international students, a third reported a sharp increase of 10% or more, and a third reported no change.
Key challenges faced by International students in Germany
“During the winter semester, which ran from early to mid-December, the DAAD polled about 390 state-recognized German universities and got more than 200 answers. The participating universities enrol almost 70% of all international students in Germany. The DAAD created an extrapolation for all German universities based on the responses, according to the DAAD release.
The availability of cheap accommodation (75%), challenges with the visa allocation procedure or admission policies (83%), and the expense of living and studying (69%), are some obstacles that the participating colleges have mentioned for overseas students.
“For instance, we desperately need more reasonably priced housing in Germany for both domestic and foreign students. Additionally, this is crucial for Germany’s sustained prosperity as a hub for innovation and business,” the DAAD President underlined.
