The number of international students in Germany increased significantly again during the current winter semester. According to a snapshot survey by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), more than 400,000 international students are currently enrolled in German universities.
This data has been released based on data provided by 200 universities in Germany.
According to DAAD’s extrapolation, about 90 percent of universities report stable or increasing numbers of newly admitted international students. More than half of the universities surveyed reported increasing numbers, with a third reporting sharp increases (ten percent or more). Another third reported no change, while 10 percent of universities reported a decline.
Based on the responses, the DAAD is forecasting around 405,000 international students for the current winter semester 2024/25, up from around 380,000 in the previous winter semester. This represents an increase of about seven percent for the current winter semester.
In addition to this, the number of international first semester students in this winter semester has also reached 88,000, compared to 82,000 last year. As of 2023, this increase is due to the growth of regular international students (aspiring to graduate). This is especially true for master’s students: more than half (56 percent) of the universities surveyed reported significantly increasing numbers here, while less than a fifth (16 percent) reported a decrease.
“German universities are very attractive to international students. At a time of growing shortage of skilled workers, we must do more in science, business and society to open up career possibilities in Germany for young people coming to study here from all over the world,” said DAAD President Prof Dr Joybrato Mukherjee. . DAAD is already doing this as part of its ‘Skilled Labor Initiative’.
While the number of international students is increasing, the German government also acknowledges some of the concerns raised by universities, such as the admission policy or visa allocation process (83 percent), the availability of affordable housing (75 percent) and the cost of studying and living (69 percent). “For example, in Germany, we need more affordable housing for German students and international students. This is also essential for Germany’s continued success as a center of business and innovation,” the DAAD president added.
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