A record-breaking 367,578 international students chose Germany as their academic home during the winter semester of 2022/2023. The number suggests the country’s growing appeal as a study destination.
A record-breaking 367,578 international students chose Germany as their academic home during the winter semester of 2022/2023. The number suggests the country’s growing appeal as a study destination.
Germany has solidified its position as one of the world’s top study destinations, surpassing Australia to claim the coveted third spot among non-English-speaking countries.
The latest data released by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) for the 2022-23 winter semester paints a picture of Germany’s flourishing higher education landscape.
With nearly 370,000 international students enrolled, this analysis delves into the factors contributing to Germany’s ascendancy and its implications for academia, science, and the country’s workforce.
Unprecedented growth in international enrollment
The data reveals a significant milestone for Germany’s higher education system, with a five percent increase in international student enrollment compared to the previous year.
A record-breaking 367,578 international students chose Germany as their academic home during the winter semester of 2022-23, showcasing the country’s growing appeal as a study destination.
German Education Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger expressed her satisfaction, highlighting the positive impact of this surge in international students on addressing Germany’s skilled worker shortage. This influx of talent provides a welcome solution to a pressing issue.
Rising stars: India and China
India leads the pack among international students in Germany, with approximately 42,600 first-semester students. An intriguing development is China’s newfound prominence, climbing to the second position for the first time. This shift underscores Germany’s growing global appeal, drawing students from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Ukraine’s notable increase in student numbers, up by 43 percent to a total of 9,100, further exemplifies Germany’s magnetism as a study destination.
DAAD President Joybrato Mukherjee acknowledges the pivotal role of international students and doctoral candidates in bridging the skilled professional gap among graduates.
Germany’s efforts to retain international students are commendable, with approximately 45 percent choosing to remain in the country a decade after enrolling – a figure on par with Canada and the highest among 16 OECD countries.
Beyond students: The international research workforce
Germany’s appeal extends beyond students to international scientific employees. Data indicates that around 70,000 international researchers and academics are actively contributing to research institutions and universities in Germany.
Monika Jungbauer-Gans from the German Centre for Higher Education Research and Science Studies (DZHW) emphasizes that nearly a third of the scientific staff at leading research associations in Germany hail from abroad.
Jungbauer-Gans further elucidates that this is no coincidence, with 29 percent of scientific personnel at institutes associated with organizations like the Max Planck Society and the Leibniz Association coming from abroad. Universities also benefit, with 14 percent of their scientific staff originating from international backgrounds. This internationalization of academia strengthens Germany’s position as a global research hub.
A history of growth
Germany’s ascent in the international education arena is not a recent phenomenon. Over the past decade, the country has consistently witnessed an increase in international student enrollment. The numbers tell a compelling story:
Between the 2021-22 academic year, 440,564 international students enrolled into higher institutions in Germany. In 2020-21, 416,437 students enrolled.
These numbers underscore Germany’s sustained commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse academic community.
Germany’s rise as the third most popular study destination for international students is a testament to its commitment to academic excellence, internationalization, and the proactive measures taken to address its skilled worker shortage.
With a diverse and vibrant academic environment, Germany has firmly established itself as a global hub for education and research, offering both students and professionals a promising future on its academic shores.
