The number of international students at German universities has risen again in the current winter semester. According to a snapshot survey DAAD, around 420,000 international students and doctoral candidates are currently enrolled at German universities. According to the survey, many universities are also noticing increased interest from abroad in Germany as a place to study and conduct research, particularly from the United States. In addition, almost half of the universities surveyed expect to further expand their English-language courses in the coming year. A total of 212 universities from all over Germany took part in the survey.

"Germany and its universities are proven to be an attractive destination for students and doctoral candidates from all over the world. We are able to attract talented individuals, particularly in the highly sought-after STEM subjects, and offer them excellent study and research conditions," said DAAD President Prof. Dr. Joybrato Mukherjee. 

"International students and doctoral candidates enrich our universities, contribute to strengthening innovation and, after successfully completing their studies, make an important contribution to science, the economy and social systems. At the same time, we are observing that the environment for students and scientists in the USA has changed, and many of our member universities are reporting increased interest in Germany as a place to study and conduct research from the United States," Mukherjee continued.

Interest from the USA – expansion of English-language degree programmes expected

As part of the snapshot survey, the DAAD also asked universities about the development of interest from the United States since the beginning of the year. 67 per cent of participating universities report increasing interest from students in the USA in studying in Germany. Among young scientists, 70 per cent of universities report increasing demand, while among professors the figure is 68 per cent.

The results refer to enquiries and expressions of interest from the USA and do not allow any conclusions to be drawn about the nationality of the enquirers. Whether and to what extent this development is also reflected in actual enrolments and job placements will only become clear when the official data becomes available next year – and then only in relation to persons with US citizenship.

Furthermore, 46 per cent of the universities surveyed expect to expand their English-language programmes in the coming twelve months. According to the latest BintHo survey conducted by the DAAD in the winter semester 2023/24, English-language programmes are a key factor for international students when choosing a host country and university.

International students: majority of universities report stable or rising numbers

According to the DAAD's projections, three-quarters of the participating universities report stable or rising numbers of newly enrolled international students intending to graduate in Germany. 42 per cent of universities report rising numbers, around one-third report stable developments, while one-quarter report a decline. Based on this feedback, the DAAD forecasts a total of around 420,000 international students in Germany for the 2025/26 winter semester.

Growth in international first-year students

There has also been an increase in the number of international first-year students. According to DAAD projections, around 99,000 first-year students from abroad are enrolled at German universities for the first time. This represents an increase of nine per cent over the previous year, when the figure was 91,000.

As in the previous winter semester, this increase is mainly due to the development among international regular students intending to graduate. The increase is particularly noticeable in the Master's sector: 48 per cent of the universities surveyed report rising numbers here, while 23 per cent report a decline.

Barriers to studying in Germany

As part of the quick survey, the DAAD also asked universities to assess the typical obstacles to international students accessing a place at university. The universities cited difficulties in connection with entry and visa procedures (79 per cent), the limited availability of affordable housing (71 per cent) and the costs of studying and living (63 per cent) as particularly relevant.

About the DAAD snapshot survey

For its snapshot survey on the winter semester, the DAAD surveyed 320 state-recognised German universities between the beginning and middle of December and received 212 responses. Around 78 per cent of all international students in Germany are enrolled at the participating universities. On this basis, the DAAD has made an estimate of the number of students at all state-recognised universities in Germany.