The number of international students at German universities has once again risen significantly in the current winter semester. According to a snapshot survey by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), over 400,000 international students are currently enrolled at German universities. The number of international first-semester students has also risen according to the DAAD's projection and stands at just under 90,000. 200 universities from all over Germany took part in the survey.

"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," said DAAD President Prof Dr Joybrato Mukherjee. The DAAD is already doing this as part of its "Skilled Labour Initiative". Since the beginning of the year, the initiative has supported 104 universities in promoting international students even more before they start their studies, during their studies and during their transition into the labour market. It is also important to tackle the challenges identified in the survey of universities. "In Germany, for example, we urgently need more affordable accommodation for students from Germany and for international students. This is also essential for the continued success of Germany as a centre of business and innovation," continued the DAAD President.

Almost 90 per cent of universities report stable or rising numbers

According to the DAAD's extrapolation, around 90 per cent of universities report a stable or rising number of newly enrolled international students. Over half of the universities surveyed reported rising numbers, with a third reporting a sharp increase (ten per cent or more). A further third reported no change, while a good ten per cent of universities reported a decline. Based on the responses, the DAAD is forecasting almost 405,000 international students for the current winter semester 2024/25, compared to around 380,000 in the previous winter semester. This would represent growth of around seven per cent for the current winter semester.

Jump in the number of international first-semester students

There has also been a significant increase in the number of international first-year students at German universities: according to the DAAD forecast, around 88,000 young people from all over the world have enrolled at German universities for the first time. Last winter semester, the figure was 82,000, which corresponds to an increase of seven per cent. Similar to 2023, this growth is due to the development of regular international students (intending to graduate). This is particularly true for Master's students: More than half of the universities surveyed (56 per cent) reported significantly rising numbers here, while less than a fifth (16 per cent) reported a decline.

Hurdles on the way to studying in Germany

As part of the quick survey, the DAAD also asked the universities surveyed to name typical obstacles to international students gaining access to a study place. From the universities' perspective, these include difficulties with entry policies or the visa allocation process (83 per cent), the availability of affordable housing (75 per cent) and the cost of studying and living (69 per cent).

DAAD snapshot survey for the winter semester

The DAAD surveyed around 390 state-recognised German universities for the winter semester from the beginning to the middle of December and received over 200 responses. Around 70 per cent of all international students in Germany are enrolled at the participating universities. Based on the responses, the DAAD compiled an extrapolation for all German universities.