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In the winter semester of the 2023/2024 academic year, the number of international students in Germany reached 379,900. This number is up by three per cent compared to the same period in 2023, and it is estimated to be a new high record, as a joint report by DAAD and the German Centre for Higher Education Research and Science Studies (DZHW) has revealed.听
However, the rising number of students has not come as a surprise; rather, it is a long-term commitment of the German government to address market gaps by recruiting foreigners who receive their education in German universities, Studying-in-Germany reports.听
鈥淭he number of international students at German universities has risen for 15 years in a row, even during the Coronavirus pandemic,鈥 Monika Jungbauer-Gans, Scientific Director at DZHW, said.听
Currently, international students represent almost 13 per cent of the total student body in Germany, and the country is estimated to be an even more popular destination for international students in Europe than the United Kingdom.听
Majority of International Students in Germany Come From Asian Countries
According to the DZHW report, the top two source markets for international students to Germany are in the Asian continent, India, and China, respectively, while in recent years, an increased interest of Turkish students to obtain their qualifications in Germany has been evident.听
In terms of numbers, there are 49,000 Indian students in Germany, followed by Chinese (38,700), while Turks have emerged as the third-largest group of students for the first time ever, with nearly 18,100 students.听
Austria is the fourth country of origin for international students in Germany, with 15,400 Austrian nationals coming to the country to pursue their academic studies. Moreover, Irani students have become the fifth-largest student community group in Germany, leaving Syrians behind. Currently, there are 15,200 Iranian students and 13,400 Syrian students in Germany.听
Courses Offered in English – One of the Motives Why Germany Is Attracting International Students
The decision of the German education system to increase the English-taught programs has been quite successful, attracting thousands of international students every year. This alternative is considered one of the reasons why many students, especially master鈥檚 and PhD candidates, are increasingly opting for German universities.听
鈥淭his is a clear sign of the attractiveness of German universities and their study program, especially the English-language master鈥檚 program. To further increase student numbers, it will be important not to let up in our efforts to improve their academic success in both bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 programs,鈥 Jungbauer-Gans noted.听
As of present, the number of undergraduate programs taught in English is very limited. However, as the country increases the number of these programs and improves the welcoming culture of international students, there are good opportunities for newcomers and for the German economy to meet its required workforce.听
