Germany Surpasses Australia to Become Third Most Popular Destination for International Students: The 2022/2023 winter semester saw a significant increase in international student enrollment at German higher education institutions, reaching a record-breaking 367,578 students, a five percent rise from the previous year, as reported by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). This achievement places Germany in the third position among non-English-speaking countries as a preferred study destination for international students, surpassing Australia, according to Erudera.com.
The surge in international students is seen as a boon for Germany, particularly in addressing the shortage of skilled workers, as emphasized by German Education Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger. She hailed this development as a positive sign for Germany’s academic and scientific community.
Notably, the number of first-semester students in Germany also increased, reaching 80,000 in the last winter semester, marking growth compared to the period before the COVID-19 pandemic.
India leads in the number of students in Germany, followed by China, which has now claimed the second spot for the first time. India contributed approximately 42,600 first-semester students, while Ukraine witnessed a significant 43 percent increase, totaling 9,100 students.
DAAD President Joybrato Mukherjee emphasized that the attractiveness of German universities for international students and doctoral candidates plays a crucial role in addressing the shortage of skilled professionals among graduates.
Statistics reveal that about 45 percent of international students remain in Germany ten years after enrolling in university, a figure matched only by Canada (44 percent) among 16 OECD countries.
Furthermore, data indicates that around 70,000 international scientific employees are engaged in work at German universities and research institutions.
Monika Jungbauer-Gans, representing the German Centre for Higher Education Research and Science Studies (DZHW), pointed out that a third of the scientific staff at research institutions in Germany hail from abroad, highlighting the deliberate efforts to attract international talent.
Germany has witnessed consistent growth in international student enrollment over the years, marking a 46.1 percent increase from the 2013/2014 academic year to 2021/2022. The recent numbers are as follows:
- 2020/2021 – 416,437 students
- 2019/2020 – 411,601 students
- 2018/2019 – 394,665 students
- 2017/2018 – 374,583 students
- 2016/2017 – 358,895 students
- 2015/2016 – 340,305 students
- 2014/2015 – 321,569 students
- 2013/2014 – 301,350 students
This trend showcases Germany’s increasing popularity among international students, reflecting its reputation for high-quality education and diverse opportunities. At MENTOR UNIVERSE – Germany Student Visa Consultant, we take pride in assisting students in pursuing their educational dreams in Germany, providing them with the guidance and support they need for a successful academic journey. Romesh Khandelwal and Somesh Khandelwal, Co-founders of MENTOR UNIVERSE, are dedicated to helping students make informed choices and achieve their goals of studying abroad.
