International Students in Germany (2025)-What the Latest Statistic Shows

International Student Growth in Germany Over the Years

• The number of international students in Germany has seen consistent growth over the past decade.
• From just over 300,000 in the 2013/2014 academic year. As of the 2022/2023 academic year, the total number of international students has risen to 458,210, representing a surge of more than 55% to 469,485 students in 2023/2024. 
•  This impressive rise is partly due to Germany's commitment to tuition-free education since 2014, which has significantly boosted its appeal among foreign learners. The growth continues year-on-year, with a 2.4% increase between 2023 and 2024 alone.

Main Factors That Attract International Students to Germany

• Tuition-free or low-cost education. Almost all public universities in Germany began offering tuition-free education in 2014, charging only a minor administrative fee (€150-€250 per semester).
• Reasonable living expenses. The cost of living in Germany is manageable, with international students needing approximately €992 per month to live comfortably.
• Outstanding higher education system. Germany is a leader in innovation, science, and research, and its higher education sector is globally recognized and esteemed.
• Language Accessibility. Germany has increased English-taught programs at the master's level, attracting international students from English-speaking countries and allowing them to pursue quality education without needing to learn German first.
• Various scholarship options. Opportunities such as the DAAD Scholarship Programme, Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships, and the DeutschlandStipendium National Scholarship, among others, are accessible to international students in Germany.
• Diverse student body. The student population in Germany comprises individuals from around the world.
• Employment opportunities during and after studies. International students can work part-time while studying to supplement their income and remain in Germany for up to 18 months after graduating (via an extended residence permit) to seek employment.

Categories of Higher Education Institutions Selected by International Students

In Germany, the difference between a 'University' and 'University of Applied Sciences (UAS)' lies in their focus on academics. 

Universities prioritize theoretical knowledge, research, and academic rigor, while UAS emphasize practical skills, direct application of knowledge, and career-oriented training.

Over Universities of Applied Sciences International students in Germany tend to favor attending a University (Universität) rather than opting for a  University of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschule).

The disparity between the number of international students enrolled in universities (251,872) and those in universities of applied sciences (115,706) remains significant.

Leading Countries of Origin for International Students

Most international students attending German universities hail from countries like India, China, Turkey, Austria, and Iran.

In 2025, Turkey claimed the third position with 18,084 international students, a notable increase from its fifth position the previous year, with 14,732 students. This represents a remarkable 22.7% growth in just one year.

Shifts in Student Demographics

For a considerable period, China was recognized as Germany's primary source of international students. However, this trend has shifted, with India now taking the lead. 

Currently, 49,008 Indian students are enrolled in German universities, establishing India as the top contributor of international students. In 2016, the number of Indian students stood at 13,537, indicating an impressive rise of 262% over eight years. Meanwhile, the current number of Chinese students in Germany is 38,687.

Popular Study Fields Among International Students

Both Public and Private universities in Germany offer higher education courses in demand, ranging from engineering and business degrees to applied sciences.

• Regarding academic disciplines, a significant 43.1% of all international students in Germany are pursuing degrees in Engineering, making it the most favored area of study.
• The second most popular fields international students choose are Law, Economics, and Social Sciences, accounting for 24.5% of the total. 
• Conversely, Agricultural, Forestry, and Food Sciences are the least attractive study options, with only 2.3% enrollment among international students in the 2023/24 academic year.

Course Level Distribution of International Students

A predominant number of international students travel to Germany to earn a master’s degree rather than a Ph.D. 

The breakdown of international students by course level for the winter semester of 2023/24 is as follows:

• 132,534 are pursuing Bachelor's degrees,
• 160,306 are enrolled in Master’s programs,
• 30,025 are working towards their PhDs,
•  19,176 are categorized under 'Other' (which includes diploma programs and specialized courses).

Future Aspirations of International Students

A survey conducted by Studying-in-Germany.org reveals that 69.2% of international students desire to remain in Germany post-graduation to seek employment.

Meanwhile, 16.5% intend to return to their home countries after completing their studies, and 14.3% wish to stay in the vicinity to explore fascinating destinations.

Financial Plans for International Students in Germany

• In terms of funding, 37.5% of students plan to support their education through part-time employment.
  
• Additionally, 29% anticipate relying on their savings and family financial support. 
• Furthermore, 24.3% seek scholarships, while 9.2% consider obtaining a student loan.

Bottom line, with these versatile factors, Germany stands out as a choice for international students to pursue their dream of higher education overseas and upskill for a brighter future.