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Germany is becoming a very popular study destination for ambitious international students, standing alongside major study-abroad destinations like the US, the UK, Canada, and Australia. As a result, Germany has reached its goal of welcoming 350,000 international students in 2017, which is three years earlier than planned.��

Germany’s total student population is 2.8 million, out of which 469,485��are international students as of 2023/2024, according to the newest edition of Wissenschaft Weltoffen.

Read the sections below for more information on international student statistics in Germany.��

International Student Growth in Germany Over the Years

In Germany, international students are categorized into two groups: Bildungsauslaender (international students) and Bildungsinlaender (resident international students).

• Winter Semester 2023/2024: A total of 469,485 international students in Germany (379,939 international students and 89,546��resident international students).
• Winter Semester 2022/2023: A total of 458,210 international students in Germany (367,578 international students and 90,632 resident international students).
• Winter Semester 2021/2022: A total of 440,564 international students in Germany (349,438 international students and 91,126 resident international students).
• Winter Semester 2020/2021: A total of 416,437 international students in Germany (324,729 international students and 91,708 resident international students).
• Winter Semester 2019/2020: A total of 411,601 international students in Germany (319,902 international students and 91,699 resident international students).
• Winter Semester 2018/2019: A total of 394,665 international students in Germany (302,157 international students and 92,508 resident international students).
• Winter Semester 2017/2018: A total of 374,583 international students in Germany.��
• Winter Semester 2016/2017: A total of 358,895 international students in Germany.
• Winter Semester 2015/2016: A total of 340,305 international students in Germany.
• Winter Semester 2014/2015: A total of 321,569 international students in Germany.
• Winter Semester 2013/2014: A total of 301,350 international students in Germany.

Brief Description of International Student Growth in Germany in Past Years

• International student numbers in Germany have increased by 55.7% within a decade, from 2013/14 to 2023/2024.
• In a matter of 1 year, from 2023 to 2024, international student numbers experienced a 2.4% increase.
• Ever since the Government approved tuition-free education in Germany in 2014, international student numbers have spiked from 301,350 to 469,485.
• International student numbers in Germany have been showing steady growth throughout the years.��
• Germany’s international student statistics estimated reaching a total of 350,000 international students by the year 2020, a number which was reached in the year 2017, three years prior to the estimation date.

Main Reasons Why International Students Choose Germany

• Free/affordable education. Nearly all public universities in Germany introduced tuition-free education in 2014 and only charge a small administrative fee (€150-€250/semester).
• Affordable cost of living. The cost of living in Germany is affordable, where an international student only needs approximately €992 per month to live comfortably.��
• Excellent higher education system. Germany is at the forefront of innovation, science, and research. Its higher education sector is valued and recognized worldwide.
• Opportunities to work during/after studies. International students can work part-time during their studies to earn an extra income and have the opportunity to stay in Germany for up to 18 months after graduation (through an extended residence permit) to find employment.��
• Diverse student population. The student population in Germany comprises international students from all corners of the world, including China, Italy, France, and India, among others.
• Numerous scholarship opportunities. Scholarships like the DAAD Scholarship Programme, Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships, or DeutschlandStipendium National Scholarship (among others) are all available for international students in Germany.

Top Reasons According to �ƹ���Ƶֱ�� Survey

• Low Tuition Fees: 35.3%.
• Educational Quality and Qualified Academia: 29.3%.
• English Language Programmes and Student Diversity: 20.4%.
• Attractive Country: 15.1%.

Types of Higher Education Institutions International Students Choose

• International students in Germany are more likely to choose a University (Universität) over a University of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschule).
• The gap between international students enrolled in “University” (251,872) and international students enrolled in Universities of Applied Sciences (115,706) remains large.

International Student Numbers by Type of Higher Education Institution

International Students in Germany by Country of Origin

• Most international students at German universities are from the following countries: India, China, Turkey, Austria, and Iran.
• This year, Turkey holds the third place (18,084 international students), having been fifth just the previous year (14,732). This is an increase of 22.7% in just one year!
• Until recently, China was the leading source of international students at German universities. However, India has now surpassed China in this regard.
• The number of Indian students at German universities is currently 49,008��international students, making India the leading source of international students in Germany
• In 2016, there were 13,537 Indian students in Germany, marking a 262% rise over a span of eight years.
• The number of Chinese students in Germany is currently 38,687��international students.

Here are the top countries of origin of international students in Germany:

Wissenschaft weltoffen.

International Students in Germany by Study Field

• 43.1% of all international students in Germany study Engineering at German universities, making it the most popular field among this group of students.
• The second most preferred study fields for international students are Law, Economics, and Social Sciences, with 24.5% of them choosing this field.
• With only 2.3% of international students enrolled in 2023/24, Agricultural, Forestry, and Food Sciences courses are the least preferred study options for international students in Germany.

International Students in Germany by Course Level

Most international students come to Germany to get their master’s degree.��

Here’s the distribution of international students according to course level, in the 2023/24 winter semester:

• 132,534 international students are getting their �����������ǰ�’s degree.
• 160,306 international students are getting their �Ѳ����ٱ��’s degree.
• 30,025 international students are getting their PhD.
• 19,176 international students are listed in the ‘Other’ category (diploma programs, specialized courses, etc.)

Future Plans of International Students in Germany

• According to a survey by Studying-in-Germany.org, 69.2% of international students say they prefer to stay in Germany after graduation to find employment.
• 16.5% of international students plan on returning home after graduation.
• 14.3% of international students would like to stay around and travel to interesting places.

Funding Options for International Students in Germany

• 37.5% of students plan to fund their education through part-time work.
• 29% of students plan to remain on their savings and family incomes.
• 24.3% plan to rely on scholarships.
• 9.2% plan to get a student loan.

Further Information

Statistics for analysis generated by:��

>> Wissenschaft Weltoffen.

>> �ƹ���Ƶֱ�� survey.

>> Analysis by Studying-in-Germany.org.