Germany Emerges as Top European Hub for International Researchers and Students, Says DAAD Report

Germany Emerges as Top European Hub for International Researchers and Students, Says DAAD Report

(IN BRIEF) The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) has published new findings highlighting Germany’s growing appeal as a top destination for international academics and students, second only to the United States. In 2021, Germany hosted over 75,000 international researchers, surpassing the UK, while nearly 380,000 international students enrolled in German universities for the 2023/24 academic year, marking a record high. This trend reflects Germany’s robust academic environment and the rising need for skilled professionals in the country. India and China top the list of international student sources, and North Rhine-Westphalia, Bavaria, and Berlin lead as popular academic hubs. While global student mobility has surged by 60% in the past decade, the number of German students studying abroad, especially in the UK, has declined post-Brexit.

(PRESS RELEASE) BONN, 8-Nov-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) has released its latest Wissenschaft weltoffen report, showcasing Germany’s increasing role as a prime global destination for international researchers and students, ranking second worldwide after the United States. Germany now hosts over 75,000 foreign researchers and has reached a record-breaking 380,000 international student enrollments for the 2023/24 academic year, solidifying its position as Europe’s top choice for academic pursuits.

DAAD President Prof. Dr. Joybrato Mukherjee emphasized the significance of these developments, noting, “Germany’s appeal as a center for science and higher education reflects the high standards of our universities and research institutions and their strong global ties.” Germany’s institutions are increasingly essential to attract skilled talent, helping to meet the country’s labor demands.

The report highlights that nearly 80% of international researchers in Germany work at universities, including about 4,000 professors, while others are based at leading research institutions. Researchers primarily come from India, China, and Italy. For international students, India leads with around 49,000 students, followed by China at 38,700. Turkey has now moved into the top three source countries with about 18,100 students.

With its growing share of international students, Germany’s universities are experiencing a continuous 15-year trend in enrollment increases, undeterred even by the pandemic. DAAD Scientific Director Dr. Monika Jungbauer-Gans attributes this growth to Germany’s wide range of English-taught programs, particularly at the Master’s level, which appeal to international students seeking diverse study options.

On the other hand, German student mobility abroad remained steady at around 138,000 in 2021, with Austria, the Netherlands, and Switzerland as preferred destinations. However, Brexit-related tuition hikes have contributed to a decline in German students studying in the UK, dropping from 15,300 in 2018 to 11,100 in 2021.

The global landscape of student mobility is expanding rapidly. UNESCO reports that 6.4 million students enrolled outside their home countries in 2021, a nearly 60% increase over the past decade. The U.S. remains the most popular host country, with around 833,000 international students, while China tops the list of origin countries with nearly one million students studying abroad.

This year’s Wissenschaft weltoffen report also introduces new insights into the structural dynamics of internationalization within German research and higher education institutions. The report features an analysis of academic exchange between Germany and the U.S., motivations for studying in Germany, and the evolution of English-language degree offerings in Germany and globally.

Media Contacts:

Dr Jan Kercher
Senior Expert S1 – Strategy and Management
DAAD – German Academic Exchange Service
+49 228 882-8779
kercheratdaad.de

Michael Flacke
Head of Press Office / Press Officer – SB03
DAAD – German Academic Exchange Service
+49 228 882-454
presseatdaad.de

SOURCE: DAAD