Germany remains an increasingly attractive destination for international students, with enrolments continuing their upward trend in the 2025/26 academic year. Growing interest in English-taught programmes, strong research opportunities, and a wide range of master’s degrees are key factors drawing students from around the world.
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| Germany’s international education sector continues to expand steadily |
According to the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), approximately 420,000 international students were enrolled at German universities in winter 2025/26 — a 4% increase compared with the previous year. The number of first-time international entrants also climbed to about 99,000, marking a 9% year-on-year rise, with master’s programmes showing particularly strong demand. This growth pattern has been consistent for more than a decade.
The figures are based on a DAAD survey of 212 universities reporting their winter semester data.
Increasing Interest from the United States
The survey highlights growing global interest in Germany’s advanced degrees and research environment, especially among individuals connected to the United States. More than two-thirds of German universities reported a rise in enquiries from students, researchers, and academic staff based in the US.
DAAD President Dr. Joybrato Mukherjee noted that Germany continues to attract highly qualified talent, particularly in sought-after STEM fields, due to its strong academic and research conditions. He also suggested that changes in the academic and research climate in the US may be contributing to increased interest in Germany.
English-Taught Programmes Driving Demand
One of the main reasons for Germany’s growing appeal is the rapid expansion of English-taught programmes (ETPs). With more than 2,400 programmes offered in English, Germany now ranks as the second-largest provider in Europe, behind Ireland. Most universities indicated plans to further expand their English-language offerings in the coming years.
Key Source Countries
Germany, alongside France, continues to rank among Europe’s top study destinations. Major sending countries include:
- India
China
Türkiye
Iran
Austria
Pakistan
Syria
Ukraine
Russia
Italy
While detailed growth rates by country were not released, demand across these markets remains strong.
Why Students Choose Germany
Findings from DAAD’s 2025 BintHo survey, which included responses from 115,000 international students across more than 130 universities, show that 75% selected Germany as their first-choice destination. The most important factors influencing their decision were:
Availability of English-language degrees
Strong career prospects
Low or no tuition fees
Relatively affordable living costs
Overall, most international students reported feeling welcomed and satisfied with their academic experience in Germany.
Ongoing Challenges
Despite the positive outlook, the survey did identify concerns. About half of respondents reported experiencing occasional discrimination off campus, with students from African, Middle Eastern, and Asian backgrounds more likely to report such incidents.
Dr. Mukherjee emphasized that these reports should be taken seriously, stressing that openness and tolerance are essential if Germany wants to continue attracting global talent in fields such as medicine, engineering, and artificial intelligence.
Strong Intentions to Stay After Graduation
Interest in remaining in Germany after graduation remains high. Roughly two-thirds of international students said they plan to stay in the country, and about half intend to pursue long-term employment there.
In summary, Germany’s international education sector continues to expand steadily, supported by English-taught programmes, strong research opportunities, and affordable study costs. While challenges such as discrimination must be addressed, the country’s overall appeal to global students remains strong and continues to grow.
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