Did you know that Germany recorded an 8% rise in the number of international students compared to previous years? The data published in the Wissenschaft weltoffen report 2022 suggests that around 350,000 international students enrolled in German universities in the 2021/2022 winter semester. This is a record high for the country, indicating the quality of education in various universities in Germany.

Germany and the United Kingdom are two countries that were not significantly disrupted during the global pandemic in terms of international student population. Even during the height of the pandemic in 2020, the number of international students who came to study in Germany was 2% higher than the previous year. The positive development in the number of international students studying in Germany hints at the country’s educational standards and career opportunities.

So, why is there a continuous increase in the international student population in Germany?

International student statistics 2022

The rise in Germany’s international student population is 89%, taking into account the last ten years from 2010/11. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) backed up the data published in the Wissenschaft weltoffen report 2022, revealing a leap of 8%, in the number of students who chose to study in Germany, which is estimated to be an increase of around 25,000 students.

The global pandemic had a negligible impact on the number of international students studying in Germany. Despite there being a slight decrease in the number of first-year international students due to the absence of transportation facilities, the numbers have risen again.

The Asia-Pacific region continues to be the key region of origin of international students, contributing to 31% of the total number. There has been a growth of 22% in the number of students originating from this area every year. Around 12.4% of international students studying in Germany are from China followed by 8.8% from India. India is set to overtake China as the leading country of origin with the latter witnessing a 5% fall in figures.

What are the reasons behind the rise in the number of international students?

The numbers revealed by the DAAD mark Germany’s place as a leading global educational hub. Being the largest economy in Europe and the fourth largest in the world, Germany presents unparalleled opportunities for employment in the skilled sector. The low cost of living and free or low tuition fees are also important factors contributing to this rise in number.

Here are a few of the reasons why Germany has become a preferable study destination:

• Cost of education

The public universities in Germany offer free education and private universities offer comparatively low-cost education for students of all backgrounds and nationalities. This has led to mass student migration from various foreign countries to different parts of Germany.

• Practical education

Another important factor is the quality of education in Germany. Education is considered a medium that helps students to upskill and gain practical experience. Unlike many other countries where education is theory and classroom-oriented, the German educational system believes in practical pedagogy.

Students enrolled in various courses get the opportunity to do internships at companies during their studies and prepare themselves for the job market.

• Career opportunities

Germany is currently facing a shortage of skilled workers in different sectors. Therefore, the country has taken steps to make the immigration process easier for professionals and students. So, if you graduate with a degree or diploma from any German university, the skilled sector awaits you with a plethora of opportunities to explore.

The vacancies in the job market are another reason why students choose to study in Germany. Not to mention the lucrative salaries and perks that follow.

• English curriculum

Germany presents you with the opportunity to study either in German or English. This is a bonus for international students who do not have to worry about qualifying for a German language test. All you need is an English proficiency certificate such as IELTS or TOEFL with the minimum required marks.

• Low cost of living

The average cost of living in any German city is very low compared to other European countries. If you have valid health insurance, there is nothing else you need to be worried about. Travel, food, accommodation and leisure activities are all relatively cheap in most parts of the country.

All these perks and benefits attract many international students, one-third of whom choose to stay in Germany after their education.

If you are interested in the opportunity to study in Germany, enrol in a study programme of your choice and explore the various opportunities Germany has to offer. Check out the programmes offered by the University of Europe for Applied Sciences (UE Germany) which is a pioneer institution in the field of education. UE Germany offers various programmes in relevant subjects such as data science, UX/UI design, digital media and marketing, software engineering, psychology, international business management, game design, illustration and many more.

At UE Germany, we offer a practical education that helps you develop essential industry skills. We offer guidance at every step of your academic and career journey to prepare you for the competitive job market.