Germany again shows rising foreign student enrolment in 2019/20

An OECD report found that there was a steep increase in the number of Indians choosing to emigrate to Germany, as the popularity of other countries apart from the USA, as study, work or settle destinations surges. Another report, by the DAAD and the German Centre for Higher Education Research and Science Studies, reported that 320,000 international students accounted for 10.5% of the number of students studying for a degree in Germany, pushing it above France in the rankings for countries hosting the most international students in higher education.

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) further elaborates the fact that even though the pandemic has had a major impact on the education industry, international student numbers rose. This trend suggests that foreign students and their sponsors are considering other studies abroad destinations, as a whole slew of other factors has been introduced which affect student decisions on where to study. For example, the pandemic has brought with an income shock for many households, and therefore students are considering destinations that are offering shorter degree programmes with an affordable fee structure, such as Germany.

DAAD President Professor Joybrato Mukherjee said, “The corona pandemic has altered international students’ mobility patterns on a global basis. Survey data show that Germany has apparently been able to further improve its good reputation among international students thanks to good pandemic management during the first corona wave in spring and summer. This is a good starting point from which we can in future convince even more talented young people of the benefits of our education system and thus connect them to our country. All those involved should collectively grasp this opportunity.”

The report also brought to light the fact that India remained the second-most popular country from which students came to Germany. China’s and India’s domination in the rankings for the highest number of international students emigrating to Germany, mirrors the global trend as well, which was highlighted by an OECD report.