High number of international students in Germany again – dropout rates lower than previously assumed

Germany’s universities remain highly attractive to students from all over the world: in the 2024/25 winter semester, around 402,000 international students and doctoral candidates were enrolled at German universities – around six per cent more than in the previous year. This continues the upward trend of recent years, with more than half of international students enrolled in engineering and natural sciences. At the same time, dropout rates among international students are lower than previously assumed: their dropout rates are relatively close to those of German students. This is shown in the new edition of Wissenschaft weltoffen (Science Open to the World), published today by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) in collaboration with the German Centre for Higher Education Research and Science Studies (DZHW).

“More than 400,000 international students and doctoral candidates confirm Germany’s position as the most important non-English-speaking host country. Universities have once again proven their attractiveness to talented individuals from all over the world,” said DAAD President Prof. Dr. Joybrato Mukherjee. “The new, lower dropout rates among international students are also a positive sign. Their academic success and successful entry into professional life are crucial for Germany as a centre of science and innovation in view of the shortage of skilled workers and demographic change.”

“It is not only the growing numbers of international students and researchers that show that the internationalisation of Germany as a centre of science is continuing to progress,” added Dr Marcus Beiner, Scientific Director of the DZHW. “This development is also evident in the structures that support internationalisation processes at . For example, the number of international employees in university administration has risen sharply in recent years. The vast majority of higher education institutions in Germany now have an International Office. Almost all higher education institutions offer at least one English-language degree programme. The number of international higher education partnerships is also continuing to grow.”

More

Advertisements by German Universities

1/8

Get a truly international education!

Are you looking to study at a German university that will launch your international career? Join us at ESB Business School for a top-tier education!

More on Get a truly international education!

Level up your finance future — propel your career with our MBA in Fina...

Unlock your finance and leadership potential – our premium, accredited MBA in Financial Management opens doors to top careers in Germany’s thriving market.

More on Level up your finance future — propel your career with our MBA in Financial Management!

Beyond data: MSc Project Management & Data Science - Berlin

Become the data-savvy professional employers want! Bridging data and business, strong in stakeholder communication and successfully delivering projects amid constant change.

More on Beyond data: MSc Project Management & Data Science - Berlin

International Study Programmes at Heilbronn University of Applied Scie...

Empower your future with our practice-oriented Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes in Engineering, Business and Computer Science in one of Germany’s strongest economic regions.

More on International Study Programmes at Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences
Hof University - University of Applied Sciences Logo RGB

English-taught Bachelor’s and Master’s programs at Hof University

Shape your future with our career-focused Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in English, featuring hands-on learning, integrated industry internships, and strong links to companies!

More on English-taught Bachelor’s and Master’s programs at Hof University
Hof University - University of Applied Sciences Logo RGB

Hands-on Master’s programs at Hof University Graduate School

Shape your future with our career-focused Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in English, featuring hands-on learning, integrated industry internships, and strong links to companies!

More on Hands-on Master’s programs at Hof University Graduate School

Be part of the transition to the future shape of energy

Join our English-taught Bachelor of Science in Energy Systems Engineering and Management!

More on Be part of the transition to the future shape of energy

PreStudyING@HSRM: Your Pathway to an Engineering Degree

Get your engineering degree - even if you don’t meet the usual admission requirements for German universities.

More on PreStudyING@HSRM: Your Pathway to an Engineering Degree

Contact

Location pin on map display