Growth of Indian Students in German Universities 2025 Highlighted in DAAD Report

The new DAAD 2025 report on foreign students in Germany said the number of foreign students in Germany in 2025 continues to grow, following up on the same steady upward trend. Reportedly, in the winter semester 2024/25, more than 400,000 international students will have enrolled in Germany 2024/25, with total enrolment figures just above 402,000. This count represented an increase of 6% over the previous year's figures on students enrolled in Germany outside the border. According to DAAD international student statistics for Germany, 116,600 among these are new increments, constituting an absolute high level.

International enrolments in higher education in Germany

Analysts have noted that this advancement is contrary to restrictive policies in countries like Australia, the United States, the UK and Canada, which have capped new international students. In Germany, however, the host country's expansion in English-taught programmes in universities has been supportive of the development.

Approximately 2390 English-language courses were offered by state-recognised universities in summer 2025, with 420 bachelor's programmes and 1930 master's. The DAAD Wissenschaft Weltoffen 2025 report explained that this demonstrates broader higher education internationalisation of Germany, with nearly all institutions hosting International Offices and amplifying partnerships abroad.

International Student Demographics Germany

The international student demographics in Germany revealed that India has now become the largest source country, with Indian students in German universities in 2025 growing to 59,000 - an increase of 20% compared to the previous year. Following closely is China with a student population of 38,600. Altogether, the Asia-Pacific captured 33% of enrolments, while Africa had nearly a quarter, 19.3% from North Africa and 5.4% from sub-Saharan Africa.

Analysts pointed out that engineering and natural sciences are popular among foreign students in Germany, with 43% enrolled in engineering and 25% in economics, law, and social sciences. High proportions of international candidates were also found in master's and doctoral programmes, with 26% and 28% respectively.

Global Student Mobility Germany - Perspective

Many experts expect that by 2025, the numbers will increasingly favour Germany and European universities against the backdrop of growing worldwide importance concerning student mobility. The findings suggest that potential study abroad students should consider applying to German universities as international students for engineering courses in Germany in 2025, and finding English-taught courses in Germany. In other words, the outlook of foreign enrollments into German universities only further consolidates Germany's standing as a prime destination for international education, combining academic rigour with open pathways for students from around the globe.

Editor's Note:

The DAAD 2025 Report on International Students in Germany indicates that, indeed, this country is gradually becoming an attractive study destination worldwide. Germany has, for the first time in history, over 400,000 new enrollments. Open policies and investment in English-taught programs in German universities will surely make higher education more accessible to students from each region. What is especially noticeable is the diversity of the student population. International student demographics in Germany highlight very strong growth coming mainly from India, the largest source country, followed by China and several African nations. This mosaic mirrors the fact that German universities are not just there, but are very much places where the global communities thrive and meet. Germany offers high-quality education along with a wide range of opportunities in the engineering and sciences fields, with an expanding network of international partnerships. \

Skoobuzz notes that Germany's view of the internationalisation of higher education is to attract students from all over the world, enhance both the quality of research and communication between cultures and mark it as one of the top destinations for student mobility globally.

FAQs

1. Is Germany good for international students in 2025?

Yes. Reports confirm that Germany is one of the top destinations for international students in 2025. Public universities charge no tuition fees, living costs are manageable compared to other Western countries, and graduates benefit from strong job opportunities. The country also offers thousands of English‑taught programmes at German universities, making study accessible to non‑German speakers.

2. What is the success rate of student visas in Germany in 2025?

The German student visa success rate in 2025 is very high, above 90%. Analysts explained that approval depends mainly on correct documentation, proof of funds, and clear study intent. For Indian students, the success rate is similarly strong, reflecting Germany’s welcoming stance towards international education.

3. Which university in Germany has a 100% acceptance rate?

Among German institutions, IU International University is reported to accept 100% of qualified international applicants. Other universities, such as Cologne and Stuttgart, also have high acceptance rates (around 70%), but IU stands out for its open admissions policy.

4. How many hours can a student work in Germany in 2025?

Non‑EU students are allowed to work 140 full days or 280 half days per year, which equals 20 hours per week during term time. During academic breaks, students may work full‑time. Internships that are mandatory parts of a degree do not count towards this limit.

5. How much money can a student earn in Germany?

In 2025, the minimum wage in Germany is €12.82 per hour. Students working part‑time can earn around €556 per month tax‑free in mini‑jobs, or up to €2,161–€2,222 per month if working the maximum permitted hours. Annual tax‑free allowances for students are set at about €12,096.