Germany is seeing a continued rise in international participation in higher education, with international students accounting for 18% of university enrollment during the 2025–26 winter semester.

According to data from Germany’s Federal Statistical Office cited by VnExpress, the number of international students reached 516,820, an increase of 24,733 students compared with the previous year. The 18% share is the highest proportion recorded so far.

The proportion has increased substantially over the past decades. International students represented 9.2% of university enrollment in the 1998–99 winter semester, compared with 18% in 2025–26.

Indian Students Represent the Largest International Group

One of the most notable figures for Indian students is their position among Germany’s international student population.

Data from the 2024–25 winter semester showed that Indian students were the largest group of international students in Germany, with 58,833 students. Chinese students followed with 38,989, while students from Türkiye, Iran and Austria were also among the larger international groups.

The distinction between the years is important: the 58,833 figure relates to 2024–25, while the newer 516,820 total relates to 2025–26.

Engineering and Master’s Degrees Are Popular

The data also highlights the types of programmes international students are choosing.

According to the analysis cited by VnExpress, around 47% of international students intended to pursue a master’s degree, while almost 35% intended to pursue bachelor’s degrees.

Engineering was the largest subject group, accounting for approximately 43%, followed by law, economics and social sciences at around 25%.

This is particularly relevant for students considering technical, engineering, business and related programmes in Germany.

More English-Taught Programmes

The availability of English-taught programmes is another factor for international students considering Germany.

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) reported that state-recognised German universities offered almost 2,400 English-language degree programmes in summer 2025, including around 420 bachelor’s and 1,930 master’s programmes.

This can make Germany more accessible to international students who are researching programmes before committing to German-language study.

Why Germany Continues to Attract International Students

Several factors contribute to Germany’s appeal as a study destination, including:

• A large higher education system
• A wide range of degree programmes
• Growing availability of English-taught programmes
• Strong presence of engineering and technical education
• Public universities with comparatively low tuition at many institutions
• Opportunities for international graduates to remain in Germany while looking for employment

However, costs and admission requirements vary significantly between universities and programmes, so students should always check the official requirements of their chosen institution before applying.

What the Latest Numbers Mean for Indian Students

The latest statistics provide an important picture of Germany’s international education landscape.

With international students making up nearly one-fifth of university enrollment and Indian students representing the largest national group in the previous academic year, Germany continues to be an important destination for students from India exploring higher education in Europe.

For prospective students, however, popularity should not be the only consideration. Course content, university requirements, tuition and living costs, language requirements, academic eligibility and visa requirements should all be evaluated before making an application.

Planning to Study in Germany?

Students interested in Germany should research universities and programmes carefully and check the latest information directly with the relevant university and official German sources.

At Edelia Global Studies, students can receive guidance on exploring study-abroad options, university and course selection, applications, documentation and the broader international education process.

Thinking about studying in Germany?

Explore your options with Edelia Global Studies and understand the requirements based on your academic profile and preferred course.

Website: Edelia Global Studies

WhatsApp: Chat with Edelia Global Studies

Source

This article is based primarily on the latest report by VnExpress International, with Germany higher-education data cross-checked against information from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and CHE’s higher-education data portal.