DHAKA, Jan 7, 2025 (BSS) - Germany has become a popular and a leading study destination for international students, attracting a record-breaking 379,900 students this past winter semester enrolled at its universities, marking a 3% increase from the year before. 

International students currently make up nearly 13% of Germany's student population, estimated to be an even more popular destination for international students in Europe than the United Kingdom, Studying-In-Germany reports, said a press release.

Most international students in Germany come from Asia, with India (49,000 students) and China (38,700 students) leading the way. 

For the first time, this year, Turkey has become the third-largest source of students, with nearly 18,100 Turkish students enrolled. Austria (15,400 students) and Iran (15,200 students) follow closely behind with Syria also sending a significant number of 13,400 students.

English-Taught Programs as a Key Attraction

One reason Germany is attracting so many students is the growing number of English-taught programs, particularly at the master's and PhD levels. 

This gives students from all over the world a great opportunity to study in Germany without needing to learn German first.

"This is a clear sign of the attractiveness of German universities and their study program, especially the English-language master's program. To further increase student numbers, it will be important not to let up in our efforts to improve their academic success in both bachelor's and master's programs," said Monika Jungbauer-Gans, Scientific Director at DZHW.

India and China's consistent presence in Germany's top student markets

For five consecutive academic years, India and China remained the top two countries of origin for international students in Germany. 

Last academic year alone (2022-2023), out of 458,210 international students, 42,578 were from India, representing 11.6% of the total, ranking the country as the major source of international students in Germany. 

While China was the second leading country, last academic year, it had 38,743 international students in Germany, accounting for 10.5%. 

In the past academic year, Bangladesh ranked among the top 20 countries with the highest number of international students in Germany, with a total of 6,434 students enrolled at German universities.

As Germany continues to increase its educational opportunities, it is well-positioned to remain one of the top choices for international students seeking quality education in Europe.