Germany has emerged as a leading study destination for international students, attracting individuals from across the world.
In the winter semester of the 2023/2024 academic year, Germany saw a record-breaking 379,900 international students enrolled at its universities.
This number is up by 3% compared to the same period in 2023, and it is estimated to be a new high record, as a joint report by DAAD and the German Centre for Higher Education Research and Science Studies (DZHW) has revealed.
This comes as good news for Bangladeshi students who want to pursue higher studies abroad.
According to the latest UNESCO data, 52,799 Bangladeshi students studied abroad in 2023.
The US is the top destination followed by the UK.
About Germany, analysts say many students think language could be a barrier.
But Germany now offers English-taught programs which are credited for the rise of international students.
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.
Most international students in Germany come from Asia, with India (49,000) and China (38,700) leading the way.
For the first time, Turkey has become the third-largest source of students, with nearly 18,100 Turkish students enrolled.
The next-largest source countries are Austria (15,400) and Iran (15,200), followed by Syria (13,400).
English-Taught Programs as a Key Attraction
One of Germany’s key strategies to attract international students has been the expansion of English-taught courses, particularly at the master’s and PhD levels. The growing opportunity of these programs attracts students worldwide.
“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.
