Germany’s international student mobility experienced a slight contraction in 2023, raising concerns about evolving geopolitical factors and shifts in destination preferences. According to figures released by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), approximately 137,200 German students were enrolled at foreign institutions, representing a 1% decrease compared to 2022 – a drop of 1,300 students.
The decline isn’t uniform; it’s heavily skewed by notable decreases in traditionally popular destinations. Enrollments in the United States plunged by 20%, falling to 6,900, while the United Kingdom saw a 13% drop, bringing student numbers to 8,400. The Netherlands also suffered a 7% reduction, with German students numbering 21,100. These losses prompt questions regarding the perceived attractiveness and accessibility of these nations for German students, potentially reflecting anxieties surrounding political instability, visa restrictions and rising costs.
Despite these contractions, Austria remains the dominant destination, hosting roughly 40,700 German students – a remarkable 8% increase suggesting a continued preference for proximity and cultural familiarity. Switzerland reported a modest 1% rise to 12,600 students. Together, Austria, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, the US and Switzerland continue to account for 65% of German students studying abroad, highlighting the enduring dominance of these nations. The vast majority – 70% – of German students abroad are studying within the European Union.
Interestingly, the postgraduate aspirations of German students differ significantly between Austria and Switzerland. While Bachelor’s and Master’s degree pursuits remain roughly equal in Austria (around 41% and 44% respectively), doctoral studies are comparatively rare, comprising just 7% of enrollments. In contrast, Switzerland exhibits a substantially higher proportion of doctoral candidates, representing 26% of German students there, suggesting a heightened focus on research and advanced academic pursuits within that particular location.
The distribution of academic disciplines amongst German students abroad remains relatively stable, with “Business, Administration and Law” accounting for the largest proportion (25%, or 29,300 students). “Social Sciences, Journalism and Information Science” (19%) and “Health and Social Services” (13%) are also popular choices.
A notable trend demonstrates the impact of restrictive domestic policies. Due to capped enrollment in human medicine programs in Germany, a significant number of aspiring medical students opt to study abroad, particularly in Eastern Europe. Bulgaria leads with 82% of German students enrolled in human medicine, followed by Lithuania (70%), Hungary (60%), Poland (51%) and the Czech Republic (38%). While student numbers in these countries have decreased by 5% year-on-year and now stand at 7,400, human medicine remains the dominant field, highlighting a critical pressure point within the German higher education system and the resulting reliance on international opportunities. The continuing shift in destination and field of study underscores the complex interplay of domestic policy, international perceptions and the evolving needs of German students.
