Amid an increasingly hostile climate toward science under President Donald Trump, international researchers are taking a keen interest in Germany. A survey by the Tagesspiegel Background service of the leading German research societies shows this trend clearly.
“Humboldt Foundation” reported a 32 % jump in U.S. applications for its funding programmes last year, and in the fourth quarter of 2025 the number of applications doubled compared to the previous quarter.
“Deutsche Akademische Auslandsdienst (DAAD)” saw a sharp rise in U.S. applicants as well. For the “Studienstipendium in Germany” programme the number of applications rose from 204 to 427, i.e. a 100 % increase. The “RISE Germany” programme grew by 31 %, from 1 584 to 2 071 applicants. The “Research Scholarship in Germany” programme saw a smaller rise, from 76 to 88 applications.
“Leibniz Association” noted that certain institutes received more U.S. applications than before. The “German Research Foundation (DFG)”, at international conferences, observes an “enormous informational interest” among foreign scientists in German funding, though it does not publish precise figures. The “Max Planck Society” reports a “significant interest from U.S. scholars already working here” in staying in Germany or Europe, adding that the situation used to be “definitely different”.
“Helmholtz Association” does not track application numbers directly; instead it reports on the staff composition. For 2025 it recorded an 11 % increase in U.S. citizens with long‑term residency, while the number of U.S. guest scientists fell by 17 %.
The “Fraunhofer Society” states that the U.S. has lost its appeal as a magnet for scientific talent-a loss that benefits Europe, and Germany in particular. (It does not provide current statistics.)
Finally, most societies also report rising interest from other regions, especially China and India. The stricter visa rules imposed by the U.S. government in September of last year are thought to be a contributing factor.
