THE AFRICAN COURIER. Reporting Africa and its Diaspora! The African Courier is an international magazine published in Germany to report on Africa and the Diaspora African experience. The first issue of the bimonthly magazine appeared on the newsstands on 15 February 1998. The African Courier is a communication forum for European-African political, economic and cultural exchanges, and a voice for Africa in Europe.
German higher education is witnessing a notable rise in international enrolments, with the 2024 academic year marking a significant shift in student demographics. Approximately 491,400 new students began their studies at German universities last year—a 2% increase compared to the previous year—with the surge driven entirely by foreign applicants.
Recent data from the Federal Statistical Office, as reported by various German media, indicate that the proportion of non-German first-year students rose by roughly 10% year on year during the summer and winter semesters of 2024. Today, international students represent about 30% of all new enrolments, up from 22% just a decade ago, highlighting Germany’s growing appeal as a study destination.
While the overall student population in Germany has remained stable at around 2.8 million for the winter semester 2024/2025, domestic student numbers experienced a slight decline of 1%. In contrast, the number of foreign students increased by 5%, reaching approximately 492,600.
Additional analysis suggests that the long-term economic benefits of educating international students are substantial. A recent study notes that each cohort of international students contributes nearly eight times more in public revenue over the long term than the state’s net expenditure per student. This economic impact reinforces Germany’s reputation for high-quality, accessible education and its strategic emphasis on attracting global talent.
These trends are supported by ongoing improvements in higher education infrastructure, competitive scholarship programs and active international recruitment efforts, all of which continue to position Germany as a premier destination for students from around the world.
Vivian Asamoah
