DAAD President Prof. Dr. Joybrato Mukherjee said:
"The BintHo study makes it clear that Germany and its universities are valued by international students as an excellent place to study and work. This is a great opportunity to attract urgently needed talent from all over the world to our country in the long term. At the same time, reports of discrimination must serve as a warning to us. Cosmopolitanism and tolerance are essential prerequisites if we want to convince outstanding young people to work for us as doctors, engineers or AI experts. We are all called upon to stand up against xenophobia and discrimination."
Attractive study programmes and good career prospects are convincing
Three-quarters of international respondents named Germany as their preferred destination for studying abroad. The reasons for this are Germany's technological leadership in many areas, English-language degree programmes, attractive career prospects and low tuition and living costs compared to other countries. Four factors are decisive when choosing a university: course content, English-language courses, the reputation of the university and low or no tuition fees.
High level of satisfaction with studies and entrepreneurial spirit
Three-quarters of international students are satisfied with their studies in Germany and would recommend them to others. Around two-thirds plan to stay in Germany after graduation. About half are aiming for long-term employment, and many are even considering starting their own business.
Welcoming culture on campus – discrimination in everyday life
On campus, 75 per cent of international students feel welcome or very welcome, while only two per cent do not feel welcome at all. In everyday life, however, many report problems – especially when it comes to finding accommodation, dealing with bureaucracy and interacting with fellow German students.
In the university context, 80 per cent of international students and students with a migration background report that they have never experienced discrimination. Outside of universities, the picture is different: around half of both groups report occasional incidents of discrimination, with 13 per cent reporting frequent experiences. Students from Africa, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region are particularly affected.
International mobility of German students: great interest, challenging implementation
The survey also focused on the international mobility of German students. 60 per cent of those without experience abroad are interested in studying or spending a semester abroad, but only a quarter actually do so. The main obstacles are financial difficulties, separation from family, friends or partners, and the loss of time in their studies.
International partner universities, on the other hand, facilitate mobility: almost two-thirds of all stays abroad take place there. Digital offerings such as online examinations from abroad or hybrid mobility formats can also help to attract more students to study abroad.
After a stay abroad, students report in particular increased self-confidence, better foreign language skills and expanded intercultural competencies.
Background to the study
For the second edition of the BintHo study, the DAAD surveyed a total of 115,652 students at 132 higher education institutions in the 2023/24 winter semester – including 94,764 with German university entrance qualifications and 20,888 international students. This makes "BintHo" the largest German survey on international mobility. The next survey is planned for the 2026/27 winter semester.
