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The top fields of study for international students in Germany

Which courses do international students study most in Germany?

January 4, 2024

According to recent data, the most popular subjects for international students in Germany are:

Engineering

With over 136,000 international students, engineering is the most popular field of study in Germany. This is not surprising given Germany's reputation as a global leader in engineering and technology. Some of the subfields of engineering that are particularly popular among international students in Germany include:

  • Automotive engineering: Germany is home to many of the world's leading automotive companies, so it's no surprise that automotive engineering is a popular field of study. International students who study automotive engineering in Germany can expect to gain a deep understanding of the design, development, and testing of vehicles, as well as the latest technologies and trends in the industry.
  • Electrical engineering: Electrical engineering is another popular field of study for international students in Germany. This field deals with the design and development of electrical systems, including power generation and distribution, communication systems, and control systems.
  • Mechanical engineering: Mechanical engineering is another in-demand field in Germany, with a focus on the design, development, and testing of mechanical systems and devices. This includes everything from small components to large-scale machinery.
  • Computer Science: Germany is home to many top-ranked programs in computer science, making it a popular field of study for international students. Students who study computer science in Germany can expect to gain a deep understanding of the principles and techniques of computer programming, as well as the latest technologies and trends in the field.

Law, Economics, and Social Sciences

  • Law, Economics, and Social Sciences: With over 79,000 international students, this group of subjects is the second most popular among international students in Germany. Some of the subfields that are particularly popular include:
  • Law: Germany has a strong legal system and a well-respected law degree, making it a popular destination for international students who want to study law
  • Economics: Germany is home to a thriving economy, with a strong focus on finance and business. As a result, economics is a popular field of study for international students in Germany.

Mathematics and Natural Sciences

  • With over 33,000 international students, mathematics and natural sciences are the third most popular subjects in Germany. Some of the subfields that are particularly popular include:
  • Mathematics: Germany has a long tradition of excellence in mathematics, with many leading universities offering top-ranked programs in this field.
  • Natural Sciences: Germany is also home to many world-class programs in the natural sciences, including biology, chemistry, and physics.

Humanities

  • With over 29,000 international students, humanities is the fourth most popular subject in Germany. Some of the subfields that are particularly popular include:
  • History: Germany has a rich history, making it a great place to study history. International students can choose from a range of programs, covering everything from ancient history to modern European history.
  • Literature: Germany is home to a thriving literary culture, with a range of programs available in fields such as German literature, English literature, and comparative literature.
  • Languages: Germany is also a great place to study languages, with many universities offering programs in German as well as other languages such as French, Spanish, and Chinese.

Human Medicine and Health Sciences

  • With over 14,000 international students, human medicine and health sciences is another popular field of study in Germany. Some of the subfields that are particularly popular include:
  • Medicine: Germany has a strong tradition in the field of medicine, with many top-ranked programs available for international students.
  • Nursing: Nursing is another in-demand field in Germany, with a range of programs available for those interested in pursuing a career in this field.

Art and Art Studies

With over 13,000 international students, art and art studies is another popular field of study in Germany. This includes a range of programs in fields such as fine art, design, and architecture.

Agriculture, Forestry, Nutritional Science, Veterinary Medicine

  • These fields have a combined total of over 5,400 international students in Germany. Some of the subfields that are particularly popular include:
  • Agriculture: Germany has a strong tradition in the field of agriculture, with many top-ranked programs available for international students.
  • Forestry: Germany is home to a thriving forestry industry, making it a great place to study this field.
  • Nutritional Science: With a growing focus on health and wellness, nutritional science is a popular field of study in Germany.
  • Veterinary Medicine: Germany is also home to many top-ranked programs in veterinary medicine, making it a great place to study this field.

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