Germany Sees 43% Rise in Study Visas Over the Past Four Years
Key Highlights
- Germany issued 27,000 more student visas between 2021 and 2024—a 43% increase.
- Work visas saw even greater growth, now representing the most issued visa type.
- While expanding pathways for skilled migration, Germany is implementing stricter controls to prevent misuse.
Germany is strengthening its position as a top destination for international students, with student visa approvals rising by nearly 43% over the last four years.
According to data from the German Interior Ministry, around 63,000 student visas were issued in 2021. By 2024, that number had grown to 90,000, highlighting the country’s growing appeal in global education.
The statistics, which also included figures on work and asylum visas, were shared during a recent presentation by Interior Minister Nancy Faeser. She emphasized that Germany has made progress in three critical areas: boosting skilled worker immigration, tackling human trafficking, and reducing irregular migration.
“Migration policy isn’t about grandstanding — it’s a management task that requires consistent effort,” said Faeser. “We’ve increased skilled immigration by 77% since 2021.”
Faeser also reaffirmed Germany’s identity as a country of immigration, addressing the backdrop of rising anti-immigration rhetoric during the 2024 election campaigns.
Germany Sees More Student & Work Visas, Fewer Asylum Approvals
From 2021 to 2024, both student and work visas saw a significant rise. While student visas grew by 43%, work visas jumped by 77.3%—from 97,000 in 2021 to 172,000 in 2024.
In contrast, asylum approvals have declined. Year-on-year data shows a 34.2% decrease in asylum applications. Between January and March 2025, only 33,157 asylum requests were submitted—a 37% drop compared to the same period in 2024. First-time asylum applications also declined by 43% in the first two months of 2025.
New Reforms to Attract and Retain Foreign Talent
Germany has introduced several policy changes to enhance skilled migration. Recognizing the importance of language skills, the government expanded integration courses to include individuals still undergoing asylum procedures. Ukrainian refugees are also receiving early language and counseling support to improve integration.
The Skilled Immigration Act was updated to prioritize professional experience over academic credentials, and amendments to citizenship laws have made naturalization easier for long-term residents. However, applicants holding anti-democratic views may now face disqualification from becoming German citizens.
These measures reflect Germany's commitment to attracting global talent while ensuring responsible and secure migration policies.