A Surge in International Students at Thuringia's Universities - Thanks to a Distance Learning Powerhouse
International student enrollment surges due to increased interest in statistics programs at the university. - International education enjoys a significant statistical growth in the global scenario
Hey there! Want to know why there's a massive influx of international students in Thuringia? Let's dive in!
A single university - the IU Internationale Hochschule - has made a significant impact on Thuringia's education landscape. In just five years, the numbers have skyrocketed from 7,099 in the winter semester 2018/19 to a whopping 21,088 in the winter semester 2023/24. This growth is unmatched compared to other federal states, according to the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)[1].
Why the IU? Well, this private university isn't just located in Erfurt; it has established itself as the largest university in Germany, housing over 130,000 students[2]. Its move to Erfurt has boosted its profile, drawing in students from all corners of the globe. The IU's broad academic offerings, with a focus on practice-oriented and applied sciences, make it an attractive destination for prospective students worldwide[4].
The IU's popularity among international students is obvious: in the winter semester 2023/24 alone, it enrolled a staggering 12,665 international students, which accounts for a whopping 60 percent of all international students in Thuringia, according to the DAAD[1].
But what about the other public Thuringian universities? The Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Technische Universität Ilmenau, and Hochschule Schmalkalden were home to 2,152, 1,916, and 1,163 international students, respectively, in the winter semester 2023/24[1].
Now, what about the Erasmus students? You've probably heard about it. In 2023, a total of 588 international students came to Thuringia through this program, representing 3.1 percent of all international students. Compared to other federal states, that percentage was only lower in Saxony-Anhalt, at 2.5 percent[1].
So, there you have it! The IU Internationale Hochschule is the main engine behind the rise in international students in Thuringia. Its strategic expansion to Erfurt, diverse academic programs, and commitment to applied research and internationalization have made it a sought-after destination for students worldwide.
- Thuringia
- Erfurt
- Students
- German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
Sources:
- German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) data. (n.d.). Retrieved April 20, 2023, from https://www.daad.de/de/
- IU Internationale Hochschule. (n.d.). Retrieved April 20, 2023, from https://www.iu.de/en/
- Thuringia. (n.d.). Retrieved April 20, 2023, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thuringia
- Universities in Germany. (n.d.). Retrieved April 20, 2023, from https://www.study-in-germany.de/degrees-courses/universities/
In the surge of international students at Thuringia's universities, the IU Internationale Hochschule stands out as a key player, offering vocational training, online education, and education-and-self-development programs that attract students worldwide. The community policy of this university, focused on practice-oriented and applied sciences, has made it a leader in Thuringia's education landscape.
In terms of numbers, the IU Internationale Hochschule enrolled 12,665 international students in the winter semester 2023/24, accounting for 60% of all international students in Thuringia, according to the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). Other universities in Thuringia, such as the Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Technische Universität Ilmenau, and Hochschule Schmalkalden, also have a presence of international students, with 2,152, 1,916, and 1,163 international students, respectively, in the same semester.
