IW study: International students bring economic benefits to Germany

A university place can cost the state tens of thousands of euros, but bringing students to Germany from abroad still pays off economically, according to a new study.

The report by the Institute of the German Economy says graduates already contribute more to tax revenues and social-security systems than they receive two years after completing their degrees. At that point, public revenues also exceed the cost of their university places and doctoral programs.

The study found that almost one in two people who come to Germany to study remain in the country after graduating. One in three international university entrants spends their entire working life in Germany.

The analysis was commissioned by the German Academic Exchange Service and draws on data from the microcensus. The article said it would continue to be updated.