# International student trends in Germany > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/international-student-trends-in-germany > Updated: 2026-10-15T14:33:06.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2. Germany has established itself as a major destination for international students, driven largely by the availability of tuition-free education at most public universities. While students often pay semester contributions for administrative costs and transport, they must manage significant living expenses, including accommodation and health insurance. Data indicates that the number of international students starting studies in Germany has nearly doubled over the last 15 years. These students contribute to the skilled labor market and public finances, with 59 percent of those intending to graduate remaining in the country nine years after arrival. However, rising costs present challenges. In the first half of 2026, quality-adjusted asking rents at 38 university locations rose by an average of 2.6 percent. Munich remains the most expensive city for student housing, while a decline in construction activity at two-thirds of surveyed locations threatens to worsen existing shortages. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-15: Germany attracts international students with tuition-free university programs Germany attracts significant numbers of international students due to tuition-free education at most public universities, though students must meet strict academic and language requirements. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/germany-attracts-international-students-with-tuition-free-university-programs ### 2026-10-14: Germany student housing costs rise amid labor market benefits New reports from the Institute of the German Economy highlight rising student rental costs in Germany and the long-term economic benefits of international students staying in the country. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/germany-student-housing-costs-rise-amid-labor-market-benefits --- Cite as: International student trends in Germany. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/international-student-trends-in-germany