"The American government's decision to suspend visa issuance for international students and doctoral candidates is more than a symbolic act. It marks a turning point in international science policy. The United States, long the dream destination for academics from all over the world, is withdrawing. Canada, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands have also enacted restrictive visa regulations in recent years and experienced political debates that have worsened the climate for international talent. As a result, the number of international students and doctoral candidates there is declining.
For many young people from countries like India, Nigeria, or Brazil, who had hoped for a place at top universities in North America or the United Kingdom, this is a bitter development, and it is only logical that German universities stand closely alongside beleaguered institutions like Harvard in the United States, which defend their academic freedom and autonomy. A historic opportunity is opening up for Germany: At a time when other countries are erecting walls, our country can open doors, and thus not only for its science, but also for its economy and society in the long term."
The new scientific and geopolitical situation offers three major opportunities.
First, Germany can establish itself as a new destination for excellent academic talent who would previously have opted for English-speaking countries. The global demand for study places abroad remains unbroken, especially in emerging societies with young populations. As last year's report by the Expert Commission for Research and Innovation shows, Germany has developed into an increasingly attractive international location for science in recent years. Those who make the right offers now can permanently attract new students and doctoral candidates.
Second, Germany can distinguish itself as a liberal center of science. Our constitutionally enshrined academic freedom, our cosmopolitan society, and the principle of largely tuition-free higher education earn us international respect.
At a time when academic freedom is under pressure worldwide, Germany can become a place of longing for students and researchers.
Third, international students are a crucial component of a future-oriented migration policy. Those who complete their studies or doctorate in Germany have good chances of finding permanent employment. to work here and integrate into our society. Given the growing shortage of skilled workers and demographic trends, this is a strategic perspective. A smart education and science policy is also the best skilled labor policy.
Unlocking this potential requires political determination and targeted investments. We propose an ambitious scholarship program for international talent, whether students or doctoral candidates: 10,000 additional scholarship places with a volume of 100 million euros annually over five years (10 000 annually each candidate).
This would send a clear signal from Germany: We are serious about opening up and are prepared to create attractive conditions for excellent talent. Scholarships are more than just social support; they are a tool for targeted recruitment, as elite American universities have practiced for decades.
The fact that the German Academic Exchange Service has been able to award fewer scholarships in recent years due to stagnating budgets contradicts Germany's strategic goals as a nation of science and skilled workers. It is high time to reverse this trend.
The economic benefits have long been proven. According to a recent study by the German Economic Institute, each cohort of international students in Germany generates a net profit of around sixteen billion euros for the public budget over their lifetime, through indirect taxes on consumption, income tax, and social security contributions from employment. Against this backdrop, the planned scholarship program would not only be affordable but also highly economically profitable as a means and signal for attracting more international students.
But financial support alone is not enough. For international talent to successfully study, research, and work in Germany, the structural framework must also be right. These include:
Rapid issuance of visas for international students and doctoral candidates
Simple and standardized recognition of credits from the home country or country of study
More staff for academic support, especially for students from countries with different higher education systems and different support expectations.
More housing and social infrastructure for all students from Germany and around the world, not only in major cities, but especially at university locations across the country.
Early integration, language support, and networking with the regional economy so that students thrive not only academically but also socially.
Strategic expansion of marketing for Germany as a center of science worldwide. The Federal Government's umbrella portal for skilled workers from abroad, "Make it in Germany," should be expanded for students and doctoral candidates.
These challenges can be solved if they are prioritized politically. Germany is at a tipping point. While other countries are isolating themselves, our country can gain a lead in research and the quality of skilled workers through smart investments in young, talented people from around the world. International students and doctoral candidates are not a burden; they are an opportunity for our universities, our companies, and our society. The German government should seize this unique opportunity to raise its profile now. Because whoever attracts talent wins the future.
Uwe Cantner is Chairman of the Expert Commission for Research and Innovation.
Michael Hüther is President of the German Economic Institute.
Joybrato Mukherjee is President of the German Academic Exchange Service." [1]
1. Es ist Zeit für ein klares Signal: Viele Länder schließen ihre Türen für internationale Talente. Holen wir sie nach Deutschland! Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung; Frankfurt. 18 June 2025: N4. Von Uwe Cantner, Michael Hüther und Joybrato Mukherjee
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