
dw.com
International Students Boost German Economy by €15.5 Billion
A study by the IW reveals that 79,000 international students starting their studies in Germany in 2022 alone will contribute €15.5 billion more to the German economy via taxes and social security contributions than they will receive in benefits, highlighting the significant economic advantages of attracting international students to Germany.
- What is the immediate economic impact of international students on Germany?
- International students contribute billions to the German economy, paying significantly more in taxes and social security contributions than they receive in benefits. A recent study by the German Institute for Economic Research (IW) found that 79,000 international students starting in 2022 alone will contribute almost €15.5 billion more than they will receive.
- How does Germany's tuition-free higher education system contribute to its economic growth?
- This positive economic impact is linked to Germany's tuition-free higher education system, attracting highly skilled individuals globally. The high retention rate of around 45% of international students from 2010, who have fully compensated for education costs, underscores the long-term economic benefits for Germany.
- What are the key challenges international students face in transitioning to the German job market and how can Germany improve integration efforts?
- While Germany excels at attracting international students, challenges exist in post-graduation employment. The German automotive industry's downturn impacts job prospects, highlighting a need for improved integration support and potentially proactive measures to secure employment for graduates, even in challenging economic climates.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the narrative positively, emphasizing the economic contributions of international students and the benefits Germany gains. The headline (if there were one) would likely focus on the economic advantages. The inclusion of Younis Ebaid's story, while providing a human element, reinforces the positive narrative by showcasing a success story. The challenges faced by graduates are presented later in the article, diminishing their overall impact.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral, although the frequent emphasis on economic benefits might subtly shape the reader's perception. Phrases such as "prednost za Njemačku" (advantage for Germany) could be replaced with more neutral terms like "benefit to Germany". The article also uses positive framing around the economic benefits which could be toned down for more objectivity.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the economic benefits of international students to Germany, but omits discussion of the potential challenges faced by German students or the overall impact on the German education system. While acknowledging the difficulties some graduates face finding work, it doesn't explore potential negative consequences of an influx of international graduates on the job market for German nationals. There is also no mention of the social integration challenges faced by international students.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplistic eitheor framing by focusing primarily on the economic advantages of international students while only briefly touching on the challenges they face in finding employment after graduation. It doesn't fully explore the complexities of integration and the potential drawbacks of a heavily internationalized workforce.
Sustainable Development Goals
The study shows that international students contribute significantly to the German economy by paying more in taxes and social security contributions than they receive in social benefits. Their presence also boosts economic growth and strengthens international academic ties. However, challenges remain in integrating graduates into the German job market, particularly during economic downturns.