DSW publishes report about foreign students in Germany

• Report „Foreign students in Germany 2016“ taken from the 21st social survey conducted by DSW
• Student residence hall, dining hall, counselling: Services offered by Studentenwerke (student services organisations) much in demand
• DSW General Secretary Achim Meyer auf der Heyde: “The services offered by Studentenwerke are essential“

The report „Foreign students in Germany 2016“ that is based on the 21st social survey conducted by DSW was published on 26 June 2018. It describes the social and economic situation of foreign students.

According to the report, 79 % of foreign students eat in a Studentenwerk dining hall averagely 4,8 times a week. As a comparison: 73 % of German students eat in a Studentenwerk dining hall 2,8 times a week. 35 % of foreign students live in a residence hall. They also seek social counselling more often, especially on student finances, jobbing and right on abode.

DSW General Secretary Achim Meyer auf der Heyde explains: „Germany’s attractiveness as ‘university country’ depends a lot on the services offered by Studentenwerke. The report clearly shows it. The social infrastructure must be strengthened by both the Federation and the individual States of Germany; we need more funds for low-cost housing, the renovation of dining halls and for additional counsellors.”

Foreign students have an average monthly budget of 776 €: That is 142 € less than the monthly budget German students have. Half of the foreign students work during their studies; their most important sources of income are their job and their parents’ support.