Immigrants More Educated Than Ever Before, Says New Study
A recent study by the Rockwool Foundation Berlin (RFBerlin) has revealed that immigrants arriving in Germany and across the European Union are more educated than ever. In 2024, 32.1% of migrants from non-EU countries held a university degree or equivalent qualification—up from 30.9% in 2023—marking a record level and continuing a decade-long trend of rising educational attainment.
In Germany alone, the proportion of highly educated non-EU immigrants increased from 29.4% to 31.1% over the past year. The upward trend extends to migrants from EU member states as well. EU-wide, the percentage of immigrants holding tertiary qualifications climbed from 33.8% to 35.2%, with Germany seeing an increase from 28.6% to 30.1%.
Tommaso Frattini, co-director of Rockwool Foundation Berlin’s Center for Research and Analysis of Migration and a professor at the University of Milan, emphasized the positive implications. “This continuous rise in education levels highlights the potential migrants bring to EU labor markets,” he noted. If utilized effectively, he added, migrant skills could be “a key driver of economic growth across the EU.”
Skilled Migrants Strengthen German Workforce
The findings also point to a growing trend of immigration driven by employment opportunities. In 2024, foreign nationals made up just over 16% of the workforce in Germany—a figure that has more than doubled since 2010. This increase is especially pronounced in medical professions, where over one in six doctors now holds foreign citizenship.
The expanding presence of skilled migrants is playing a critical role in addressing labor shortages in Germany’s key sectors. Their contributions are particularly vital in healthcare, technology, and engineering fields where demand for qualified professionals continues to rise.
Experts argue that this influx of talent could serve as a long-term asset for Germany’s economy. However, the sustainability of this advantage depends on how well the country supports, retains, and integrates these highly skilled individuals into its labor and social systems.
Concerns Over Retention Amid Discrimination Reports
Despite the progress, Germany faces challenges in retaining its foreign talent. A recent report by the Institute for Employment Research (IAB), part of the Federal Employment Agency, found that a growing number of economically successful immigrants are considering leaving the country. One in four surveyed foreign professionals admitted they were thinking about relocating elsewhere, often citing discrimination and lack of inclusion as key reasons.
This concern underscores a deeper issue: while Germany attracts skilled labor, it struggles to provide an environment where those individuals feel valued and supported. Without meaningful action to address these concerns, experts warn that Germany risks losing the very talent that is helping power its economy.
As Rockwool Foundation Berlin policymakers continue to promote Germany as a hub for global talent, there is a growing call to not only attract but also retain skilled migrants by fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.
