- Germany sees record rise in Indian students, now the largest international group with over 49,000 enrolled in 2023–24
- Ambassador Ackermann praises Indian students as 'ambitious, smart, and industrious', urges direct applications to avoid fraud
- Germany offers affordable education, work rights, and post-study visas; 80+ German universities visited India to deepen academic ties
In a recent remark, German Ambassador to India Dr. Philipp Ackermann expressed a warm welcome for Indian students, calling them 'ambitious, smart, and industrious'. He highlighted that Germany is open to admitting students like these and invited them to apply for admission in state-run universities. Such universities are famous for their high-quality education at low costs, which makes them a viable option for foreign students.
Germany has experienced a substantial rise in the number of Indian students in recent years. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) indicates that Indian students now form the largest body of international students in Germany, with more than 49,000 enrolled for the Winter Semester of 2023-2024. This is a 15.1 percent rise over the previous year, evidencing the increasing popularity of German higher education among Indian students.
Indian student enrollment increased due to a number of factors. Germany has low tuition, an affordable standard of living, and many scholarships. It has highly rated universities, prestigious STEM programs, and high-quality English-taught courses. International students are eligible to work 20 hours a week and have an 18-month post-study work visa. Through simple visa processing, Germany also offers an accommodating environment and focuses on practical experience and research in its education system. In order to further cement education relations, more than 80 German universities and research centers made a visit to India in March 2025. The delegation was involved in high-level academic engagements such as the launch of the German School of Technology at PSG College of Technology in Coimbatore and attendance at large education forums such as the APAIE Conference 2025 in New Delhi. The efforts reflect the determination of both countries to cement academic and research relationships.
Ambassador Ackermann further cautioned Indian students to be careful when applying to study at German universities. He suggested that students send their applications directly to the universities, and not through third-party agencies, which have been found to be fraudulent. This advice helps to safeguard students from possible scams and make the application process run smoothly.
The increasing number of Indian students in Germany is a testament to the strong cultural and educational relationship between the two nations. With sustained cooperation and cooperation, the partnership has the potential to provide even more opportunities for students and institutions.
