Indians in Germany
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Students
2009, 2023, 2024
Surpassing China, Indians now largest group of foreign students in Germany
German Embassy officials believe the number of Indian students in the country will go up to 45,000 in 2024, though official data will be compiled only towards the year-end.
Written by Divya A
India has surpassed China as the largest source of international students in Germany, with nearly 43,000 Indian nationals currently enrolled in various colleges and universities in the country.
The number has doubled in the past five years, with 42,578 Indian students registered in Germany in 2023, according to data shared by officials of the German Embassy in New Delhi. Comparatively, the number of Chinese students was 39,137, followed by Syria (15,563), Austria (14,762) and Turkey (14,732).
German Embassy officials believe the number of Indian students in the country will go up to 45,000 in 2024, though official data will be compiled only towards the year-end.
With over 4.58 lakh students from abroad, Germany became the third most popular country for international students globally, and the first among non-English speaking countries, last year. For Indians, the country ranks eighth in the list of top 10 foreign study destinations, with the US, Canada, the UK and Australia retaining the top four spots.
2023 , India surpassed China to become the largest source of international graduate students in the US for the first time since 2009-10, with nearly 2.7 lakh Indian students in American institutions during the 2022-23 academic year, according to an Open Doors report. This was more than 25 per cent of the over one million foreign students in the US.
Germany was also issuing more visas, including Schengen and national visas, to Indians. 2023 , he added, the German Embassy and its Consulates issued 1.72 lakh visas, an increase of 52,000 over the previous year. Visa appointment waiting times, which ran into a few weeks till last year, were also brought down to few days, he said.
The growth — of 32.6 per cent as compared to 2022 reflected the “rising interest among Indian travellers in exploring Germany’s culture, landscapes and culinary experiences,” he added.
The European Union recently announced that frequent travellers from India will now be able to apply for five-year multiple-entry Schengen visas, which puts them on par with “visa-free nationals”.
Punjab: 2024
Anju Agnihotri Chaba, August 31, 2024: The Indian Express
This shift is evident as several events are being organised to promote Germany as an education destination for students from Punjab. Representatives of Germany’s educational institutions actively participate in these events, promoting the country as a prime destination for international students by offering numerous facilities and informing them about government scholarships based on qualifications and eligibility. Students are also being made aware of the work permit opportunities available during and after their studies.
The affinity towards Germany is driven by several factors that make it an attractive option for students seeking quality education, affordable living, and promising career prospects. Education consultants who were previously focused on Canada are now promoting Germany as well.
Experts suggest that the uncertainty in Canada, due to frequent policy changes regarding international students, drives students towards Germany, where opportunities to study at public universities without paying tuition fees are available. Unlike Canada, where tuition costs can be a significant burden, Germany offers free education at all public institutions, making it an affordable alternative for many capable students.
Additionally, Germany does not require IELTS, simplifying the application process for students who might struggle with language proficiency tests. However, IELTS is still preferred by private universities/colleges offering courses in English.
“Growing popularity among Indian students for Germany can be gauged from the number of Indian students choosing Germany has surged in recent years. Currently, around 43,000 Indian students are enrolled in various universities and colleges across Germany, a significant increase from just over 20,000 in 2019. This growth reflects Germany’s rising popularity as a study destination, especially among those pursuing engineering, law, management, and social sciences,” said Gurpreet Singh, an expert in sending students across the globe with a special focus on Canada.
He added that he is sending students to Germany because they wish to go there. He mentioned that students easily find work while studying and that Germany, unlike Canada, has no housing crisis. As one of the largest economies in the world, Germany is considered an earning heaven, similar to the US. He further stated that Europe has always been a preferred destination for Punjabis, just like North America and Australia.
Jain Overseas, one of the biggest consultancies in study abroad based in Jalandhar and specialising in Canadian student visas, has also started sending students to Germany. Sumit Jain of Jain Overseas mentioned that they began sending students to Germany around three months ago and have already received visas for five students.
“Visas are granted after an interview at the German High Commission, and this process is a bit longer than the Canadian process,” he said, adding that the visa success rate is around 70 per cent.
He explained that while there is no fee in public colleges in Germany, students should know German and Dutch languages. For students from Punjab who prefer instruction in English, private universities do charge fees, which are around Rs 10 lakh for the entire course.
Additionally, students must have a blocked account with funds worth €11,904 (around Rs 11 lakh) to cover living expenses. He stated that both undergraduate and postgraduate students are opting for Germany, with many pursuing engineering courses due to the significant opportunities in science.
While Germany is a non-English-speaking country, many universities offer courses in English, making it accessible for international students. However, knowledge of German can be advantageous, particularly when it comes to securing jobs and integrating into society, noted Jain. Another consultant mentioned that talented students prefer Germany because they see the value in learning an additional language.
Challenges and comparisons with other countries
Despite its many advantages, Germany does pose some challenges. Unlike Canada, students cannot take their families along during their studies. Moreover, the language barrier can be a hurdle, especially for those not proficient in German. However, with Canada implementing stricter immigration policies and countries like Australia and the UK changing their visa regulations, Germany is becoming an increasingly attractive option.
“As the global education scenario evolves, Germany is positioning itself as a leading destination for Indian students. The combination of free education, work opportunities, and a strong economy makes it an ideal choice for those looking to study abroad and potentially settle in a foreign country. For students from Punjab and across India, Germany is quickly becoming one of the best options to achieve their academic and professional goals,” said another expert.
