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Time of India
13-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Germany rises as a stable choice for Indian students facing global visa headwinds
As visa restrictions and shifting immigration policies in countries like the US and UK continue to disrupt international education plans, Germany is quietly emerging as a preferred academic haven for Indian students. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now With its stable visa procedures, minimal tuition costs, and clear application processes, Germany is attracting a growing number of students looking for dependable, long-term prospects abroad. According to German Ambassador Dr. Philipp Ackermann, applications from Indian students to German universities have surged by over 35% in recent months—a signal of the shifting tides in global student mobility. The data was shared at a press briefing in New Delhi, where German officials reaffirmed their country's commitment to fostering a welcoming, merit-based environment for international learners. A noticeable shift in preference Germany's appeal is not just about what it offers, but also what it avoids. In contrast to the increasingly strict vetting systems in countries like the US and UK, Germany offers consistency and transparency. While other nations ramp up surveillance and social media checks, Germany continues to focus on academic credentials and qualifications. As of 2025, the German Embassy, New Delhi has reported that around 50,000 Indian students are currently enrolled in German universities, placing the country firmly among the top five study-abroad destinations for Indian students—after the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. Affordability meets academic excellence Perhaps one of Germany's most powerful draws is its cost advantage. Most public universities in Germany charge little to no tuition fees, even for international students. This drastically reduces the financial burden, allowing students from diverse backgrounds to access quality education without incurring heavy debt. As Dr Ackermann noted in the briefing, Germany's view of education as a public good, not a commercial product, makes it a particularly attractive destination for students from countries like India, where affordability plays a key role in overseas education decisions. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Transparent application processes Another reason Germany is gaining traction is the clarity and accessibility of its application process. Indian students are encouraged to apply directly to German universities and can access free counselling through the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and German university liaison offices in India. Dr Katja Lasch, Director of DAAD's Regional Office in New Delhi, reiterated that most public institutions in Germany do not engage private agents, and any claim otherwise should be treated with caution. This no-nonsense approach allows students to apply on merit, reducing the chances of misinformation and inflated costs through unofficial intermediaries. Over 2,300 English-taught programs available Germany has also worked steadily to make itself more inclusive for non-German speakers. Today, the country offers more than 2,300 programs taught entirely in English, with a strong focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). (Source: DAAD India) This is particularly appealing to Indian students, many of whom gravitate toward STEM fields. German programs often incorporate hands-on experience, industry partnerships, and internships—greatly enhancing job readiness in both the German and wider European markets. Strong post-study prospects and residency pathways Germany's immigration policies for international graduates offer clarity and opportunity. After completing their studies, graduates are entitled to an 18-month stay-back period to find employment. Once they secure a job, the process of extending residence permits is straightforward, reflecting the country's intent to retain skilled global talent. This stands in contrast to the uncertain or increasingly restrictive post-study options in other major destinations, where work permits are becoming harder to obtain or subject to shifting political priorities. Germany's overall academic ecosystem reinforces its rising popularity. The country enjoys a reputation for cutting-edge research, strong university-industry linkages, and inclusive campuses that embrace diversity. German officials have also emphasized that students are welcomed not only as learners but as potential contributors to Germany's long-term social and economic landscape. In a global climate where studying abroad is often fraught with unpredictability, Germany is positioning itself as a beacon of stability.
Business Recorder
13-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
UAF VC, German diplomat discuss areas of mutual collaborations
FAISALABAD: Jan Gerald Krausser, Head of Communications and Cultural Affairs, Embassy of Germany called on Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali, Vice Chancellor of the University of Agriculture Faisalabad at VC Chamber and discussed the areas of mutual collaborations. The areas of faculty-students exchange, research, and language and technology came under discussion. Jan Gerald Krausser briefed about the scholarships and German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). He said that with exchange propgramme, we will learn from each other experiences. He emphasized the significance of academic and cultural exchanges in bilateral ties. He said that these connections bring together academic excellence from both countries. Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali said that the UAF was enjoying good relations with University of Kassel, Germany and other German universities. He said the many UAF faculty members benefited from German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). He said that enhanced ties with German Universities would help learn each other experiences. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
India Today
12-06-2025
- Business
- India Today
Germany sees 35% rise in Indian student interest amid global visa issues
As visa hurdles mount in countries like the US and UK, Germany is emerging as a preferred destination for Indian students seeking a secure and transparent academic path. Citing a sharp 35% increase in applications from India, German officials have reiterated their country's commitment to providing a stable, inclusive environment for international a recent press briefing in New Delhi, German Ambassador Dr Philipp Ackermann said, 'In the context of the difficulties Indian students face in other countries, we have seen a sharp rise in interest for German universities and research institutions. Applications have increased by over 35 per cent in the last couple of months.'advertisementCurrently, around 50,000 Indian students are enrolled at German universities, placing the country amongst the top five destinations for Indian learners, after the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. Reinforcing Germany's consistent and transparent approach to education, the ambassador remarked, 'We are a very reliable partner. When it comes to studying or researching in Germany, we don't check your social media before you arrive.' This remark appeared to subtly contrast Germany's stance with the increasingly strict vetting processes being adopted by other nations.A key draw for students is the affordability of education in Germany. Most public universities either charge no tuition fees or have very minimal costs compared to their Western counterparts. 'We believe education is a public good, not a business opportunity,' Ambassador Ackermann Katja Lasch, Director of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Regional Office in New Delhi, also addressed students and urged them not to rely on private agents for applications. 'Most public universities in Germany do not work with agents. Our system is transparent and accessible. Students can get free counselling from DAAD and German university liaison offices in India,' she currently offers more than 2,300 English-taught programmes, covering a wide range of fields including science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), where the country faces a growing demand for skilled Ackermann noted, 'We are looking for the smartest, most dedicated students—those who are eager to contribute and grow. And we see that in Indian students.'He also highlighted post-study benefits, including an 18-month stay-back period for job searching and simplified processes for residence permit extension once employment is itself as a dependable academic partner during a time of uncertainty in global higher education, Germany's message is clear: Indian students are welcome, valued, and supported. "Germany is very eager and happy to welcome Indian students. In these turbulent times, we offer not just world-class education but also a stable, inclusive, and trustworthy system,' Ackermann concluded.(With ANI inputs)Tune InMust Watch
Indian Express
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
We are reliable partner, eager to have Indian talent, says Germany envoy
The German Ambassador Tuesday reassured Indian students that the country is 'a reliable partner' and said that it is 'eager and happy to receive Indian talents'. With other countries capping international student intake, along with the Donald Trump administration's crackdown on top American universities, Philipp Ackermann said: 'We feel that Germany has been a reliable partner for Indian students for a long time and will remain so. We are interested in Indian talent. We are not erratic, we are not volatile, we are very, very steady.' At a press meet in Delhi, he said: 'We don't check social media before you come. We are very eager to have talented young Indians coming to Germany.' 'In the light of difficulties with student admissions and visa procedures in some countries… Germany is very eager and happy to receive Indian students… extremely good experiences with Indian students and we have seen that the number of Indian students is increasing every year.' His comments come in the wake of the Donald Trump administration reportedly considering the vetting of social media accounts of international students applying for student visas. Data by Katja Lasch, Director, Regional Office New Delhi, DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service), shows that the number of Indians enrolled in German universities rose from 13,740 in 2015-16 to 25,149 in 2019-20, and to 49,483 in 2023-24. 'We are aware this number may go up because of the situation elsewhere,' he said, adding: 'Over the past months, applications across the state-owned universities have gone up 35%.'
India Gazette
10-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Germany 'eager' to host Indian students amid US visa pause, sees 35 per cent surge in university applications
By Vishu Adhana New Delhi [India], June 10 (ANI): Amid growing uncertainty around student visa processes in several Western countries, Germany is positioning itself as a stable and reliable 'alternative' for Indian students, saying, 'we are not erratic and volatile,' and promising a secure academic environment. The German Embassy in India reported a 35 per cent surge in applications to German universities from India over the past months, reflecting growing interest in the country's higher education system. Speaking at a press conference in New Delhi on Tuesday, German Ambassador Dr Philipp Ackermann said, 'In the context of the difficulties Indian students face in other countries, we have seen a sharp rise in interest for German universities and research institutions. Applications have increased by over 35 per cent in the last couple of months.' Currently, around 50,000 Indian students are studying in Germany, making it one of the top five study destinations for Indians after the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia. In what appeared to be a subtle remark of growing scrutiny in other nations, Ambassador Ackermann assured Indian students of Germany's transparent and stable system. 'We are a very reliable partner. When it comes to studying or researching in Germany, we don't check your social media before you arrive,' he said. The ambassador also highlighted that most state-run universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees. When they do, the fees are nominal compared to those in Anglo-Saxon countries. 'We believe education is a public good, not a business opportunity,' he said. The ambassador's remarks come amidst the backdrop of a crackdown on foreign students in the US. US President Donald Trump's administration has ordered US embassies around the world to stop scheduling appointments for student visas as it prepares to expand social media vetting of such applicants. Dr Katja Lasch, Director of the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) Regional Office in New Delhi, was also present at the press interaction. German Academic Exchange Service (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) is a funding organisation that supports international students and researchers who wish to study or conduct research in Germany. She emphasised that Indian students should avoid using commercial agents, noting that applications can be submitted independently through university websites. 'Most public universities in Germany do not work with agents. Our system is transparent and accessible. Students can get free counselling from DAAD and German university liaison offices in India,' Dr Lasch said. DAAD also highlighted that Germany offers over 2,300 English-language programs, including opportunities for international students to pursue PhDs, with strong career support and pathways into the labour market. Germany is facing a significant demand for skilled professionals, especially in STEM fields. 'We are looking for the smartest, most dedicated students--those who are eager to contribute and grow. And we see that in Indian students,' Ambassador Ackermann said. Post-graduation, students are allowed to stay in Germany for up to 18 months to look for employment, and once placed, they can easily extend their residence permits. Officials stressed Germany's commitment to being a reliable, non-volatile partner in international education, especially as students face delays and unpredictability in countries like the US. 'Germany is very eager and happy to welcome Indian students. In these turbulent times, we offer not just world-class education but also a stable, inclusive, and trustworthy system,' Ackermann concluded. (ANI)
