Why Indian students are increasingly choosing Germany for studying abroad

As of 2023, Indian students have taken the lead in German universities, with over 42,578 enrolments, officially surpassing Chinese students, according to the German National Tourist Office (GNTO). In fact, while international student numbers in Germany grew by 3.7% in 2022, the Indian student population skyrocketed by a staggering 26%. So, what¡¯s driving this surge? As one Redditor aptly asks, "Why exactly does everyone want to go to Germany now?"

At a German Embassy conference in India this April, Deputy Head of Mission Georg Enzweiler made an interesting point: ¡°Unlike other countries, studying in Germany is basically free of cost. Education in German public universities is high-class and world-class, but at a much lower cost than other countries, with the German taxpayers paying for the education of both domestic and international students.¡±

A Reddit post explored the appeal of Germany, saying, ¡°I¡¯m aware that tuition is cheaper than in countries like the US and Canada, but would have thought there would still be some pushback given the accompanying need to learn a new language and deal with a relatively insular culture¡­ Have we just accepted that the American market is oversaturated at this point?¡±

Why exactly does everyone want to go to Germany now¡­?
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The post sparked a debate as people pointed out that in absolute numbers, Germany still lags behind the US, UK, and Canada in student numbers, and nearly half of international students don¡¯t stay after graduation due to the tough academic environment. Further, while big cities have a larger Indian population, they still only make up 0.2% of the entire German population.

Another weighed in, saying, ¡°Germany offers a top-notch education with fewer risks compared to the US, where the return on investment can be uncertain. Studying in Germany gives students opportunities and peace of mind, both for themselves and their families.¡±

Credit: BCCL

Yet others pointed out that for those interested in R&D, Germany provides excellent value for the cost.

In the end, while Germany may offer world-class education at a lower cost with the promise of stability and opportunities, students must weigh the challenges of a new language and cultural adaptation¡ªmaking the decision as much about personal priorities as academic and financial goals.

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