The development comes at a time when Germany is witnessing a rapid rise in interest among Indian students. Germany is now the top choice for Indian students, surpassing more conventional locations like the US and Canada

Simple Vishwakarma Mumbai

India and Germany have agreed to provide free visas for short-term school and college visits in an attempt to boost student exchanges and strengthen their educational connection. On Wednesday, the announcement came after talks between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and German Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs Johann Wadephul in New Delhi, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

In a statement, the MEA said the two ministers reviewed the “entire gamut” of the India-Germany Strategic Partnership, expressing satisfaction with progress in areas ranging from trade and security to green development and education. As part of the dialogue, both countries decided to ease mobility for young people by offering gratis visas for short academic visits, reinforcing people-to-people ties.

Germany surpasses US, Canada in student preferences

The development comes at a time when Germany is witnessing a rapid rise in interest among Indian students. Germany is now the top choice for Indian students, surpassing more conventional locations like the US and Canada, according to upGrad's Transnational Education (TNE) Report 2024–2025. According to the study, Germany's share of Indian applications rose from 13.2% in 2022 to 32.6% in 2024–2025. In contrast, Canada's share fell sharply from 17.8% to 9.3%, while applications to US universities fell by 13% yearly.

Why Indian students are choosing Germany?

For Indian students, the appeal lies in both academic excellence and affordability. Nishit Sanghvi, who is pursuing a Master’s in Advanced Manufacturing at Technische Universität Chemnitz, explained that his choice was clear early on. “For an aspiring mechanical engineer, Germany is the dream place to study and work. Though many of my family members, relatives, and acquaintances suggested I go to the USA or other English-speaking countries, I was clear about my goal right from the second year of my bachelor's—to study in Germany, the global pioneer in automobiles, machinery, and technology,” he said.

Cost of living and accessibility are other factors that weigh heavily in students’ decisions. Chaitali Tamboliya, a master’s student in Web Engineering, said her decision was influenced not only by family already living in Germany but also by the country’s affordability. “Education cost in Germany is comparatively less, and public transportation facilities are affordable too,” she pointed out.

For others, it is the combination of high-quality education and lifestyle that matters. Vidhi Bhatt, who recently graduated in Data Analytics at BSBi in Berlin, said Germany’s mix of innovation and culture sealed the deal for her. “Germany was always on my list for higher studies, mainly due to its reputation for affordable, high-quality education and its technological advancement. Moreover, Europe’s mix of rich history and modern infrastructure is fascinating. I knew Germany, with its scenic landscapes and well-organised cities, would offer a fulfilling life beyond just academics,” she noted.

This upward trend has also been highlighted by German officials. According to Ambassador Philipp Ackermann, there are now around 60,000 Indian students in Germany, which is 20% more than there were the previous year. Additionally, 49,483 Indian students were enrolled in German universities during the 2023–2024 winter semester, increasing 15.1% from the year before, according to data from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).

Ambassador highlights growing numbers

“New numbers are out! Almost 60,000 students from India are currently studying in Germany – a leap of 20% over a year,” Ambassador Ackermann wrote on social media, encouraging prospective students to explore Germany’s “highly prestigious and affordable” public universities while exercising caution about private institutions.

With free visas for short-term academic visits now in the picture, both governments appear to be doubling down on making educational exchanges smoother. The move reflects not just a diplomatic gesture but also a recognition of Germany’s growing role as a preferred study destination for Indian students.

— With inputs from ANI