What Makes Germany a Top Choice for Indian Students Seeking Higher Education?
What Makes Germany a Top Choice for Indian Students Seeking Higher Education?
If this trend continues, Germany could soon be exporting more degrees to India than any other European country, in addition to its cars and beer.
Germany is emerging as a top choice for Indian students, not just because of its academic excellence, but also due to the high quality of life it offers. With an increased focus on mental health and work-life balance, Germany’s structured academic environment, 35-40 hour work weeks, and 30 days of annual leave are helping students maintain a healthy balance and reduce stress while studying abroad.
The number of Indian students pursuing education overseas has grown significantly, from 440,000 in 2016 to over 1.4 million in 2023. Once considered an under-explored destination, Germany is now gaining popularity and is expected to host over 114,000 Indian students by 2030.
According to LeapScholar data, 60% of Indian students in Germany are enrolled in engineering and technology programs. Other growing fields include law, management, and social sciences (21%), mathematics and natural sciences (13%), and humanities, agriculture, and architecture (5%).
“Germany is steadily gaining ground as a top choice for Indian students, reflecting a shift in how students approach their education journey. The focus has expanded beyond academics to include factors like affordability, structured learning, and overall well-being. We’re seeing a rise in the number of students exploring Germany for the unique balance it offers, and at LeapScholar, our goal is to equip students with the right insights to make informed, future-ready decisions.” explains Arnav Kumar, Co-Founder, LeapScholar.
Germany’s introduction of the Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card) and relaxed rules for citizenship are making it easier for international students to stay and work after graduation. With the possibility of permanent residency within two years—much faster than in many other countries—Germany is becoming a popular choice for students looking to settle down. In fact, nearly 50% of international students choose to remain in Germany after completing their studies.
