Germany ‘eager’ to host Indian students amid US visa pause

New Delhi: 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. (ANI)

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