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Germany has once again seen a significant rise in Indian students, surpassing China for the second year in a row as the largest international student group.
According to data from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), a record 49,483 Indian students are currently enrolled in German universities for the winter semester of 2023-24, marking a 15.1% increase from the previous year.
In a statement released in early September, DAAD confirmed, “The number has more than doubled in the last five years. Indian students now form the largest international community in Germany for the second year in a row.”
Steady Growth Despite Pandemic
The number of Indian students studying in Germany has consistently risen over the past five years. In 2018-19, 20,810 Indian students were enrolled in German institutions, which grew to 25,149 in 2019-20. Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the numbers continued to climb: 28,905 students in 2020-21, 34,134 in 2021-22, and 42,997 in 2022-23.
The latest figures for 2023-24 stand at 49,483, reflecting a steady upward trend. Meanwhile, China, which previously dominated the international student population in Germany, recorded 39,137 students last year. Other significant student groups include Syria (15,563), Austria (14,762), and Turkey (14,732).
Popular Fields of Study Among Indian Students
Germany’s Federal Statistical Office, in data shared by DAAD, revealed that 60% of Indian students in Germany are enrolled in engineering programs. Other popular fields of study include law, management, and social sciences, which account for 21% of Indian student enrollment, followed by mathematics and natural sciences at 13%. Approximately 5% of Indian students are pursuing degrees in other disciplines.
In terms of institution types, 56% of Indian students attend universities, while 44% are enrolled in universities of applied sciences.
Boost in Educational and Professional Ties
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) plays a key role in supporting Indian students and researchers through scholarships and academic exchange programs. DAAD also promotes the “bi-directional movement” of scholars, fostering academic collaboration between India and Germany.
During his February 2023 visit to India, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz highlighted the demand for Indian IT professionals in Germany. This push aligns with the mobility agreement signed by both countries in December 2022, facilitating opportunities for students, workers, and researchers to move between the two nations.
The agreement and ongoing academic exchanges are set to strengthen ties, making Germany an increasingly attractive destination for Indian students and professionals.
