Germany remains a reliable and welcoming destination for Indian students seeking higher education, said ambassador Philipp Ackermann on Tuesday. Amid global concerns over student visa delays and changing admission norms in some countries, Ackermann assured that Germany is a “steady partner” committed to attracting “the smartest and the brightest” from India.

Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, the envoy highlighted that over 50,000 Indian students are currently pursuing higher education in Germany, with the number expected to grow further. He emphasized that Germany does not follow erratic policies, adding, “We don’t check social media accounts before you come.”

“In light of recent difficulties in student admissions and visa procedures in some countries, Germany remains eager and happy to receive Indian students,” he said.

The ambassador stressed Germany’s strengths: first-class, low-cost education, especially in STEM fields; over 2,300 English-taught programs; and clear pathways to the labor market post-graduation. He urged students to apply directly to universities and avoid relying solely on agents.

Katja Lasch, director of the DAAD Regional Office in New Delhi, said that applications to German universities have jumped by over 30% in recent months. Germany currently hosts about 400,000 international students, with Indian students among the largest groups.

Ackermann also clarified that there is no backlog in student visas anymore, thanks to systemic changes made after delays during the pandemic. On the new citizenship rules, he stated that the earlier fast-track naturalization option has been extended from three to five years.

Germany has over 425 universities, including 305 public institutions. Most offer tuition-free or low-cost education, reinforcing Germany’s merit-based over money-based academic model.

Representatives from leading German universities and research institutes, including the Max Planck Society and Fraunhofer, were also present at the event.

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