India Tops the List of International Students in Germany 2024

The influx of Indian students to Germany's higher education institutions has shown remarkable growth, with numbers more than doubling over the past five years. 

According to the latest figures shared by DAAD India, based on data from the Federal Statistical Office of Germany, the number of Indian students in Germany has grown by 15.1% over the last year.

And, this means, for the second consecutive year, Indian students now constitute the largest international student community in Germany. This significant increase underscores a growing trend of Indian students seeking education opportunities in Germany.

The most recent data from DAAD India, sourced from the Federal Statistical Office of Germany, reveals that Indian students have varied academic interests, with a significant 60% focusing on engineering programs. Law, management, and social studies account for 21% of their enrollment, while mathematics and natural sciences draw 13%.

The remaining 5% pursue studies in various other fields. When examining the types of institutions, 56% of Indian students are enrolled in traditional universities, while 44% are attending universities of applied sciences. 

This continued rise in Indian student numbers reflects Germany's growing attractiveness as a destination for higher education and the increasing global mobility of students seeking advanced academic and professional opportunities.

If you are looking to pursue a degree in Germany, Edvoy is here to help!

Moreover, students also take advantage of the excellent transport links from Germany to other European countries and travel to other popular destinations in Europe, allowing them to broaden their horizons. Popular places to study in Germany are Munich, Aachen, Cologne, Bonn, Stuttgart, Berlin, Frankfurt, Dresden, Leipzig, and Hamburg.

Why do Indians prefer studying in Germany?

With the world’s third-largest economy, Germany is a major power.As a founding member of the European Union, Germany is highly influential in the global economic scenario. 

Combine this with high-quality, affordable education, unique cultural experiences and a high standard of living – these are just a few reasons why young people from around the globe choose to study in Germany.

1. Top-ranked universities: Universities in Germany for international students are renowned for delivering high-quality education. A lot of German universities rank among the best in the world.
2. Low tuition fee: Due to the subsidisation of higher education by the government the tuition fees are comparatively lower compared to other foreign countries. Without high tuition fees, students can choose their universities and courses more freely.
3. Affordable living: Compared to other European countries, studying and living in Germany is budget-friendly. Low tuition fees and affordable living costs ease financial burdens on students.
4. Programs taught in English: If your German language skills are not so good, you can study in Germany in English. Many universities teach international programs in English making things easier for international students.
5. Career opportunities: Germany has a thriving economy with high employment rates for international students. Home to automobile and fashion giants like BMW and Adidas, the chances of finding the perfect job after completing your studies are very high.
6. Safe, stable country: In recent polls, Germany was ranked 9th in the world for its perceived stability, and choosing a stable study destination is intelligent for prospects. Moreover, Germany is a very safe country for international students.

4 Types of study options in Germany 

There are four types of university degrees in Germany which you can pursue as a student wanting to study in Germany.

1. Bachelor’s degree: The degree is awarded after 3 years of study and provides a foundation in academic and practical subjects.
2. Master’s degree: A master’s degree in Germany for international students is awarded after 2 years of study and builds upon the foundation provided by a bachelor’s degree.
3. Doctorates (PhD): This research-based qualification entails writing dissertations over 2-5 years.
4. Work-study degrees: Work-study courses offer placement at companies alongside academic modules.

Whether you are looking to pursue a bachelor's, master's or doctorate degree in Germany, Edvoy is here to help!

Types of intakes in Germany

There are two main intakes in Germany, one is the winter intake and the other is the summer intake. International students can apply for any of the two, depending on their requirements.

Top universities in Germany for international students

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Exams to enrol in German Universities

• German language exams: If you are applying for a course taught in German, you will have to take a German proficiency exam like the TestDaF, DSH, GDS, Telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule.
• English proficiency tests: International students need to display proficiency in English for the admissions taught in English. These exams include IELTS and TOEFL.
• Subject aptitude tests for undergraduate students: Some popular tests to study undergraduate programs in Germany are FSP and TestAS or Test for Foreign Students.
• Entrance exams for postgraduate programs: These include GRE and GMAT.

Average tution fees in German universities

If you enrol in a public university in Germany, the average tuition fee ranges from €150 to €500 per semester.

The cost of studying in private universities in Germany can range from €10,000/year to €20,000/year, depending upon the study program and study level.

With affordable tuition options available at both public and private universities, Edvoy is here to help you find the right program and budget for your academic journey!

Scholarships available for international students

Several scholarships are available for international students in Germany. These include both partially and fully funded scholarships and may provide stipends along with tuition fees and accommodation charges.

• DAAD Scholarship
• Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarships
• International Max Planck Research School PhD Scholarship
• IMB International PhD Program
• Neufert-Foundation Scholarships 
• Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarship
• Humboldt Research Fellowships

3 types of German student visa

There are three types of visas for international students who want to study in Germany:

1. Language Course Visa: Issued for educational activities to participate in a short German language course lasting from 3 months to 1 year.
2. Student Applicant Visa (Visum Zur Studienbewerbung): Issued to students who want to study in Germany but have not received a confirmation letter from a German university.
3. Student Visa (Visum Zu Studienzwecken): Issued to students who have received an acceptance letter from a German University.

Whether you need a language course, student applicant/student visa, Edvoy is here to help you understand your options and streamline your journey to study in Germany!

Student visa requirements in Germany

1. Two duly completed national visa application forms
2. Valid national passport
3. Two recently taken biometric portrait photographs
4. Proof of admission or acceptance letter at a German education institution
5. Proof of German language proficiency
6. Proof of English language proficiency
7. Authenticated certificates of earlier education
8. Curriculum vitae
9. Means of subsistence “Finanzieruungsnachweis”. You must show you have enough money to cover living, accommodation and study costs.
10. Student health insurance, valid for at least 3 months with a minimum of €30,000 coverage.

Bachelor’s degrees in Germany for international students

• BSc in Aerospace
• BSc in Applied Artificial Intelligence
• BA in Applied Literary and Cultural Studies
• BA in Aviation Management

Explore undergraduate courses in Germany

Master’s degrees in Germany for international students

• MSc Public Health
• MSc Data Science
• MA Strategic Management
• MA Visual and Experience Design
• MBA Artificial Intelligence
• MA New Media Design
• MBA Healthcare Management
• MA Tourism, Hospitality, and Business Management
• MSc Digital Marketing
• MSc Business Intelligence

Explore postgraduate courses in Germany

Job prospects for students after graduation

With the number of Indian students in Germany’s higher education institutions rising, and the number doubling in the last five years, the country is becoming a top destination for international students from diverse backgrounds.

Given Germany’s excellent education system and vibrant culture, this trend is likely to continue. If you want to take advantage of this booming opportunity in Germany, Edvoy is here to guide you every step of the way. Let’s assist you with choosing the right university, filling out applications, finding funding, and getting your visa. 

Why settle for anything less? 

Start your journey today by talking to a friendly Edvoy counsellor.

Download the Edvoy app and take the first step toward your future in Germany!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Germany?

Compared to other popular European cities, the cost of living in Germany is relatively low. On average, the cost of living for students is around €800 to €1,000 a month.

How to find part-time jobs in Germany as an international student?

On-campus jobs are posted on university websites and student unions, and networking groups are also helpful in finding campus jobs. For off-campus jobs, online career websites, local employment agencies, and college social media groups can be of help.