Increased Interest in Study Abroad: Growing Popularity of Alternative Destinations
Traditional study abroad destinations like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia have long been favored by students seeking international education. However, in recent years, countries such as Singapore, Germany, France, Switzerland, and Ireland have emerged as prominent alternatives.
According to Romit Theophilus, Director of Marketing and Sales Office India at the German National Tourist Office (GNTO), Indian students now constitute the largest international community on German campuses. “Indian students are now the largest international community on the German campuses with 42,578 students as of 2023,” he stated, as quoted by news agency ANI.
German Ambassador to India Philipp Ackermann also acknowledged India’s significant presence in German universities, noting a total of over 42,000 Indian students, representing a 25% increase within one year.
Commenting on the surge in student applications for German colleges, Akshay Chaturvedi, Founder and CEO of Leverage.biz, emphasized Germany’s renowned education system, which prioritizes research and innovation. “Germany’s education system is known for its focus on research and innovation. The country has seen a surge in popularity,” he said. “We are guiding Indian students to Germany, where interest has doubled over the past year, establishing it as a top choice for those seeking high-quality education with minimal financial burdens.”
Chaturvedi also highlighted Germany’s ranking among the top five destinations on LeverageEdu.com, indicating its growing appeal among students.
Meanwhile, alongside the rise in educational ties, Germany has experienced a notable increase in tourism from India, recording over 30% growth in overnight stays in 2023. Former Ambassador Phillip Ackermann underscored the robust economic relationship between Germany and India, emphasizing Germany’s status as India’s largest trading partner in Europe.