April 26, 2023

German Universities See Surge in Indian Student Applications Despite Visa Processing Challenges

T The German embassy in India has received almost 25,000 student visa applications for the next two semesters, as reported by leading news sources. Ambassador Philipp Ackerman noted during a panel at the Acumen Global Gateway Summit on April 20 that Germany has experienced a significant increase in Indian student numbers over the years, with 35,000 currently studying in the country. Ackerman attributed this growth to Germany's free public education, social security, teaching facilities, and work opportunities.

Ambassador Philipp Ackerman elaborated that German universities are very pleased with Indian students and have had extremely positive experiences with them. Therefore, Indian student applications are viewed as very valuable and are typically accepted quite easily. Moreover, he added that Indian students have a high chance of securing a job within six weeks of completing their studies in Germany.

…although India ranks as the second-largest source country for international students in Germany, with roughly 25,000 applications, China remains the leading source country with around 40,055 students enrolling in German universities and colleges…

Despite the overwhelming number of applications, processing 25,000 applications in a year is a tough task, and the German embassy is experiencing some frustration due to fraudulent applications, which account for about 5 to 10% of the total number. The embassy must carefully assess each application academically, adding to the workload.

Sources indicate that visa processing times may pose a challenge for Indian students, despite the high number of applications. Stakeholders had warned last year that waiting times of up to a year were discouraging and demotivating for students in India, Morocco, and Cameroon, and it is uncertain whether the current surge in applications will result in similar effects this year.

While it is not uncommon to encounter visa application issues, Ambassador Ackerman stressed that hosting international students from India is a mutually beneficial arrangement for both Indian students and German society.

Although India ranks as the second-largest source country for international students in Germany, with roughly 25,000 applications, China remains the leading source country with around 40,055 students enrolling in German universities and colleges.

In conclusion, Germany has seen a significant increase in the number of Indian students choosing to study in the country, with almost 25,000 visa applications received for the upcoming two semesters alone. Although the visa application process can be challenging, German universities are pleased with the quality and value that Indian students bring to their institutions.

Despite concerns over visa processing times and the presence of fraudulent applications, the German government remains committed to welcoming international students, including those from India. Hosting international students is seen as a "win-win situation" for both students and German society as a whole, with Indian students benefiting from the opportunities available and German society benefiting from the skills and diversity brought by international students.

Posted in News and tagged News, Germany, International Students, India, Universities, Visa
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