Germany is fast becoming the go-to destination for Indian students. With public universities there offering free or low-cost education, and most engineering and technology courses being taught in English, Germany is witnessing a steady rise in Indian student enrolments.

The US, the UK and Australia, which were sought after destinations for several years, are trailing behind because of Germany’s excellent post-study options for graduates from around the world.

Dr. Philipp Ackermann, German Ambassador to India, said, “Germany has been a very reliable partner for decades for Indian students. We have seen the numbers grow over the last couple of years exponentially. Now we have 50,000 Indians in Germany. We are really looking for talent. We are looking for the smartest, the brightest ones — the ones who maybe had an idea to go elsewhere. There is first-class education in Germany, especially in STEM, and most of it is in English.”

Ackermann had earlier said that Germany required about five lakh skilled workers across myriad sectors every year. “We need bakers, butchers, plumbers — people across the skills spectrum,” he said.

A Wissenschaft weltoffen report published by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) also confirmed that India was the top country of origin for international students in Germany.

The ‘Opportunity Card’ introduced by Germany to attract international students allows the applicant to apply for a visa even if the person does not have a job offer.

“Currently, we issue about 20,000 to 25,000 skilled worker visas a year. That’s not enough. We need more — but also the right kind of migration, with skilled, motivated candidates,” Ackermann said. – editor@nrifocus.com