Reports say Indian Students favor Germany over Canada / Humboldt University

Recent dynamics in global higher education choices unveil a notable shift in preferences among Indian students, with a growing inclination towards Germany and nuanced responses in the UK and Canada. According to the Federal Statistical Office of Germany, Indian student enrolment in German universities has experienced a remarkable surge of 146 percent over the last five years. This year, India has become the leading country of origin for international students in Germany, with approximately 42,600 Indian students constituting 12 percent of all international enrolments.

In contrast, a recent survey conducted by learning platform UpGrad underscores a decline in Indian students' interest in pursuing higher education in Canada. Only 9.3 percent of respondents expressed a preference for Canadian education, reflecting an 8.55 percent decrease from the previous year. Conversely, 32.6 percent of participants displayed a strong inclination towards pursuing higher education in Germany, marking a significant 19.4 percent increase from the previous survey.

Experts suggest that the diminishing popularity of Canadian education could be attributed to factors such as the escalating cost of living, less favorable policies for international students, and increasing diplomatic tensions between Canada and India. On the flip side, the growing appeal of Germany among Indian students is attributed to the country's robust scientific programs and favorable post-study work opportunities.

Germany's appeal to students is significantly boosted by its favorable post-study work visa, making the decision-making process more straightforward. Upon successfully completing their studies in Germany, students become eligible for an extended 18-month Job Seeking Visa, commonly known as a post-study work visa. This additional period, referred to as a post-study work permit, is granted in addition to the study duration specified in their German Study Visa. During these 18 months, students have the freedom to explore employment opportunities aligned with their field of study and engage in any job to support themselves financially.

Therese Deebiga a Molecular and Cellular Biology researcher, currently living in Germany says, "I'm a biology student, Germany just has immense funding for research, so more opportunities, First reason for choosing Germany, most of the public universities don't have tuition fees, there's something called semester fees that is around 10,000 rupees (US$120)  per semester. So I just have to deal with my living expenses, which is lower than it is in Canada I assume. Things have gotten way more expensive in the last year but still manageable with a part-time job. Secondly, the climate is not as bad as Canada. It's tolerable for people from tropical countries. Living in Canada during winter (-60°C this year) is just not conducive unless the person is ready to go through with it."

Securing this post-study work visa is crucial for students, and it's advisable to initiate the application process before their student visa expires, ideally in the last semester of their studies. The timing is pivotal, as the 18-month work period kicks off immediately after receiving the final exam results. By acquainting themselves with this procedural aspect and planning ahead, students can seamlessly transition from academic pursuits to the professional realm in Germany.

However, amidst these global trends, insights from the UK's Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) introduce a more nuanced perspective. While overall international student applications for undergraduate places have increased by 0.7 percent, indicating sustained global interest in UK institutions, there has been a 4 percent decline in Indian applicants seeking higher education in British colleges. This contrast highlights a varied response among Indian students, with Germany gaining traction while the UK witnesses a dip in interest.

The UCAS data also reveals a continued demand for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) courses globally. Since 2023, applications to Engineering and technology courses have seen a substantial 10 percent growth, with Mathematical sciences and computing experiencing a commendable 7 percent increase.