As German Chancellor Friedrich Merz concluded his visit to India last week, the strengthening of ties between the two countries was not merely confined to trade. A quiet shift is under way in the education sector as well. According to the Leap Scholar Year-End Report 2024-25, Indians have become the largest cohort of international students in Germany, numbering nearly 59,000. This shift highlights a broader transformation in how Indian aspirants view global education – moving away from traditional English-speaking countries towards new destinations.
Why Germany?
As against traditional destinations such as the US that are tightening visa rules or increasing tuition fees, most German public universities remain tuition-free. Arnav Kumar, co-founder of Leap, said that students incur only about $1,500 in administrative charges for a full two-year programme in Germany. The report estimates the cost of a degree in Germany at just Rs 10-20 lakh – a fraction of the cost in the US or UK. “This financial advantage, combined with an 18-month post-study job-seeking visa and a path to permanent residency, makes Germany a top choice for STEM aspirants,” Kumar said. “With Europe’s largest economy facing skilled labour shortage in technology, the transition from classroom to career is smoother than ever for Indian graduates.”
The UAE and New Zealand
The Leap report noted that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as another destination for Indian students, recording a huge 55x growth in interest. “By establishing free zones to host international branch campuses, the UAE has positioned itself as a global education hub,” the report noted. “For students targeting post-study employment within the Middle East, the region is the right entry point. For Indian families, the geographic proximity – a 3-4 hours flight – and cultural familiarity provide a level of comfort that traditional Western destinations may lack.
New Zealand, technically a Western nation but lying towards the east of India, saw a 30x surge in interest from Indian students. Its ‘Green List’ for critical skills such as engineering and health offers a streamlined residency pathway, while its post-study work visa allows graduates to work in the country for up to three years. Tuition fees in New Zealand are in the $20,000-30,000 range – although expensive, but less than in the US or UK.
Kumar said there appears to be a fundamental change in Indian students’ mindset. “Over 85% of applicants now prioritise post-study career advancement over academic credentials alone – such as the global ranking and brand of the host institution – and 68% of students cite affordability as their top concern,” he said. “As the global education landscape continues to evolve, Indian students are proving to be more intentional and ROI-focused than ever. Whether it is the tech hubs of Germany or the emerging campuses in the UAE, the message is clear: the modern Indian student is no longer just dreaming; she is calculating.”