As global education undergoes a major transformation, Indian students are increasingly looking beyond the traditional “Big 4” study destinations—the US, UK, Australia, and Canada. Instead, they’re setting their sights on smarter, cost-effective options like Germany and Ireland, where affordability, student-friendly visa norms, and solid career opportunities create an appealing package.
Germany has now claimed the spot as the fourth most preferred destination for Indian students, with a consistent rise in enrolments over the past five years. According to Sachin Jain, Country Manager at ETS India & South Asia, Germany’s appeal lies in its public universities with little to no tuition fees, a robust STEM ecosystem, and a generous 18-month post-study work visa. These benefits are especially attractive to students from India’s Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. The country’s well-defined residency pathways and high demand for professionals in AI, engineering, and tech add to its growing popularity.
Ireland, meanwhile, has seen a sharper surge. In 2023–24, India emerged as the largest source of international students in Ireland, with enrolment numbers soaring by nearly 50% in just a year. Indian families are increasingly drawn to Ireland’s English-taught programs, strong industry connections, and flexible visa policies—especially as countries like Canada and the UK introduce tighter immigration controls.
“Our data reveals that 85% of Indian students who submitted TOEFL scores were granted student visas—underscoring their academic readiness and English proficiency,” Jain noted.
TOEFL scores, widely accepted by top universities in both Germany and Ireland, have become a key gateway for Indian students. “It’s no longer just about acquiring a degree—Indian students are building global careers,” ETS observed. “They’re looking for education systems that prioritize merit, offer a strong return on investment, and have clear post-study work and settlement paths.”
This student migration trend also reflects the Indian government’s push to globalize higher education through policies like the National Education Policy (NEP), which encourages research-driven decision-making among students.
In short, Germany and Ireland are proving that a blend of accessibility, affordability, and career-oriented education is what it takes to win over the next generation of Indian learners.
