Indian students are now Germany's largest international student group, with enrolment up 17.5% in a single year, according to DAAD figures
Indian student enrolment at German universities has reached a record 69,816 in the Winter Semester 2025/26, according to figures released by DAAD (the German Academic Exchange Service). The 17.5% year-on-year increase — nearly 10,400 additional students in a single year — makes Indians the largest international student group in Germany, ahead of every other nationality.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Indian students in Germany (Winter 2025/26): 69,816 — a record high
- Year-on-year growth: 17.5%, with almost 10,400 additional students added in one year
- Ranking: Indian students are now Germany's largest international student group
- Share of international students: Indians represent 13.5% of Germany's total international student population
- Germany's overall student numbers: 2,864,160 total university students, including 516,820 international students — meaning nearly 1 in 5 students in Germany comes from abroad
Why Germany's numbers keep growing
Germany's continued appeal to Indian students rests on a combination of factors that haven't changed much year to year: publicly funded universities with little to no tuition fees, strong industry-research links, and clear post-study work pathways, particularly in engineering, technology, and applied sciences. As costs and visa requirements shift across other major destinations, Germany's comparatively affordable, English-taught master's programmes continue to stand out for cost-conscious applicants and their families.
What this means for applicants
A record-high, fast-growing Indian student community in Germany is a meaningful signal in its own right — it means larger peer networks, more established support systems at universities, and continued investment from German institutions in serving Indian applicants specifically, from admissions guidance to alumni communities. For students still weighing their options, this kind of sustained growth is a useful data point alongside the practical factors — course fit, city, and career goals — that should ultimately guide a decision.
At the same time, growing demand means continued competition for places at Germany's more sought-after universities and programmes, along with steady demand for visa appointments and processing — both of which we've covered separately in our reporting on Germany's application and appointment process.
What you can do
- Research English-taught programmes in engineering, technology, or applied sciences early, since these remain the most popular and competitive fields among Indian applicants.
- Start your application and visa appointment process well ahead of your intended intake, given continued high demand.
- Factor in Germany's practical financial requirements — including the mandatory blocked account — as part of your overall budget planning, even though tuition itself is largely free at public universities.
IRS Study Abroad, Kottayam, helps students navigate every stage of a Germany application — from choosing the right university and programme to visa preparation — as more Indian students than ever choose Germany for their higher education.
