Germany Student Visa Requirements: Enrolments Near 50,000 Indian Students in Last year
Germany student visa requirements have become famous as Indian students continue to remain at the forefront of the international student population in the country for the second time in a row. The latest statistics indicate that 49,483 Indian students are enrolled in German institutions, considering Germany is one of the highest-ranked destinations for Indian students seeking quality education abroad.
Popularity in Germany Soars Among Indian Students
The number of Indians studying in Germany has surged more than 100 percent in the past five years. Alone during the previous year, there was an increase of 15.1 percent. According to the latest data available from the Federal Statistical Office of Germany, it seems to go nowhere but up. Indian students now form the largest group of international students in the country, and this graph shows how Indians have been opting for higher education in increasing numbers in Germany.
The most important reason Indian students opt for Germany is its fantastic engineering programs, which account for 60% of enrollments. Other subjects of choice include law, management, social studies (21%), and mathematics and natural sciences (13%). German practical education, focused by the emphasis of the universities of applied sciences, favours students looking at hands-on experience along with theoretical knowledge.
Affordability in Education and Very Strong Career Opportunities
Low cost, the low-cost education system of the German educational institutes. Public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees to both domestic and international students. In fact, the only semester fee charged is generally to cover the administrative expenses, transport, and other student services. It is an attractive destination for the students from India, considering the fact that they cannot get an opportunity like this at home.
Apart from affordable education, strong industrial ties in Germany provide the graduates with golden job prospects. The universities of applied sciences, making up 44% of the total student population, are known for their emphasis on applied research and teaching. They maintain close connections with regional as well as international companies, which further enhance job placement possibilities for graduates.
New Visa Requirements for Indian Students
However, still, Germany has a lot in store, and Indian students should be very vigilant about the recently introduced visa regime coming into effect from September 2024. The monetary proof for a German student visa is increased from €934 a month to €992 a month, or from €11,208 per annum to €11,904 per annum. This amount is to be presented as proof that students can sustain their expenses while staying in Germany.
Except for the tuition and administrative fees, students from India will also need to prepare for other related living expenses such as lodging, books, etc. The cost of living varies greatly in the different cities, but a student typically pays between €700 and €1,200 monthly for lodging, utilities, food, and transportation.
Student Work Opportunities
One reason to attract students to study in Germany is the chance to work while studying. International students holding visas for the purpose of studies are allowed to work up to 140 full days or 280 half-days within one calendar year without the need of prior approval by the Federal Employment Agency. The students can do work on a full-time basis while having a break during the semester without limitations, and they can gather extra money and valuable work experience.
This is actually one of the main reasons why such a large number of Indian students can afford living from the money they spend on their education: the types of work available are quite versatile.
Conclusion
Germany as a place for further education is slowly taking its place among the Indian students. Best universities with extremely low prices for studying and good career prospects make Germany a very interesting nation for the young people from India. However, knowledge regarding the current regulation on visas and the financial requirements would be of utmost importance to allow a smooth transition. As Germany continues to attract Indian students in large numbers, this trend is only going to increase in the years ahead.
