Germany does not work out, students can continue at Jain University
This model offers students an affordable way to start their education in India while still earning a German-accredited degree.
Survey Findings: Germany Tops Choice for Indian Students
A TerraTern survey conducted in March 2026 found interesting results. The survey covered more than 2,800 students and early-career professionals from smaller Indian cities. Germany emerged as the most preferred destination, with 75% selecting it as their top choice. It was followed by the United States (68%), the United Kingdom (62%), Australia (55%), and Canada (50%).
The survey respondents came from tier-II and tier-III cities, including Jaipur, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Surat, Indore, and Coimbatore. Why is Germany so popular? The key reasons are:
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Negligible or low tuition fees – Most German public universities charge little to no tuition fees
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Manageable living costs – Compared to the US or UK, Germany is more affordable
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Clear student visa pathways – The process is predictable and transparent
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Job-seeker visa – After graduation, students can stay and look for work
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Permanent residency pathways – There is a clear route to settle in Germany long-term
"Germany offers globally respected degrees without the 60,000–60,000–100,000 debt load associated with the US or UK," said Divyansh Chaudhari, founder of TerraTern. This fundamentally changes the risk calculus for a middle-income family.
Germany currently hosts more than 400,000 international students. Indians make up the largest group, with nearly 59,000 students. Around 46% of Indian students continue living in Germany even 10 years after starting their studies there. That is one of the highest retention rates anywhere in the world.
Exam-Focused Points
| Topic |
Key Details |
| Comprehensive Roadmap on Higher Education |
Bilateral framework signed between India and Germany in January 2026 during German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's visit to India |
| Key areas of roadmap |
Institutional collaboration, academic exchange, research partnerships, student mobility, German language teaching, preparatory routes |
| Campus expansion invitation |
PM Modi invited German universities to set up campuses in India under National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 |
| Visa-free transit |
Germany announced visa-free transit for Indian passport holders transiting through the country |
| German Pathway Program (GPP) |
One-year preparatory programme by Desh Bhagat University and Study Feeds; first year in India without tuition fees |
| GPP streams (launch) |
Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Bachelor of
Month: Current Affairs - May 22, 2026
Category: International Relations, Education
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