As the global education landscape undergoes rapid transformation, Germany and Ireland have emerged as preferred alternatives to traditional destinations such as the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. Driven by factors like affordable tuition, student-friendly visa policies, and promising career pathways, these countries are increasingly attracting Indian students—particularly those from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
Germany has now become the fourth most preferred destination for Indian students, witnessing a steady increase in enrolments over the past five years. According to Sachin Jain, Country Manager for ETS India & South Asia, the appeal lies in Germany’s public universities offering low or no tuition fees, a robust STEM ecosystem, and an 18-month post-study work visa. The country’s structured pathways to permanent residence and strong demand for skilled professionals in AI, technology, and engineering further enhance its attractiveness.
Ireland’s rise has been even more remarkable. In the academic year 2023–24, India became the largest source of international students in Ireland, with enrolments surging by nearly 50% in just one year. Indian students and their families are increasingly drawn to Ireland’s English-medium courses, strong industry linkages, and welcoming immigration policies—especially at a time when countries like the UK and Canada are tightening international student regulations.
TOEFL scores, widely accepted by universities in both Germany and Ireland, are playing a crucial role in facilitating this shift. “Our insights show that 85% of Indian students who submitted TOEFL scores successfully secured student visas—a strong indicator of their preparedness, language proficiency, and readiness to succeed in international classrooms,” noted Jain.
ETS further highlighted that Indian students today are not merely pursuing degrees, but are actively planning global careers. They seek education systems that prioritize merit, provide transparent post-study work and settlement options, and deliver strong returns on investment.
This evolving trend aligns with the Indian government’s push to internationalise higher education through initiatives like the National Education Policy (NEP), enabling students to make better-informed, research-driven choices.
Germany and Ireland are demonstrating that with the right combination of access, affordability, and outcome-oriented education, they are well-positioned to earn the trust of India’s next generation of global learners.
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