Germany a Reliable Partner for Indian Students, Says Ambassador Philipp Ackermann
Germany Welcomes India's Brightest Minds: “We’re Steady, Not Volatile,” Says Ambassador
In a strong message of trust and opportunity, German Ambassador to India, Philipp Ackermann, emphasised that Germany is a reliable partner for Indian students and has consistently welcomed India’s brightest minds with open arms. Amid growing uncertainty in student visa procedures and academic admissions in several countries, Germany stands out for its stable and student-friendly policies, he said on Tuesday.
Addressing a press gathering at his residence in New Delhi, Ambassador Ackermann underlined Germany’s longstanding commitment to academic cooperation with India. “We are not erratic or volatile. We are very steady. Germany has been a reliable partner for Indian students for a long, long time — and will remain so,” he stated.
With more than 50,000 Indian students currently studying in Germany, the ambassador predicted an upward trend in enrollments. He attributed this to the increasing interest from Indian students, especially in light of hurdles faced in other countries.
“Germany is eager and happy to receive Indian students. We don’t check your social media accounts. We check your qualifications and intent to learn. We want the smartest, the brightest, and the most driven students from India,” said Ackermann.
Germany: Merit-Based, Not Money-Based
Reinforcing Germany’s unique educational advantage, Ackermann highlighted that the country’s public universities charge little to no tuition fees, unlike many Anglo-Saxon nations. “Germany’s education system is a public good. Our approach is merit-based, not money-based,” he said, stressing that deserving candidates are welcomed irrespective of financial background.
Germany currently offers over 2,300 English-taught programs across 425 universities, including 305 public institutions. With 400,000 international students, the country ranks among the top five destinations for Indian students, alongside the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.
Avoid Agents, Choose Smartly
The ambassador also urged Indian students to conduct their research and avoid misleading agents promising “complete admission packages” that may result in dissatisfaction. “We want students who want to work hard and achieve something. For them, Germany is a land of opportunity,” he affirmed.
Also present at the event were representatives from premier German institutions, including the University of Cologne, Freie Universitaet Berlin, the University of Göttingen, the Max Planck Society, and Fraunhofer Institute — all of which have seen a steady rise in Indian student admissions.
DAAD: Celebrating 100 Years of Academic Exchange
Katja Lasch, Director of the DAAD Regional Office in New Delhi, added that applications from India have surged by over 30% in recent months, compared to the previous academic year. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), now celebrating its centenary, has played a vital role in fostering educational ties between the two nations for decades.
“There is a clear growing interest from Indian students, and Germany is ready to welcome them,” Lasch noted.
No Visa Backlog, Clearer Citizenship Path
On queries regarding visa procedures, Ackermann clarified that the earlier backlog in student visas has been resolved. “Two years ago, we had a huge backlog. We’ve changed our system — there is no backlog anymore,” he assured.
Addressing recent concerns about Germany’s citizenship laws, the envoy stated, “There’s no U-turn. A fast-track path to citizenship in three years was proposed but blocked. Now, the standard period is five years — still quite progressive.”
Germany: STEM Excellence and Career Prospects
For students, particularly in STEM fields, Germany offers exceptional infrastructure, research opportunities, and industry integration. “If you want a first-class education in areas like engineering, medicine, or data science, Germany has world-class institutions. And there’s a clear path to enter the labor market after graduation,” said the ambassador.
Also Read : Mahendra Chaudhry: Champion of Workers’ Rights and National Unity