Lilshira
Germany sees record 70,000 Indian students in 2025/26 academic year
Germany reports that 70,000 Indian students were enrolled in the 2025/26 academic year, the highest number on record. The figure reflects the latest data from The PIE Live Germany event held in October 2026 and highlights India's growing presence in German higher education.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Indian student enrolments in Germany reached a record 70,000
- Timing
- Data refers to the 2025/26 academic year
- Who is affected
- Indian nationals studying at German universities
The details
- Announced by
- The PIE Live Germany
Record enrolment figures
The PIE Live Germany event highlighted that the number of Indian students in German universities rose to a record 70,000 in the last academic year. This represents a significant increase compared with previous years and makes India the largest group of international students in Germany.
Growth trends
Indian enrolments grew by 17.5% in the winter semester 2025/26, reinforcing the trend of rising Indian participation in German higher education. Overall, about 5% of the world’s 7.3 million international students are now studying in Germany.
Economic impact
A study by the German Economic Institute and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) estimates that the 2022 international student cohort will generate roughly €15.5 billion in added value over their working lifetimes, with one in three staying in Germany until retirement.
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Existing Indian students in Germany should verify that their enrolment status aligns with university records for the 2025/26 year.
- Prospective Indian applicants can consider Germany as a top destination given the strong growth trend.
Cost and documents
- No new fees or documentation requirements were announced in relation to the record enrolment figure.
- Standard visa and enrolment paperwork continue to apply for Indian students.
What you need to do
- Indian applicants should continue to follow normal German student visa procedures.
- Universities should ensure accurate reporting of Indian student numbers for future statistics.
Who this affects
-
Indian nationals enrolled in German universities
They are part of the record 70,000 Indian student cohort reported for the 2025/26 academic year.
-
Prospective Indian students considering Germany
The data shows a strong upward trend in Indian enrolments, indicating growing opportunities.
-
German universities hosting Indian students
They contribute to the record enrolment numbers and benefit from increased international presence.
Frequently asked questions
How many Indian students were enrolled in Germany in 2025/26?
The record number was 70,000 Indian students enrolled in German universities during the 2025/26 academic year, according to The PIE Live Germany report.
What percentage of international students in Germany are from India?
Indian students are the largest international group in Germany, accounting for a significant share of the roughly 5% of the world’s 7.3 million international students studying there.
Did the record enrolment lead to new visa rules for Indian students?
No new visa rules or documentation requirements were announced; existing German student visa procedures remain unchanged for Indian nationals.
What economic impact do international students have in Germany?
A study estimates that the 2022 international student cohort will generate about €15.5 billion in added value over their working lifetimes, with one in three staying until retirement.
Is Germany still open to Indian students after the record enrolment?
Yes, Germany continues to welcome Indian students, with the record enrolment reflecting a strong and growing presence in the country’s higher education system.
