Indian students in Germany to benefit from new visa-free short-term exchange policy: Details here
This move, aimed at expanding student exchanges and promoting academic cooperation, is poised to make cross-border educational opportunities more accessible
- Sep 18, 2025,
- Updated Sep 18, 2025 4:07 PM IST
During German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul’s official visit to India, the two countries announced a groundbreaking agreement aimed at furthering academic ties. Both nations have agreed to waive visa fees for short-term student visits to schools and colleges. This move, aimed at expanding student exchanges and promoting academic cooperation, is poised to make cross-border educational opportunities more accessible.
A step towards greater collaboration
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed that the two countries agreed to provide “gratis” visas for short visits to schools and colleges, including faculty-led trips, study tours, and short programs. This policy is intended to ease the financial burden on students and educational institutions, helping to enhance academic mobility without the added cost of visa fees.
Though the specifics, such as eligibility criteria, duration of stays, and application procedures, are yet to be fully disclosed, the announcement has been met with optimism from both educational stakeholders and students.
An expanding market of Indian students in Germany
The agreement comes at a time when Indian student enrollment in Germany is on the rise. According to DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service), the number of Indian students in Germany reached 49,483 during the winter semester of 2023/24, marking a 15.1% increase from the previous year.
As of 2025, India remains the largest international cohort in Germany, with nearly 60,000 students expected to be enrolled. This upward trend reflects the growing appeal of Germany, thanks to its affordable tuition fees, high academic standards, and attractive post-study work opportunities.
Short-term exchanges as a stepping stone
The newly introduced fee-free short-term visas could serve as gateways for students to explore Germany’s advanced academic and industrial landscape. Stakeholders in the education sector believe that removing the visa fee barrier will make it easier for Indian students to participate in short exchanges, such as summer schools or research internships, which could, in turn, lead to more long-term academic commitments. By offering these opportunities at a lower cost and with more certainty, Germany is opening doors for Indian students to experience firsthand the country’s cutting-edge research labs, classrooms, and dual-training models.
Fostering deeper academic and industrial ties
Sanjay Laul, Founder of MSM Unify, sees this policy as part of a broader effort to integrate India and Germany's education systems and industries. "This isn’t just about mobility. It’s about knowledge transfer. Well-designed exchanges can align with India’s priority areas in advanced manufacturing, AI, energy transition, and healthcare. These short-term exchanges, particularly those that are credit-bearing or linked to real industry problems, can act as crucial bridges to full degree programs," he says.
Laul’s insights highlight the potential for these exchanges to contribute not only to academic growth but also to the development of practical skills aligned with global market demands. The focus on industry-relevant programs is a key aspect of making these exchanges more meaningful, helping students bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications.
Wider educational and talent mobility context
The policy fits into a larger context of India–Germany collaboration on education, research, and talent mobility. In their joint remarks, Jaishankar and Wadephul also referenced Germany’s Skilled Labour Strategy, which aims to attract skilled professionals and streamline the process for international students transitioning into the workforce. This aligns with India’s growing role as a source of talent in fields like engineering, STEM, and advanced technologies.
Sanjay Laul emphasized that this collaboration has the potential to create a sustainable pipeline for skilled workers. "Germany is already a leading destination for Indian students, especially in technical fields, and this new visa policy reinforces that relationship, helping students take the first step in what could be a rewarding academic and professional journey."
During German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul’s official visit to India, the two countries announced a groundbreaking agreement aimed at furthering academic ties. Both nations have agreed to waive visa fees for short-term student visits to schools and colleges. This move, aimed at expanding student exchanges and promoting academic cooperation, is poised to make cross-border educational opportunities more accessible.
A step towards greater collaboration
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed that the two countries agreed to provide “gratis” visas for short visits to schools and colleges, including faculty-led trips, study tours, and short programs. This policy is intended to ease the financial burden on students and educational institutions, helping to enhance academic mobility without the added cost of visa fees.
Though the specifics, such as eligibility criteria, duration of stays, and application procedures, are yet to be fully disclosed, the announcement has been met with optimism from both educational stakeholders and students.
An expanding market of Indian students in Germany
The agreement comes at a time when Indian student enrollment in Germany is on the rise. According to DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service), the number of Indian students in Germany reached 49,483 during the winter semester of 2023/24, marking a 15.1% increase from the previous year.
As of 2025, India remains the largest international cohort in Germany, with nearly 60,000 students expected to be enrolled. This upward trend reflects the growing appeal of Germany, thanks to its affordable tuition fees, high academic standards, and attractive post-study work opportunities.
Short-term exchanges as a stepping stone
The newly introduced fee-free short-term visas could serve as gateways for students to explore Germany’s advanced academic and industrial landscape. Stakeholders in the education sector believe that removing the visa fee barrier will make it easier for Indian students to participate in short exchanges, such as summer schools or research internships, which could, in turn, lead to more long-term academic commitments. By offering these opportunities at a lower cost and with more certainty, Germany is opening doors for Indian students to experience firsthand the country’s cutting-edge research labs, classrooms, and dual-training models.
Fostering deeper academic and industrial ties
Sanjay Laul, Founder of MSM Unify, sees this policy as part of a broader effort to integrate India and Germany's education systems and industries. "This isn’t just about mobility. It’s about knowledge transfer. Well-designed exchanges can align with India’s priority areas in advanced manufacturing, AI, energy transition, and healthcare. These short-term exchanges, particularly those that are credit-bearing or linked to real industry problems, can act as crucial bridges to full degree programs," he says.
Laul’s insights highlight the potential for these exchanges to contribute not only to academic growth but also to the development of practical skills aligned with global market demands. The focus on industry-relevant programs is a key aspect of making these exchanges more meaningful, helping students bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications.
Wider educational and talent mobility context
The policy fits into a larger context of India–Germany collaboration on education, research, and talent mobility. In their joint remarks, Jaishankar and Wadephul also referenced Germany’s Skilled Labour Strategy, which aims to attract skilled professionals and streamline the process for international students transitioning into the workforce. This aligns with India’s growing role as a source of talent in fields like engineering, STEM, and advanced technologies.
Sanjay Laul emphasized that this collaboration has the potential to create a sustainable pipeline for skilled workers. "Germany is already a leading destination for Indian students, especially in technical fields, and this new visa policy reinforces that relationship, helping students take the first step in what could be a rewarding academic and professional journey."