Punjab students shift focus to Germany amid visa woes in US, Canada and UK
Immigration experts in Punjab are witnessing a sharp increase in student enquiries for Germany, as global visa uncertainties push many to look beyond traditionally popular destinations like the US, Canada, Australia and the UK.
Rajeev Sharma, an immigration consultant based in Jalandhar, said, “Enquiries for Germany have gone up significantly in the last six months. Students are now considering Germany as their first option, not just a back-up. They are particularly interested in technical and STEM courses and often ask detailed questions about internships and job opportunities during and after studies.”
Sharma added that many families are becoming more conscious of overall affordability and visa reliability when making study abroad decisions. “Parents are actively seeking countries where their children will face fewer visa hurdles and have a clear post-study work pathway. Germany seems to be offering that stability,” he said.
Fresh data supports this growing interest. Applications from Indian students to German universities have surged by 35 per cent this year, as more students look for reliable alternatives to destinations where visa processing is either delayed or increasingly complex.
At a recent press briefing in New Delhi, German Ambassador Dr. Philipp Ackermann highlighted the 35 per cent rise in student application and country’s rising appeal. “Germany continues to offer a welcoming, merit-based environment where students can plan their future with clarity,” he said, adding that Germany’s focus on high-quality education and stable post-study options is attracting international applicants.
According to University Living’s latest European Report, Indian student enrolments in Germany rose from 46,000 in 2024 to a projected 54,000 in 2025. Experts believe the number could cross 1.14 lakh by 2030 if the current growth rate continues.
Saurabh Arora, founder and CEO of University Living, said, “Students today are asking more practical questions. They are comparing destinations based on cost of living, job prospects, and long-term value for money. Germany is gaining ground because it offers a global degree at a cost that families in Punjab find reasonable.”
The cost advantage is clear. In Berlin, Indian students spend around €1,285 per month, with €650 for rent and €475 for utilities. In Munich, monthly costs average €1,500, with rent taking up around €750 and utilities about €565. Across Germany, student living expenses generally range between €970 and €1,820 per month depending on the city and lifestyle.
Abhijit Zaveri, founder and Director of Career Mosaic, said the shift towards Germany is more due to a reaction to visa delays elsewhere. “Students now want countries where they can study and smoothly transition into careers. Germany’s practical education system, strong industrial base, and post-study work options are key attractions,” he said.
Harleen Kaur, a student from Jalandhar, who recently secured admission in Berlin, said Germany’s clarity and affordability made the decision easy for her. “I didn’t want to gamble with changing visa policies in Canada or Australia. Germany offers stability, and I know I can build my career there without worrying about sudden immigration changes.”
Jalandhar