Indian students in Germany numbered 69,816 in winter 2025–26, according to figures cited in a report on international education. Ireland is also gaining prominence as a destination for Indian students.
Quick answer: Indian students in Germany reached 69,816 in winter 2025–26, up 17.5% year-on-year, according to German Academic Exchange Service data cited by The Hindu. Ireland recorded approximately 9,175 Indian enrolments in 2024–25. The interview linked destination choices to expected returns, academic opportunities and post-study work prospects.
What do the enrolment figures show?
German universities enrolled 69,816 Indian students in winter 2025–26, while Ireland recorded approximately 9,175 in 2024–25. However, the figures refer to different academic periods and should not be treated as a same-year comparison.
| Indicator | Reported figure |
|---|---|
| Germany: winter 2025–26 | 69,816 Indian students; 17.5% annual increase |
| Ireland: 2024–25 | Approximately 9,175 Indian enrolments |
| Ireland: share of cohort | 20.6% of non-Irish-domiciled students |
Karan Lalit, an executive associated with the Test of English as a Foreign Language, cited the German Academic Exchange Service, or DAAD, for the German figures. He also said that 12,000 students from Karnataka were among more than 60,000 going to Germany. His estimate described this as 20%; it did not specify a comparable period for that figure.
Why are Germany and Ireland attracting students?
Expected returns on education spending, academic choices and post-study work prospects influence students’ decisions, according to Lalit. He highlighted Germany’s engineering and technology offerings and Ireland’s appeal to students interested in healthcare or social sciences.
In addition, Lalit mentioned an 18-month post-graduation work opportunity in both destinations. Students should check the applicable eligibility conditions rather than assume that every graduate receives identical rights.
Education costs also matter because students may rely on family funds or loans. For related financial context, see CBL’s overview of overseas remittances.
What changed in TOEFL in 2026?
The Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test, or TOEFL iBT, changed its duration and format in January 2026, according to Lalit. Institutions in both Germany and Ireland accept the test; however, applicants must check individual programme requirements.
| Feature | Reported detail |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes, down from 180 minutes |
| Skills tested | Reading, writing, listening and speaking |
| Results | 72 hours, compared with 7–10 days earlier |
| Recognition | More than 13,500 institutions across over 160 countries |
The revised test uses a multi-stage adaptive format. Moreover, the reported practice package includes 21 full-length mock tests and 3,000 questions for $5.
Why does this matter?
The figures illustrate changing choices in Indian student mobility. However, admission decisions depend on academic performance, programme requirements and institutional criteria; visa decisions are a separate process. Therefore, a language-test score alone does not establish either outcome.
Source: The Hindu, 10 November 2026
State PCS General Studies can test destination countries, enrolment figures and the distinction between admission and visa decisions. Candidates should also revise the role of education and skills in student mobility.
Prelims Practice Corner
Mains Practice Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Indian students were enrolled in Germany in winter 2025–26?
German universities enrolled 69,816 Indian students. This was a 17.5% year-on-year increase, according to the cited DAAD data.
How many Indian students were enrolled in Ireland in 2024–25?
Approximately 9,175 Indian students were enrolled. They accounted for 20.6% of Ireland’s non-Irish-domiciled student cohort.
How long is the revised TOEFL iBT?
The revised test lasts 90 minutes, according to the interview. Previously, its duration was 180 minutes.
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