German universities offer ample scope for debate: German Ambassador Philipp Ackermann

Academic freedom is not only a constitutional right in Germany but is also highly valued within society. German Ambassador to India and Bhutan, Philipp Ackermann, a doctorate in Art History, highlights the growing uncertainty among Indian students and researchers, and how German universities offer space for knowledge to evolve.Amid rising visa restrictions in the US, most Indian students and researchers are rushing to Germany. How do you analyse the current situation?We welcome the interest in Germany as a study and research destination amongst Indian students. We have noted that there is an overall uncertainty among students and researchers who would like to study or work abroad. Open societies, an internationalised economy, and an education landscape are a framework where hard work and skill are rewarded.

When smart and well-educated Indians plan to pursue education or a career outside of India, they first think of the English-speaking countries.

The smart and ambitious Indians should start thinking about Germany, which is built on a tradition of science and education; it is a great alternative. Indians have an excellent reputation in our scientific landscape, and we want to invite more scholarly Indians to come to Germany.

Universities in Germany saw a 35% rise in applications this summer. Is the sharp rise a result of uncertainty caused due to visa restrictions and limited job opportunities in other countries, or because of generous scholarships and innovative courses in the German universities?Over the last couple of years, we have noted a steady increase in international students, especially from India. I expect Indians to form the largest cohort of foreign students in Germany once again in the upcoming semester.

The interest of students is attributed to the excellent quality of German universities. These universities pride themselves on having produced several Nobel laureates. More courses are being offered in English, and with most universities not requiring any tuition fee, you get affordable, world-class education.Amid reports of social media vetting, funds are being cut at prominent US universities. How are the universities in Germany encouraging academic freedom and retaining democratic values among the young?We are interested in the talent and dedication of students and researchers, and not in what they post on their social media handles.

German universities pride themselves on being a space for debate. After all, this is how knowledge evolves. Academic freedom is not only a constitutional right in Germany but is also highly valued within our society. Of course, to succeed at a German university, a candidate must prove their talent and determination for high-level performance.DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) is launching new schemes in 2024–25, specifically targeted at improving access for underrepresented Indian students. What is it about?DAAD is Germany’s biggest funding agency for scholarships, and it invests heavily in international collaboration with a budget exceeding €730 million in 2024.

There is a variety of scholarships available, especially for Indian students — for example, for a combined study and practice stay at one of the TU9 Technical Universities for IIT students. A relatively new initiative is the DAAD Campus Initiative, which supports prospective international students with the requirements of studying in Germany, assists them in their academic integration, and subsequently in their transition into the German job market.

What we are seeing in India is that a lot of students choose education agencies to help them apply to universities and for a visa. Students have a better chance of success if they get their information at www.study-in-germany.com or vet their education consultant thoroughly.German Centre for Research and Innovation (DWIH), and 10 leading German universities and research institutions, will soon have offices in India. What purpose will this collaboration serve?The DWIH, New Delhi, is a network of 29 German research organisations, universities, funding bodies, and research-based companies — many of them with offices in India.

It promotes the German research landscape in India and facilitates access to the Indian research and innovation ecosystem. It serves as a platform for exchange, cooperation, and networking among Indian and German academic communities. We are happy to see a growing interest by German universities to become part of the DWIH in India.

I expect more partnerships for academic exchange and research cooperation.How open is the job market in Germany to international students?German universities are generally well-connected to industry; internships are required as part of your studies. With this exposure, it is certainly easier to set foot in the job market later. Germany needs young, bright minds to accelerate its growth journey. Some level of German language skills is very useful in the job market, especially if you want to work at one of Germany’s champions — the small and medium-sized enterprises.

But as Indians are used to being exposed to different languages, this is generally not a big impediment, especially as all universities offer German language courses.TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here.