Science trip: German universities explore India's education system

Science trip: German universities explore India's education system

The cooperation between Germany and India in the higher education sector shows remarkable growth potential. A central focus is on student exchange, dual degree courses and joint scientific research. These initiatives are intended not only to promote exchange, but also to link innovations and academic excellence from both countries. That's what she reports BTU that the DAAD organized a week-long delegation trip to scientific institutions in Delhi and Hyderabad in March 2025.

The delegation was made up of directors of the DAAD and presidents of 18 German universities, including the president of the BTU, Prof. Gesine Grande. At a reception by the Consul General of the German Consulate in Chennai, Kathrin Misera-Lang, Prof. Grande said that the insight into the Indian higher education system and the research institutes there was impressive. This reflects the growing importance of India for German educational institutions.

Indian students in Germany

There are currently around 50,000 Indian students enrolled at German universities, a huge increase from just 6,000 a decade ago. At BTU, the largest group of international students is Indian students, who are primarily interested in English-taught MINT courses. This interest is also reflected in the extensive collaboration between India and Germany, which is aimed at research fields such as energy transition, artificial intelligence and sensor technology.

As part of the trip, future-proof German-Indian networks were built. The delegates also took part in the DWIH's Indo-German Forum in New Delhi, where over 250 actors from the university and research community came together. The DWIH, an association of German scientific organizations, universities and the research industry at six locations worldwide, promotes the German research landscape in India and strengthens the connections between the scientific communities of both countries.

Exchange guidelines

The internationalization of higher education and research systems is a central concern of both countries. To support this, the University Grants Commission (UGC) in India has published regulations on twinning, joint degree programs and dual degree programs in 2021. These regulations create a framework for international activities at Indian universities. According to the TU Dresden A publication entitled “Indo-German Higher Education Cooperation: Guidelines for Student Exchange, Dual/Double and Joint Degree Programs” was also created, which compiles important information on the implementation of scientific cooperation.

A chapter of the publication also deals with possible barriers and hurdles when setting up exchange programs and provides valuable information on how to avoid pitfalls. These guidelines not only offer practical support, but also round off the commitment of both countries to actively internationalize their educational landscapes.

Program of the Indo-German Center for Higher Education

The Indo-German Center for Higher Education (IGCHE) also plays a key role in German-Indian educational cooperation. The aim of the association of eight German and three Indian universities is to give students from both cultures insights into the study and economic systems of their host countries. Indian students complete intensive German language training at their home university before coming to Germany. After successfully completing the language training, you will continue your studies at the partner university in German.

On the other hand, German students in India study in English. This bilateral program ensures that students learn from each other not only academically but also culturally and see themselves as catalysts for German-Indian cooperation. The IGCHE network therefore not only promotes the exchange of knowledge, but also intercultural understanding between the two nations.