How many Indian students from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities prefer Germany over other countries for their master's studies, according to a May 2026 survey?

This specific 75% figure comes from one identifiable source, an independent survey of over 2,800 study-abroad aspirants published in May 2026, and it is worth treating as one data point from a private consultancy survey rather than an official government statistic, even though it is now widely cited across Indian education-news outlets.

The Full Survey Ranking

• Germany: 75% preference among Tier-2 and Tier-3 city respondents.
• United States: 68%.
• United Kingdom: 62%.
• Australia: 55%.
• Canada: 50%.

Why This Differs From Overall Enrollment Numbers

This 75% figure measures stated preference among smaller-city aspirants surveyed in May 2026, not actual enrollment. Canada still hosts the largest overall number of Indian students abroad, with enrollment figures well above 400,000 in recent years, while Germany's Indian student population, though growing quickly, reached 59,419 in the 2024-25 academic year according to DAAD-linked reporting. The two figures answer different questions: total students currently enrolled versus stated destination preference in one 2026 survey.

Why Germany Scores High With This Group Specifically

Zero or low tuition fees at most public universities, a relatively strong visa approval track record, and clear post-study work pathways are the three factors most consistently cited by outlets reporting on the survey as driving Tier-2 and Tier-3 city preference specifically, where budget sensitivity tends to be higher than in metro applicant pools.

This Information Is Also Available On

This figure is sourced from an independent May 2026 industry survey as reported by Jagran Josh and Business Standard; it is a private survey finding, not a government or DAAD statistic, so it should be cited as such.

My Advice

Use this 75% figure as directional evidence of a genuine trend, not as a precise national statistic, since it reflects one 2,800-person survey rather than a census. If you are from a Tier-2 or Tier-3 city and weighing Germany against other destinations, the underlying drivers, tuition savings and post-study visa length, are worth verifying against your own budget rather than following the survey number alone.