Is Germany Safe for Indian Students? Safety Tips, Emergency Contacts, other Insights

Is Germany safe for Indian students? The answer is yes. With its low crime rates, efficient law enforcement, comprehensive support systems, and welcoming atmosphere, Germany provides a safe environment for Indian students. Germany consistently ranks high in the Global Peace Index, a comprehensive measure of global peacefulness. In 2023, Germany secured the 15th position out of 163 countries, reflecting its stable and safe environment.  

While it’s always important to exercise common sense and stay aware of your surroundings, Indian students can feel confident about their safety while pursuing their educational goals in Germany. Let’s discuss Is Germany safe for Indian students and explore some important safety tips.

Why Do Indian Students Choose Germany?

Before understanding the safety concerns, let’s understand why Germany is a preferred destination for Indian students:

• Famous Universities: Germany is home to top-ranked universities in the world. Universities in Germany have some of the best courses in engineering and technology fields.
• Affordable Education: Many public universities in Germany offer tuition-free education, making it a budget-friendly option.
• Booming Job Market: Germany’s strong economy provides excellent job opportunities for skilled graduates.
• English-Taught Programs: Many postgraduate programs in Germany are offered in English, eliminating language barriers.
• Research Opportunities: Germany’s focus on research allows students to collaborate with leading researchers and companies.
• High Standard of Living: The country offers a safe and welcoming environment with a high quality of life.

Is Germany Safe for Indian Students?

As an Indian student considering studying abroad, safety is likely one of your top concerns. The good news is that Germany is widely recognized as one of the safest study destinations globally. Here we have tried to answer: Is Germany safe for Indian students:

• Decreasing Crime Rates: Major cities like Hamburg, Munich, and Frankfurt have seen a decline in crime rates in recent years.
• Government Measures: The German government has implemented various safety measures to ensure the security of both domestic and international students.
• Efficient Law Enforcement: German police are known for their quick response times and efficiency.
• University Support: German universities have dedicated student support systems to help with legal issues, accommodation, and personal safety.
• Campus Security: Most universities have modern safety measures and security personnel to ensure a safe campus environment.

Check out: Study in Germany for FREE: Requirements, Universities

Safety Tips for Indian Students in Germany

Is Germany safe for Indian students? While Germany is generally very safe, it is always wise to take precautions. Here are some important safety tips for Indian students in Germany:

1. Know emergency numbers: These calls are free and can be made from any phone in Germany.

• 112 for ambulance and fire brigade
• 110 for police

2. Stay aware of crowded places: Be mindful of your belongings in busy areas and on public transport to avoid pickpocketing. 

3. Avoid deserted areas at night: Steer clear of empty streets or parks during nighttime.

4. Be cautious with money: Use ATMs carefully and consider distributing your money and cards in different places.

5. Stay safe while socializing: When enjoying Germany’s famous nightlife or festivals like Oktoberfest, go with friends and avoid excessive drinking.

6. Contact your embassy if needed: The Indian Embassy in Berlin and consulates in Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Munich are available to assist you.

7. Police assistance: German police are approachable and patrol regularly. Don’t hesitate to ask for help if needed.

8. Healthcare: Germany has an excellent healthcare system. The emergency number for out-of-hours medical care is 116 & 117.

Must Read: Cost of Living in Germany: A Guide

Testimonials and Suggestions from Indian Students

To give you a better perspective, here are some testimonials from Indian students studying in Germany which try to answer: Is Germany safe for Indian students:

• Arjun Mehta, Master’s Student in Hamburg: “I’ve been living in Hamburg for over a year now, and I’ve always felt safe. The local community is very friendly.”
• Sneha Rao, PhD Candidate in Stuttgart: “Stuttgart University is one of the best places to study. The university offers great support services, and the city’s low crime rate makes me feel safe.”
• Kiran Joshi, Bachelor’s Student in Dusseldorf: “Dusseldorf University has a diverse culture. The public transportation is very reliable, and I feel safe commuting, even late at night.”

While talking to students, we have gathered important considerations for those coming to Germany for their studies. The table below provides an overview of important factors that Indian students should keep in mind when moving to Germany:

Is Germany Safe for Indian Students?- Different Parameters	Precautionary Measures
University Safety	– Campus Security: Security personnel and CCTV cameras. – Access Control: ID required for entry. – Support Services: Counseling and guidance available.
Accommodation Safety	– Research neighbourhoods. – Inspect security features (locks, lighting). – Consider on-campus housing. – Connect with fellow students. – Purchase renters insurance.
Public Transportation Safety	– Plan routes in advance. – Stay alert and aware. – Avoid travelling alone late at night. – Keep valuables secure. – Know emergency procedures.

How to Pick a Safe University in Germany?

When studying in Germany, picking a safe university is very important for international students. Both public and private universities in Germany prioritise student safety. Public Universities often have larger campuses with extensive resources dedicated to student safety, including modern security technology. Private Universities while smaller, offer personalised support services and often have a tight-knit community, enhancing overall safety. 

Here are some tips to help you choose a safe university and get answers to whether Is Germany safe for Indian students.

Research the Area

• Safety Records: Look up the safety records and crime rates in the cities where the universities are located. Choose universities in safer areas.
• Campus Safety Features: Check if the university has a campus police force, emergency call boxes, and well-lit pathways.

University Security Measures

• Restricted Access: Make sure the campus has restricted entry. Students should use their ID cards to access buildings.
• Background Checks: Confirm that the university conducts background checks on employees and has security staff available 24/7.

Safety Certifications

Safety certifications mean the university meets high safety standards. Look for universities that have received safety awards, like:

• Certificate for Excellence in Safety and Security
• Safe Campus – Safe City award

Here are some universities in Germany known for their safety:

University	Safety Certification
Technical University of Munich	Certificate for Excellence in Safety and Security
Freie Universität Berlin	Safe Campus – Safe City award
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich	Certificate for Excellence in Safety and Security
RWTH Aachen University	Certificate for Excellence in Safety and Security
Heidelberg University	Safe Campus – Safe City award

Support Networks for Indian Students in Germany

Germany has several support networks for Indian students that can be your home far away from home. You can connect with members of the networks to help you settle, study, and make new friends.

Here is the list of some of the support networks for Indian students in Germany:

• Indian Student Associations: Most major universities have Indian student associations that organise social, cultural, and academic events.
• Buddy Programs: Many universities pair new international students with senior students to help with accommodation and other essentials.
• Counselling Services: Universities offer professional counselling to help students cope with academic pressure, cultural adjustment, and personal issues.

Important Embassy Contacts

In case of emergencies, Indian students can contact the Indian Embassy or Consulates in Germany. The Embassy will help you navigate through any crisis situation and offer a solution to any pressing situation.

Here’s a table of important embassy contacts for Indian students in Germany:

Location	Type	Regular Hours Contact	After Hours Contact
Berlin	Embassy	+49 30 2579 50	+49 30 2579 5101
Frankfurt	Consulate	+49 69 153 00 50	+49 69 15300528/526
Hamburg	Consulate	+49 40 338036	N/A
Munich	Consulate	+49 89 21023920	N/A

Check out more information about Studying in Germany here!!

Health and Insurance for Indian Students in Germany

Health insurance is important for international students in Germany. Without it, medical bills can be very high and hard to pay. Students usually have two main options for health insurance: public and private plans. 

Here’s a simple comparison between public health insurance and private health insurance in Germany to help you make an informed choice:

Criteria	Public Health Insurance	Private Health Insurance
Monthly Premiums	Generally cheaper	Can be more expensive
Medical Coverage	May have some limits	Offers more comprehensive coverage
Coverage Abroad	May not cover expenses outside Germany or EU	Often includes coverage outside Germany or EU

It’s a good idea for students to research and compare different health insurance plans before making a choice. A solid health insurance plan can help ensure that students can get medical care when they need it. 

Some important points to remember regarding health and insurance for Indian students in Germany are: 

• Duration of Coverage: Students need health insurance for their entire time studying in Germany.
• University Plans: Some universities offer their health insurance options, but students can choose their own providers as well.
• Support Services: Many universities provide additional medical support, like counselling and psychological services, for students who need help with their health.

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FAQs

Many Indian students dream of pursuing education in Germany due to the exposure and career growth it offers. Consider joining a free counselling session with Leverage Edu if you plan to study abroad.