The doubling of the number of Indian students heading to Germany within four years has been trumpeted by the Indian press, offering a sharp contrast with the dramatic fall in the numbers choosing the UK.

The coverage came as Narendra Modi, India¡¯s prime minister, visited Germany and met with Angela Merkel, the nation¡¯s chancellor.

cited German government figures showing that 13,740 Indian students were studying at German universities in 2015-16, up from 5,998 in 2011-12.

Germany¡¯s rise contrasts with the fortunes of UK universities, which have seen their numbers of Indian students halve since 2010, with the British government¡¯s decision to abolish post-study work visas in 2012 seen as an aggravating factor.

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In October 2015, when Ms Merkel visited India, she and Mr Modi agreed to work on ways to cement the trend for rising numbers of Indians to head to German universities. ¡°That has borne fruit, and today, we have a very robust linkage, especially in the face of US and UK visa curbs,¡± an Indian diplomat in Berlin was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.

While negative stories about the unwelcoming nature of the UK for Indian students are a feature of the Indian press, Germany was given glowing treatment by The Indian Express.

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Stephan Lanzinger, head of the science section at the German embassy in New Delhi, said: ¡°In Germany, there are virtually no tuition fees, yet the quality of higher education is excellent. The cost of living is relatively low and the standard of living is high.¡±

john.morgan@timeshighereducation.com