Lucknow: With rising education costs and visa uncertainties in traditional study-abroad destinations such as the US and UK, many city students are learning Japanese, French and German as they explore higher education opportunities in Japan, Germany and France for the 2027 intake.Class XII student Ashmita Sinha is preparing to pursue automobile engineering in Japan and has been learning Japanese alongside her school studies.“I am interested in Japan because of its automobile industry and technological advancements. With the rupee weakening and the cost of studying in the US and UK rising, I want to explore options where I can get quality technical education and better career opportunities without putting too much financial pressure on my family,” Ashmita said.Ritika Maheshwari, manager of a Japanese language centre, said Japanese-language coaching institutes in Indira Nagar, Vikas Bhawan Road, Chandganj Garden Road and Aliganj recorded 426 registrations during 2025-26. Enrolment increased from 202 in 2025 to 224 in 2026, a rise of 10.9%. Around 170 of the 224 students enrolled in 2026 are school students. Before 2024, enrolment had not crossed 50.At Alliance Française de Lucknow, French-language enrolment stood at 601 in 2025 and rose to 675 in 2026, an increase of 12.3%.“It is a good sign that more students are showing interest in learning French and exploring higher education opportunities in France. The country offers a range of courses across disciplines, along with opportunities for internships and employment. Learning the language can help students adapt better and broaden their academic and career prospects,” said Prof Nishi Pandey, president of Alliance Française de Lucknow.Class XI student Raghav Mishra said he wants to explore higher education opportunities in France because of its courses in culinary arts and fashion, as well as the career prospects it offers. Reports of anti-immigrant protests and concerns about the safety of international students in the US and UK have also prompted him to consider studying in France.“German-language coaching centres on IIM Road, near Mithaiwala Chauraha and in Viram Khand recorded around 150 students in 2024, rising to 229 in 2025 and 256 in 2026. A total of 485 students enrolled during 2025 and 2026,” said Atharv Gupta, manager of a prominent German-language coaching centre near Mithaiwala Chauraha.Class X student Aditi Verma has started learning German and plans to explore engineering courses in Germany. She said the country’s strong engineering and manufacturing programmes, along with relatively low tuition fees at many public universities, attracted her.“I have started learning German early so that I am prepared when the time comes to choose a course and a country for higher studies. I want to understand the opportunities available in Germany and Europe, compare tuition fees and living expenses, and explore career prospects before making a decision. Starting early will give me more time to prepare,” said Class VIII student Ananya Kapoor.
