‘Low fees, post-study work opportunities, and a gateway to Europe’: Why Austria is making a significant investment in Indian students in STEM

On Friday, Katharina Wieser, the Austrian Ambassador to India, and Armstrong Pame, Joint Secretary at the Union Ministry of Education, unveiled a new partnership between Austria’s technical universities and VFS Education Services. This initiative is designed to enhance educational ties between India and Austria and broaden opportunities for student mobility.This collaboration unites three renowned Austrian universities: TU Wien, TU Graz, and TU Leoben. This programme targets engineering students from reputable colleges in India, especially those included in the ANABIN database. As per an official announcement, students who qualify will be able to pursue Master’s degrees at these universities.

Austria is attracting Indian STEM students by leveraging low (and sometimes free) tuition fees, providing a 12-month post-study work visa, and offering a gateway into the broader European Union. Initiatives like the "Focus India" program, through collaborations with universities like TU Wien and TU Graz, aim to deepen academic and scientific ties by simplifying the admission process for Master's degrees in high-demand fields such as AI, robotics, and biotechnology. Austria's commitment to safety, a high quality of life, and English-taught programs further enhances its appeal.