Austria is turning its gaze toward India, offering Indian STEM students an affordable, high-quality pathway to advanced education and international work experience. Katharina Wieser, Austrian Ambassador to India, and Armstrong Pame, Joint Secretary in the Union Ministry of Education, announced a landmark collaboration on September 19 between Austria’s technical universities and VFS Education Services aimed at boosting India-Austria academic ties and student mobility.

The partnership brings together three prestigious institutions—TU Wien, TU Graz, and TU Leoben—opening doors for Indian engineering graduates from ANABIN-recognized colleges to pursue Master’s degrees in fields ranging from AI, robotics, and biotechnology to sustainable technologies and industrial data science. TU Leoben will also offer specialized Bachelor’s programmes in Geo-energy Engineering, Circular Engineering, and Responsible Consumption & Production (EURECA-PRO).

Affordable, world-class education

“Austria has a long tradition of world-class higher education, particularly in engineering, quantum mechanics, and AI—areas central to India’s academic priorities,” Ambassador Wieser said. “Our universities offer moderate fees, but that doesn’t compromise quality. We treat higher education as a public good, extensively supported by government and society.”

Master’s students will benefit from a two-year programme that combines rigorous theory with hands-on industry experience, including internships. Subsidised tuition fees are €726.72 per semester, plus a €25 student union fee, while students cover costs such as travel, accommodation, insurance, and visas.

Tapping India’s talent pool

Highlighting India’s untapped potential, Pame noted, “India has over 54 institutions in the QS World Rankings, yet the Gross Enrolment Ratio is under 30%. Millions of talented students narrowly miss IITs and NITs. Austria’s outreach can provide them a global stage.”

Eligible applicants must hold a BE/BTech/BSc (Hons) in a relevant discipline with a minimum GPA of 2.5 on the Austrian scale (around 65–70% in India) and demonstrate English proficiency. Selected students will also enjoy a one-year post-study visa extension for international work experience. Applications for Summer and Winter 2026 intakes are open through the VFS Education Services portal.

Why Austria is betting on India

Austria faces a shortage of STEM graduates as European students increasingly shy away from technical fields. “Industries urgently need skilled graduates. India, with its vast pool of talent, is a natural partner,” Wieser said. Austria already hosts students from over 80 countries, and Indian students fit the demographic and collaboration goals perfectly.

With stricter visa policies in the US, UK, and Australia, Austria sees an opportunity to attract top talent. While German remains the national language, three-quarters of Austrian programmes are taught in English, making the transition easier. Students can work 20 hours a week during studies, with post-graduation options like Austria’s Red-White-Red Card and the EU-wide Blue Card providing broader European employment prospects.

Safety and integration

Wieser emphasized Austria’s safety, noting low crime rates even in smaller university towns. “We designate officers as points of contact for international students to ensure security and integration,” she said.

Focus on partnerships, not campuses

Austrian universities plan partnerships with Indian institutions rather than setting up campuses in India. Prof Peter Moser, Rector of TU Leoben, stressed, “We want Indian students to experience Austria’s education, culture, and innovation firsthand, not replicate it elsewhere.”

With affordable tuition, robust industry exposure, and a pathway to European work opportunities, Austria is positioning itself as a strategic and attractive destination for India’s next generation of STEM talent.