In recent years, Europe has emerged as a preferred destination for Indian students seeking higher education and work opportunities. According to Edtech company upGrad’s 2024 Study Abroad Trends Report, nearly half (48.8%) of 25,000 Indian students surveyed expressed a preference for the region as their country of choice. This shift marks a pivotal change from the traditional choices of the US, UK, Canada and Australia (dubbed as the “Big Four”), which have long been the top picks for Indian students. Instead, Indian students are now increasingly choosing European countries such as Germany, Italy, France, Finland and Ireland for higher education and work opportunities.
Record numbers in Erasmus scholarships
146 Indian students received the prestigious Erasmus scholarship this year, underscoring the growing interest in Europe. Since 2004, over 2,000 Indian students have been awarded this scholarship, highlighting the increasing trend towards European education. They’re currently the program’s largest beneficiary group.
France leads with leading targets
France is leading the charge in attracting Indian students, with 31 Erasmus recipients this year. The country has set an ambitious target of bringing in 30,000 Indian students by 2030. French President Emmanuel Macron’s plan includes expanding the network of Alliance Francaises in India, launching Classes Internationales for Indian students to learn French before their degree and easing the visa process for students who study in France.
Germany’s rapid growth
Germany is also seeing remarkable growth, with over 43,000 Indian students enrolled in 2024. This marks a 100% increase over the past five years. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) has driven this growth through scholarships, information sessions and partnerships between Indian and German universities. However, visa delays caused by the requirement for the Akademische Prüfstelle certificate have been a hurdle, though recent improvements have been made.
Germany is also addressing labour shortages by making its job market more attractive to Indian students. “Special programs support students in learning German, and companies are encouraged to offer internships and projects,” noted Dr. Bala Ramani, an expert on Indo-German relations.
Italy’s growing appeal
Italy is another rising star, with over 10,000 Indian students currently enrolled. Uni-Italia, the official body promoting Italian higher education, has seen a 10% annual growth in applications. Study visa processing in India has also improved significantly, with a 40% reduction in wait times since 2021. Popular courses among Indian students include Economics, Management, Engineering, Architecture, Arts and Design.
Ireland’s strategic efforts
Ireland has also become a favoured study destination–from just 5,000 Indian students, it is now home to over 8,000 Indian students. Wendy Dsouza, senior VP – India and South Asia at Enterprise Ireland, attributed this to the country’s strong global rankings, affordable tuition and ample work opportunities. Enterprise Ireland, the Irish government’s enterprise development agency has been promoting Irish education through annual roadshows and virtual showcases, expanding its presence beyond major Indian cities.
Europe as one of the top destinations
As Europe continues to build up its educational offerings and streamline processes for international students, it is progressively becoming one of the top choices for Indian students seeking quality education and promising career prospects. The efforts of European countries to attract Indian students reveal the fundamental changes in global education trends, leading to a more diverse and enriched academic experience for international students.
To learn more news, updates and exciting study opportunities available for international students across Europe, please visit our blog or contact our business development experts for more information.
