Gone are the days when the US, UK, Canada, and Australia were top choices for Indian students. Currently, European countries are emerging as prominent destinations for Indian students with a significant increase in student visa applications by over 30% in the last two years. Even the UAE now hosts a large Indian student community, with Indians making up 42% of its international student body.
Together, these trends highlight a broader move away from the traditional “big four” study destinations toward countries and regions that combine affordability, quality education, and better post-study career prospects.
The Numbers Tell the Story
Germany has attracted more than double Indian students in just a few years, from about 20,810 in 2018–19 to nearly 49,483 in 2023–24. France, too, has seen strong growth, with over 8,500 Indian students enrolled in 2024.
Additionally, other European countries like the Netherlands and Italy are also seeing a rise in Indian student enrollment. Italy is now home to a notable Indian student community, with 6148 Indian students enrolled in 2023, while the Netherlands welcomed around 3,504 students in the academic year 2024-25.
Europe’s Academic Edge in QS Rankings
European universities have shown exceptional performance in the most recent QS World University Rankings 2024, particularly in categories highly valued by Indian students such as global reputation, diversity, and employability. Notably, countries like Germany, Italy, France, and Spain have demonstrated strong rankings in terms of international student diversity.
Furthermore, institutions outside of the UK, such as ETH Zurich, EPFL, Delft University of Technology (Netherlands), and the Technical University of Munich (Germany), have been recognized as some of Europe’s top-performing universities.
What’s driving Indian Students towards European Countries?
1. Affordable Tuition Fees
Germany continues to lead with tuition-free or low-cost education in public universities. France is well-known for affordable education and low-cost studies and tuition fees in Europe. Countries like the Netherlands or Ireland with scholarships and strong industry linkages improve the value proposition.
2. Cost of Living and Lifestyle
Many European cities, from Berlin and Lyon to Valencia and Bologna, offer a significantly lower cost of living compared to the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia. Beyond affordability, the presence of active Indian communities across Europe also make settling-in easier.
3. English-Taught Programs
Indian students are no longer restricted by language barriers. Germany alone has over 2,300 English-taught programs, while the Netherlands, France, Italy, Spain, and Ireland are rapidly expanding their English offerings, especially in business, management, and STEM.
4. STEM and Technical Opportunities
Europe’s strength lies in applied research, hands-on training, and industry partnerships, giving STEM students a real-world edge. From automotive advancements in Germany to renewable energy studies in Denmark and design strategies in the Netherlands, Indian students can explore top-notch ecosystems in varied fields.
5. Career-oriented Priorities
An increasing number of Indian students now prioritize immediate career outcomes over long-term residency goals. Only 19.9% aim for permanent residency, while 45.7% prioritize employability. Countries like Germany (with an 18-month post-study work permit), France, and the Netherlands provide flexible work opportunities post-graduation, giving students time to launch their careers.
The Underlying Themes of the Current Trend
- Practicality over Prestige: Earlier, students used to prefer traditional destinations as a matter of prestige, without focusing much on investment and output. Now, the focus has shifted towards pragmatic considerations such as financial stability and realistic career prospects rather than prestige.
- Expanding Criteria: Factors like affordability, job opportunities, and policy transparency are now taking precedence in the decision-making process for higher education, altering the way choices are made in this sector.
- Rising Options: Rather than focusing on prominent institutions, Indian students increasingly view Europe as a varied and multi-country educational hub that provides numerous opportunities for students seeking a balanced approach to their academic and professional growth.
Conclusion
The rising shift of Indian students towards European countries reflects a broader trend in affordability, cultural diversity, employment opportunities, and post-study options. This shift also sends a powerful message to traditional education powerhouses – evolve or face obsolescence. High tuition, complex immigration policies, and declining return on investment are no longer acceptable trade-offs for ambitious students who have credible alternatives in Europe and beyond.
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References:
https://aceaglobal.in/blog/why-europe-is-trending-among-indian-students-in-2025/
