Indian students now turning towards Europe instead of US and UK

Indian students are now moving beyond traditionally preferred countries such as the US, Canada, Australia, and the UK towards European countries, according to VFS Global founder Zubin Karrieria, as reported by Hindustan Times. Speaking at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit on Thursday, he noted that there is a major shift occurring in the preference map of Indian students going abroad for studies.

Karrieria provided information that the number of students going to European countries is seeing an increase of almost 70% every year. Countries such as Germany, Austria, Spain, and France are particularly attracting Indian students. He added that there has also been a major change in the decision-making process. Decades ago, the country and university were decided by parents and families, but now students have become very discerning. They now want to know more about course details, the environment there, job opportunities, and internships.

India is currently the world's second-largest market for international students and, according to Karrieria, it could reach the first position in the future. Austria is one of those European countries that has entered into agreements with India regarding migration and mobility. VFS Global is part of this arrangement and, in collaboration with a leading technical university in Austria, assists students going there. Karrieria stated that the selection of Indian engineering students is done through many checks and balance processes and the courses there are taught in English.

This university also provides large-scale subsidies on tuition fees for Indian students. After completing graduation, students are offered a one-year internship in large Austrian companies, after which they get the opportunity to work in Europe and Austria with a work visa. Karrieria said that many countries are making extra efforts to attract suitable Indian students so that they can become part of the country's social fabric in the future.

However, Karrieria warned students to be cautious of fraudsters operating in the name of agents and experts. He stated that some people exploit students by taking advantage of their anxiety and fear. Some experts even misuse the VFS brand name. VFS cannot directly monitor these matters, but it informs local authorities of such cases so that appropriate action can be taken. VFS Global advises applicants through its website and social media to apply early and be wary of such fraudsters who promise early appointments or guaranteed visas by charging extra fees. He clarified that only embassies and consulates can make decisions regarding visas.

VFS Global is a global company providing visa services that assists with travel and visa-related processes worldwide.