Katharina Wieser, Austrian Ambassador to India, alongside Armstrong Pame, Joint Secretary, Union Ministry of Education, announced a new collaboration between Austria’s technical universities and VFS Education Services on Friday, aimed at improving India-Austria ties in the education space and increasing scope for student mobility.The partnership brings together three prestigious Austrian universities – TU Wien, TU Graz, and TU Leoben. The programme is designed for engineering students from recognised colleges in India, particularly those listed in the ANABIN database. According to an official statement, eligible students will have the opportunity to pursue Master’s degrees at these universities.Moderate fees at Austrian universitiesSpeaking at the announcement, Ambassador Wieser said, “Austria has a long tradition of world-class higher education, particularly in engineering, quantum mechanics, and AI – areas that are equally central to India’s academic focus. Our strength lies not only in research and innovation, but also in integrating industry and education seamlessly.”Read | Trump announces $100,000 H1-B visa fee, unveils ‘Gold Card’ residency schemeShe further underlined Austria’s affordability, noting, “We have very moderate university fees. But moderate fees do not mean moderate education. Quite the contrary, Austria treats higher education as a public good, which is why our public universities are supported extensively by the government and society.”Courses and eligibility for Indian studentsStudents enrolling in this collaboration will benefit from a comprehensive two-year Master’s degree that integrates rigorous theory with hands-on industry exposure, including work placements as part of the curriculum. Advanced programmes are offered in areas such as metallurgy, biotechnology, circular engineering, computer science, AI and robotics, resource efficiency, sustainable technologies, green chemistry, environmental systems sciences, petroleum engineering, industrial data science, and software engineering.TU Leoben also offers specialised Bachelor’s programmes in Geo-energy Engineering, Circular Engineering, and Responsible Consumption & Production (EURECA-PRO).Speaking at the event, Pame said, “India today has over 54 institutions in the QS World Rankings. Yet our Gross Enrolment Ratio is under 30 per cent. By 2035, we aim to reach 50 per cent. With millions of talented students missing IITs and NITs by narrow margins, Austria’s outreach through VFS can tap into this vast pool of talent.”How can prospective students apply?Story continues below this adTo apply, students must hold a BE/BTech/BSc (Hons) in a relevant discipline from an ANABIN-recognised Indian institution with a minimum GPA of 2.5 on the Austrian scale (around 65-70 per cent on the Indian scale) and demonstrate English language proficiency. Successful applicants will also be eligible for a one-year post-study visa extension to gain valuable international work experience.VFS Education Services will manage the admissions pipeline for Indian students, offering end-to-end support from information and application management to pre-departure guidance and post-arrival assistance. Students can apply via the VFS Education Services portal (vfsedu.com), fill out the application form, and upload necessary documents, including their Bachelor’s degree certificate, English proficiency certificate, and ID. Alternatively, documents can be emailed to austria@vfsedu.com.According to the statement, selection will be based on grades, English proficiency, one-to-one assessments, and verification of documents. Shortlisted candidates will be notified of further steps. Applications are open for the Summer and Winter 2026 intakes.Number of intake seats, tuition fee detailsOver 300 Master’s seats are available across TU Wien (around 50), TU Graz (about 175), and TU Leoben (around 84), along with around 15 Bachelor’s seats at TU Leoben.Story continues below this adStudents will pay subsidised tuition fees of €726.72 per semester, plus a €25 student union fee. Other costs, such as travel, accommodation, insurance, visa, and administrative expenses, will be borne by students directly.Why is Austria turning to India for students?Ambassador Wieser acknowledged declining interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) among European students, noting that Austria faces a skilled labour shortage. “We are seeing fewer European students opting for STEM fields. Meanwhile, industries are urgently seeking graduates. India, with its vast pool of talented minds, is a natural partner for us. Together we can develop sustainable technologies and solutions critical to the future,” she said.Wieser added that Austria already hosts students from more than 80 countries, and diversity remains a priority. “We seek a balanced international student body. If one nationality dominates, it upsets the mix. But India offers the right match for our demographic needs and global collaboration goals,” she said.With major study-abroad destinations like the US, UK, and Australia restricting student intake, what motivates Austria to stand out?Story continues below this adWith many Western countries tightening student immigration policies, Austria sees an opening. Wieser noted, “Austria and Europe are at a distinct stage of economic development compared to India, and we believe this makes us a very good match right now.”She admitted that German as Austria’s national language presents a challenge compared to English-speaking destinations, but reassured, saying, “Three-quarters of our academic programmes are taught in English. Students do not need German to start their studies, though learning it later helps with integration and job opportunities.”Student safety and cultural integration?Addressing safety concerns, Wieser emphasised, “Austria is one of the safest countries in Europe, with very low crime rates. Parents can rest assured that their children will feel secure, even in smaller towns where most of our universities are located.”Austria has also introduced unique measures for institutional integration with students. Local police departments work directly with international student cohorts to build trust and avoid misunderstandings. “We even designated specific officers as contact points for foreign students, ensuring they always have someone to turn to who speaks English,” Wieser said.Can students work during and after their studies?Story continues below this adInternational students in Austria can work up to 20 hours per week during their studies. Some universities also employ students in labs and administrative offices.Post-graduation, students are eligible for Austria’s Red-White-Red Card, which provides a one-year window to secure employment and potentially gain permanent residency. Graduates can also pursue the EU-wide Blue Card, opening up work opportunities across Europe. “Our companies are desperate for skilled graduates,” the ambassador said, adding that “we know India has the talent to meet that demand.”Will Austrian institutes set up campuses in India?Responding to whether Austria plans to establish campuses in India, Prof Peter Moser, Rector, TU Leoben, clarified that the current focus is on partnerships rather than independent campuses outside of Austria. “We are not looking to set up separate universities here. Instead, we are building joint programmes with institutions like IIT Delhi and Manipal, ensuring collaboration that matches industrial needs,” he said.He added that Austria ultimately wants Indian students to come and experience the country’s education system, culture, and innovation ecosystem firsthand, rather than trying to replicate it elsewhere.