Austria Expands Education Ties with India: Over 300 STEM Master’s Seats, Work Opportunities, and Affordable Tuition Announced

In a landmark move to strengthen international education ties and address skilled labour shortages in Europe, Austria has launched a new initiative aimed at Indian STEM students. The announcement was made by Austrian Ambassador to India, Katharina Wieser, and Armstrong Pame, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Education, at an event held on September 22, 2025.

The collaboration brings together three top Austrian technical universities — TU Wien, TU Graz, and TU Leoben — with VFS Education Services as the official admissions partner in India. The programme is geared toward offering affordable, high-quality Master’s and select Bachelor’s degrees to eligible Indian students in engineering, AI, sustainability, and related disciplines.

Why Austria is Tapping into India’s Talent Pool

Ambassador Wieser highlighted Austria’s growing demand for STEM graduates amid declining enrolment in science and engineering fields among European students. “India offers the right match for our demographic needs and global collaboration goals,” she said.

She also emphasized that Austria’s public universities are heavily subsidised, making them highly affordable without compromising on quality.

“Moderate fees do not mean moderate education. We treat higher education as a public good,” Wieser noted.

Programmes Offered and Eligibility for Indian Students

Indian students will have the opportunity to enrol in two-year Master’s programmes that combine academic theory with hands-on industry exposure, including mandatory internships or lab placements.

Fields of study include:

• Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
• Computer Science and Software Engineering
• Industrial Data Science
• Environmental Systems Sciences
• Green Chemistry
• Sustainable Technologies
• Petroleum Engineering
• Resource Efficiency and Circular Engineering
• Biotechnology and Metallurgy

TU Leoben also offers Bachelor’s degrees in:

• Geo-Energy Engineering
• Circular Engineering
• Responsible Consumption & Production (as part of the EURECA-PRO network)

Who Can Apply?

To qualify, applicants must:

• Hold a BE/BTech/BSc (Hons) degree in a relevant field
• Graduate from an ANABIN-recognised Indian institution
• Have a minimum GPA of 2.5 on the Austrian scale (~65-70% in Indian grading)
• Submit proof of English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.)

Applications will be assessed based on:

• Academic grades
• English language scores
• One-to-one virtual assessments
• Verification of submitted documents

Application Process via VFS Education Services

VFS Education Services will manage the entire admissions process, including:

• Application submission
• Document verification
• Pre-departure orientation
• Post-arrival assistance

How to apply:

• Visit: vfsedu.com
• Fill out the online application form
• Upload required documents (degree certificate, ID, English proficiency score)
• Alternatively, students can email documents to austria@vfsedu.com

Application deadlines:
Open for Summer and Winter 2026 intakes

Intake and Fee Details

The collaboration offers over 300 Master’s seats across the three institutions:

• TU Graz: ~175 seats
• TU Leoben: ~84 seats
• TU Wien: ~50 seats

In addition, 15 Bachelor’s seats are available at TU Leoben.

Tuition fees:

• €726.72 per semester (approximately ₹65,000)
• €25 student union fee
• Other expenses like visa, insurance, accommodation, and travel are to be managed by the student

Work, Stay, and Residency Opportunities

International students in Austria are allowed to:

• Work up to 20 hours per week during their studies
• Apply for a one-year post-study visa extension to seek full-time employment
• Apply for Austria’s Red-White-Red Card, which may lead to permanent residency
• Pursue an EU-wide Blue Card, opening up job opportunities across Europe

“Our companies are desperate for skilled graduates. India has the talent to meet that demand,” Wieser remarked.

Safety, Integration, and Student Support

Austria is promoting itself as not only academically rigorous but also safe and welcoming for international students.

• It ranks among the safest countries in Europe, with low crime rates
• Police departments work with international students directly
• Designated English-speaking officers serve as contact points for foreign students
• German language is not required for academic coursework, though learning it later aids job prospects and integration

Austria’s Strategic Education Goals: Quality Over Quantity

With the US, UK, and Australia tightening student immigration policies, Austria is positioning itself as a credible, affordable, and open alternative.

Unlike some countries focused on numbers, Austria is seeking a balanced and diverse international student body.

“If one nationality dominates, it upsets the mix. We want a healthy balance — and India fits perfectly,” said Ambassador Wieser.

No Austrian Campuses in India – Yet

Addressing questions on potential Austrian university campuses in India, Prof. Peter Moser, Rector of TU Leoben, clarified:

“We are not planning independent campuses in India. Instead, we’re focusing on joint programmes with institutions like IIT Delhi and Manipal University.”

This collaborative model ensures that the curriculum aligns with industry demands and maintains the Austrian academic ecosystem.

Final Word: A Win-Win Collaboration

Austria’s new education partnership with India offers:

• Top-tier STEM education at low cost
• Access to European job markets
• Robust student support systems
• Real industry integration

With over 300 Master’s seats, moderate tuition, and a focus on practical learning, Austria is setting itself up as a compelling destination for Indian students who may not have made it to IITs or NITs, but are still highly qualified and ambitious.

This collaboration offers not just degrees, but opportunities — academic, professional, and global.