Indian students shift focus to Europe as US visa rules tighten

As US student visa regulations grow more stringent, many students in India are turning to European universities, with Germany emerging as the most preferred destination.

Education consultants report that students are increasingly choosing countries in the EU for their affordable, often tuition-free programs, better post-study work options, and the added advantage of language-based mobility within the region.

“Students are even learning European languages before heading there to maximize their study and work prospects,” said consultants, highlighting that this trend, already evolving in recent years, has been accelerated by policy shifts introduced during the Trump administration.

Study Next Overseas, based in Jayanagar, reported a 124% increase in inquiries for European institutions, with Germany alone accounting for 80-85% of demand.

Popular programs include mechanical engineering, automotive engineering, mechatronics, data science, and analytics.

France is drawing interest for courses in aerospace, fashion technology, and luxury brand management.

Students are also eyeing Sweden, Italy, and Ireland for fields like robotics, molecular biology, renewable energy, and computer science.

“Tuition at a top private institute in Bengaluru can cost ₹20 lakh for a three-to-four-year course, whereas in the EU, it ranges from ₹1.5 to ₹3.5 lakh,” said director Rakesh S. Malagithi of Espire Education. “Annual living expenses there vary between ₹5 lakh and ₹10 lakh.”

Overseas Educational Services on MG Road has seen a 20% drop in inquiries for the US, while interest in Germany, Ireland, and Australia has grown by 20-25%.

SNY Cosmos in Jayanagar reported a 55-65% rise in interest toward Schengen Area countries.

“Access to 25 EU nations on a single visa and the availability of merit scholarships and need-based grants are key draws,” said a representative. “Also, learning one European language can sometimes open job opportunities in neighboring countries.”

Scandinavian countries such as Sweden, Finland, and Denmark are seeing higher demand for technical programs, while newer markets like Malta, Hungary, Portugal, Spain, and Luxembourg are becoming attractive for science and management courses.

Sayeeda Maliha of Vidya Loka Overseas Education in Mathikere noted that she has received no US applications this year.

Instead, her agency has seen growing interest in AI and management programs in France, Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands.

Swathi Naidu from Hope Consultancy in Vijayanagar has recorded a 20% rise in France-bound inquiries, 25% for Germany, and a significant 60% for Luxembourg, largely due to free education and high visa approval rates.

Interest in Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland has risen by 15% compared to last year, she said.

Japan is also gaining traction. Mohammed Faisal, managing director of Admit Mentors in Frazer Town, said the country’s aging population is fueling interest in robotics and automation programs.

Rajesh S, director of KC Overseas Education’s Bengaluru office, advised students not to panic over US prospects. “This uncertainty is temporary,” he said, suggesting that Australia remains the best alternative for students seeking English-speaking destinations.