More Indian Students Are Choosing Europe Over the U.S., Reuters Reports

According to Lianhe Zaobao citing Reuters, more young Indians are giving up the traditional “American dream” and choosing Europe for higher education as the United States tightens immigration rules and an India-EU trade deal makes travel easier. Reuters quoted students and education advisers as saying a 22-year-old engineering graduate from Chennai, Sriniketan, decided to break with his family’s tradition of studying in the U.S. and instead pursue a master’s degree in Germany. Education consultancy KC Overseas said European tuition is typically 50% to 80% lower than in the U.S., with lower living costs as well.

Reuters said Europe is emerging as a viable destination for Indian students outside North America as the EU seeks young talent to help fill labor shortages caused by population aging. India and the EU signed a trade agreement in January that simplifies visa procedures, clarifies post-graduation job pathways and improves recognition of Indian qualifications. Education consultancy Europe Study Centre said inquiries from Indians about studying in Europe rose 25% to 30% after the deal, while platform Leap forecasts Indian citizens studying and working in the EU will jump 60% to 70% over the next three to five years. Government data show more than 121,000 Indian citizens are currently studying in the EU, about half the number in the U.S.; Dutch statistics show Indian student numbers in the Netherlands rose to about 3,700 in the 2025/26 academic year from 2,630 in 2018/19.