NEW DELHI, November 12, 2026: Indian students planning to pursue higher education abroad are increasingly looking beyond traditional destinations such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia, with European countries emerging as attractive alternatives, VFS Global founder and CEO Zubin Karkaria said on Thursday.
Speaking at the 24th Hindustan Times Leadership Summit (HTLS 2026), Karkaria identified Germany, Austria, Spain and France as countries gaining attention among Indian students.
He estimated that student travel from India to Europe was increasing by nearly 70% annually, reflecting what he described as a significant change in overseas education preferences.
Karkaria also highlighted another shift. Students are increasingly taking charge of their own education decisions, examining academic programmes, internship opportunities and career prospects before selecting a destination.
His comments come as international education choices are influenced by changing immigration policies, employment opportunities and the cost of studying abroad.
Indian Students Look Beyond US, UK, Canada and Australia
For years, the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia have been among the most familiar overseas education destinations for Indian families.
These countries have established university systems, large Indian student communities and English-language academic programmes.
However, Karkaria said European destinations are attracting greater interest as students explore alternatives.
During the summit, he estimated annual growth of nearly 70% in Indian student travel to Europe.
He had made a similar estimate during the NDTV World Summit in October 2026, when he suggested that the growth rate was approximately 60% to 70%.
The figures were presented as Karkaria's assessment of student mobility trends.
They should not be interpreted as an independently verified increase in total Indian enrolments across every European country.
University admissions, student visa approvals and actual student arrivals are different measures, and each may show a different rate of growth.
Nevertheless, his remarks point to growing interest in European education opportunities.
Germany, Austria, Spain and France Attract Indian Students
Karkaria identified four European countries receiving increased attention from Indian students:
- Germany: An established destination for engineering, technology and research programmes.
- Austria: Attracting interest through specialised technical education and university-industry opportunities.
- France: Offering a range of programmes in business, science, engineering and other disciplines.
- Spain: Emerging as another option for students exploring European universities and international career opportunities.
These countries differ considerably in their university admission systems, tuition policies, language requirements and immigration rules.
Students must therefore assess individual institutions and programmes rather than assume that all European destinations offer the same benefits.
For example, some courses are taught entirely in English, while others require proficiency in the local language.
The cost of studying and living also varies by city, university and programme.
Karkaria's argument was that students now have more destinations to consider and are making increasingly informed comparisons.
Students Now Prioritise Courses, Internships and Jobs
One of the most important changes described by Karkaria concerns how Indian students choose where to study.
He said overseas education decisions were previously influenced heavily by parents and other family members.
Today, students themselves are taking a more active role.
Instead of choosing a university primarily because of its country or reputation, many are comparing programmes according to their own academic and professional goals.
The factors highlighted by Karkaria included:
- The quality and relevance of the course.
- The academic and campus environment.
- Internship opportunities.
- Employment prospects after graduation.
- Opportunities to gain practical industry experience.
- The possibility of working abroad after completing studies.
This approach makes career outcomes an increasingly important part of overseas education decisions.
A university's reputation remains relevant, but students are also examining how a qualification might translate into professional opportunities.
Austrian University Initiative Offers Example of New Opportunities
Karkaria highlighted an initiative involving an Austrian technical university as an example of how European institutions are seeking to attract Indian talent.
According to him, VFS Global is involved in supporting Indian engineering students selected for the programme.
The initiative includes an assessment process for choosing students.
Karkaria said the courses are delivered in English and the university substantially subsidises tuition costs for selected participants.
He also described an arrangement under which graduates receive an opportunity to undertake a one-year internship with a major company in Austria.
After that, eligible students may have an opportunity to work in Austria or elsewhere in Europe, subject to immigration and employment requirements.
The university's name, complete eligibility criteria and terms of the programme were not identified in the supplied summit report.
The arrangement should therefore not be interpreted as a general scholarship or guaranteed employment pathway available to every Indian student.
Prospective applicants should obtain details directly from the institution before making financial commitments.
Can Indian Students Work in Europe After Graduation?
Employment opportunities are becoming an important consideration for Indian students exploring European universities.
However, the rules governing work during and after studies differ between countries.
Some countries offer residence permits or other immigration arrangements that allow eligible international graduates to seek employment after completing their education.
Such arrangements generally have conditions relating to qualifications, applications and permitted activities.
A university admission offer does not automatically guarantee a work visa.
Similarly, completing an internship does not necessarily create an automatic right to remain in the country permanently.
Students should verify the requirements through the immigration authority and university of their chosen destination.
Karkaria's example of the Austrian initiative illustrates the potential attraction of combining academic training with practical industry experience.
It should not be treated as a promise of employment or immigration approval.
India Could Become World's Largest Source of International Students, Says Karkaria
Karkaria also discussed India's growing importance in international education.
He described India as the world's second-largest source market for international students and suggested that the country could eventually take the leading position.
His comments reflect the significance of Indian students to universities and education providers around the world.
However, international student rankings vary depending on whether they measure students enrolled overseas, annual student departures or specific visa categories.
The possibility of India becoming the largest source market remains a projection, not an established outcome.
Future student mobility will depend on education demand, household finances, university capacity and immigration policies in destination countries.
VFS Global CEO Warns Students Against Visa Agents and Fraud
Alongside the discussion about education opportunities, Karkaria raised concerns about fraudulent visa agents and intermediaries.
He warned that some operators exploit the uncertainty faced by students, skilled workers and migrants.
According to Karkaria, fraudulent intermediaries sometimes misuse VFS Global's name to suggest that they can provide special assistance or influence visa applications.
He said the company reports such activities to the relevant authorities.
The warning is particularly relevant to students who may be unfamiliar with international admission and immigration procedures.
Applicants should be cautious about individuals offering guaranteed approvals, unusually fast appointments or employment opportunities in exchange for additional payments.
Does VFS Global Guarantee Visa Approval?
No. VFS Global does not make visa decisions.
The company provides administrative and application support services for governments and diplomatic missions.
Depending on the destination, these services may include appointment management, document collection and biometric enrolment.
Visa decisions remain the responsibility of the relevant government, embassy or consulate.
VFS Global's official fraud awareness guidance also states that it does not sell visa appointments.
Applicants should note the following precautions:
- Book appointments through the official channels listed by the relevant government or authorised service provider.
- Avoid individuals promising guaranteed visas or preferential approval.
- Verify official service fees before making payments.
- Never share sensitive personal documents with unverified intermediaries.
- Check admission and scholarship offers directly with the university.
- Report suspicious approaches to the relevant authorities.
Some visa application centres charge approved service fees, but payment for an optional service does not improve the likelihood of receiving a visa.
What Should Indian Students Consider Before Choosing a European University?
The growing interest in European education creates additional choices, but selecting a destination requires careful research.
Students should compare universities based on recognised qualifications, total costs, academic requirements and employment prospects.
They should also check whether their chosen programme is taught in English or requires knowledge of another language.
Internship opportunities and post-study employment rules deserve particular attention.
Other practical considerations include accommodation, health insurance, living expenses and the availability of reliable student support.
Financial planning should cover the entire course rather than only the initial tuition deposit.
Students should verify scholarship terms independently and avoid assuming that subsidised education is available to every applicant.
European Education Trend Reflects Changing Student Priorities
Karkaria's remarks at HTLS 2026 suggest that Indian students are taking a broader and more career-focused approach to international education.
The United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia remain established destinations, but Germany, Austria, France and Spain are attracting interest from students exploring alternative academic and professional opportunities.
The shift also reflects changing expectations.
Students are increasingly evaluating what they will learn, how much the programme will cost and whether it will help them build a career.
For universities, the trend represents an opportunity to attract skilled Indian applicants through relevant courses and practical training.
For students, it offers additional options, provided they carefully verify the academic, financial and immigration requirements.
The central message from Karkaria's address was that overseas education decisions are becoming less dependent on traditional destination preferences and more focused on courses, careers and opportunities after graduation.
Editorial note: This report is based on Zubin Karkaria's November 12, 2026 remarks at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit, corroborating coverage of his October 2026 comments, and VFS Global's official visa fraud guidance. The reported 70% growth rate is attributed to Karkaria and has not been independently verified as an Europe-wide enrolment statistic. All India Story did not attend the summit or interview him directly.
Conversation
Be kind and stay on topic. Comments are moderated; abuse, spam and personal attacks are removed. Report a problem