India-EU FTA boosts Europe's appeal for Indian students amid visa flux

India-EU FTA's focus on mobility could expand choices for Indian students, making Europe a more deliberate study destination even as the US remains key amid uncertainty over visa policies

How could the India-EU FTA influence student mobility?

 

The India-European Union free trade agreement’s emphasis on enhanced mobility can reshape student and talent transit, according to foreign education experts, even though the United States remains a consistent option despite uncertainties over student visa policies.

 

“The India-EU deal does not replace the US as a destination overnight, nor does it directly change student visa rules. What it does do is expand the choice set for students, making Europe a more deliberate option alongside traditional destinations,” said Mayank Maheshwari, co-founder and chief operating officer at foreign study consultancy University Living.

 

What do the numbers say about Indian students in the EU?

 

Data indicate that Indian student mobility to the EU has grown steadily over the last few years, representing a meaningful share of India’s outbound student population.

 

“On average, over 100,000 Indian students pursue higher education in EU countries every year, accounting for roughly 10 to 12 per cent of India’s total outbound student population,” said Aman Singh, co-founder of GradRight.

 

Which EU countries attract Indian students?

 

From a country perspective, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Ireland and the Nordic countries have emerged as key destinations, driven by strong academic reputations, relatively affordable tuition, and demand for skilled talent.

 

However, the continent still trails traditional anglophone markets such as the US, the United Kingdom and Australia, which continue to dominate due to clearer pathways and greater predictability for students and employers.

 

What challenges remain in Europe’s visa framework?

 

The visa process also remains fragmented, as there is no single EU-wide student visa. Maheshwari said students usually apply for country-specific long-stay national visas in the EU, which are later converted into residence permits after arrival.

 

This fragmentation remains one of the biggest planning challenges for students.

 

“Even when academic quality and affordability are attractive, differences in timelines, documentation standards and post-arrival processes across countries often add uncertainty, pushing students to plan much earlier than they would for more centralised systems like the US or UK,” he added.

 

What reforms could make Europe more competitive?

 

Singh said the FTA has the potential to significantly reshape student and talent mobility only if it meaningfully addresses structural barriers in migration frameworks.

 

“One of the most impactful changes could be mutual recognition of qualifications, which would reduce friction in academic and professional transitions,” he added.

 

Experts also said that more harmonised visa frameworks, faster processing timelines and simplified professional access could make the EU structurally more competitive in attracting Indian talent.