Story perspectives

India-EU Visa Deal Triggers 70% Surge in Student Flows

7/20/2026

Summary

Indian Students Choose Europe

Indian students are choosing Europe over the United States as visa pathways open.
The January India-EU trade deal offers easier visas, post-study work routes and qualification recognition.
Officials expect a 60%-70% rise in Indian student and worker flows to the EU within five years.
Europe offers tuition fees 50%-80% lower than United States, cheaper living costs, and Indian enrolments that have risen to over 121,000, including 3,700 in the Netherlands.

Summary

Goyal Announces FT

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said the EU-India free trade agreement will be signed by end-2026 and take effect in early 2027.
The third India-EU Trade and Technology Council set up working groups on strategic technologies, green energy and resilient value chains.
Formal talks on India’s €93.5 billion Horizon Europe association will start, with an EU-India Innovation Hub for EV charging to be created under the council.

1 of 2

Indian Students Choose Europe

Indian students are choosing Europe over the United States as visa pathways open.
The January India-EU trade deal offers easier visas, post-study work routes and qualification recognition.
Officials expect a 60%-70% rise in Indian student and worker flows to the EU within five years.
Europe offers tuition fees 50%-80% lower than United States, cheaper living costs, and Indian enrolments that have risen to over 121,000, including 3,700 in the Netherlands.

1 / 2