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Austria targets Indian students to bridge workforce shortages, emphasizing technical education

Austria instigates a significant campaign to entice Indian students to its renowned technical universities, intending to resolve its persistent need for skilled workers.

Austria pursues Indian students to address workforce shortages, promotes technical education
Austria pursues Indian students to address workforce shortages, promotes technical education

Austria targets Indian students to bridge workforce shortages, emphasizing technical education

Austria has launched an ambitious initiative to attract Indian students to its leading technical universities, with a focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. The program, which began in 2022, is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the relationship between Austria and India, particularly in the areas of education and people-to-people ties.

The initiative, led by three top universities under the umbrella of TU Austria (TU Wien, TU Graz, and TU Leoben), aims to recruit more than 300 Indian students in its first year. The universities involved are the Technical University of Graz, the Montanuniversität Leoben, and the Technical University of Vienna.

Austria offers world-class education with nearly no tuition fees, making it a highly attractive destination compared to other European countries. The fields of study offered include metallurgy, biotechnology, circular engineering, computer science, AI and robotics, sustainable technologies, petroleum engineering, and green chemistry.

Students who complete the program will receive a one-year post-study visa extension, enabling them to gain international work experience. This extension is crucial for graduates, as it provides a clear pathway into Austria's workforce, particularly in STEM-related jobs.

The program is publicly funded and aims to increase cooperation between Austrian technical universities and Indian institutions. It is being implemented in partnership with VFS Education Services to streamline admissions for eligible Indian students. Applicants undergo a comprehensive evaluation, including academic records, English proficiency, and one-on-one assessments.

The Austria-India educational initiative is a part of a broader strategy to strengthen the relationship between Austria and India. It is also aligned with the Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement (MMPA) signed with India in January 2023. The MMPA facilitates legal migration for students, researchers, and professionals, and the education and mobility initiatives complement ongoing efforts to advance the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Ambassador Wieser emphasized the importance of the broader India-EU engagement, noting that education and mobility initiatives complement ongoing efforts to advance the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The MMPA and the Austria-India educational initiative are aimed at benefiting both countries.

Eligible students can apply for the program by submitting degree certificates and transcripts to VFS Education Services through its admissions portal. The program offers a two-year Master's degree, combining academic training with industry exposure and placements.

In conclusion, Austria's initiative to attract Indian students is a significant step towards deepening cooperation under the MMPA and strengthening the relationship between Austria and India. The program's focus on education and people-to-people ties is crucial for the future of the relationship between these two countries.

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