--- title: "Rejecting the 'American Dream': Why Indian Students Are Massively Moving to Europe" description: "Indian students are massively rejecting the US in favor of Europe due to stricter visas and high prices. πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έβž‘οΈπŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Ί After the signing of a new trade agreement, the flow of applications to the EU grew by 30%, with Germany and the Netherlands becoming the main destinations. However, experts warn: studying in Europe does not guarantee a job without real skills. πŸŽ“πŸ’Ό" date: 2026-07-21T13:45:32.000Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/rejecting-the-american-dream-why-indian-students-are-massively-moving-to-europe tags: [india, european-union, germany, education, immigration] publisher: "XAB.info" --- # Rejecting the 'American Dream': Why Indian Students Are Massively Moving to Europe ![Group of Indian students walking on a European street, choosing a new path instead of America](https://xab.info/media/2026/07/21/indiyskie-studenty-vybirayut-evropu-vmesto-ssha/indiyskie-studenty-vybirayut-evropu-vmesto-ssha-1.webp) The trajectory of educational migration is changing. For a long time, the United States was the only viable option for Indian families seeking higher education. However, now, against the backdrop of stricter visa policies in the US and economic realities, the focus is shifting to the Old World. A striking example of this trend is A. Shrinikhitan, a 22-year-old engineering graduate from Chennai. Instead of following family traditions, he chose Germany, citing lower tuition costs and real employment prospects as his motivation. ### New Rules of the Game in the US Shrinikhitan's decision is not an isolated case but a reflection of a global shift. The US administration has introduced new rules limiting the duration of stay for international students. Now, citizens of other countries with student visas can stay in the country for no more than four years, even if the study program is designed for a longer period. This has become one of the key factors forcing many to rethink their "American Dream". The situation is exacerbated by the financial component. According to the Indian consulting company KC Overseas, the cost of studying in Europe is 50–80% lower than in the States. This is added to the lower cost of living, which significantly reduces the financial burden for students and their families. ### Strategic Alliance Between India and the EU The European Union is actively positioning itself as an attractive alternative. EU representatives note that Indian students bring an entrepreneurial spirit and cultural diversity to the region, deepening bilateral relations in the fields of innovation and trade. This interest was bolstered by the trade agreement signed in January between India and the EU, aimed at facilitating the migration of students and qualified specialists. Under the agreement, the parties agreed on five-year cooperation in the field of social security and the creation of a technology center for mentorship. The results did not take long to appear: according to the Europe Study Centre, the number of inquiries about studying in Europe increased by 25–30% since the document was signed. Currently, more than 121,000 Indian students are studying in the EU. ### Geography of Choice: From the Netherlands to Italy Indian students have become more pragmatic in choosing a country, focusing on specific career goals and lifestyle: - **Germany** β€” the leader for those aspiring to engineering specialties. - **Netherlands** β€” the choice for those seeking the ideal work-life balance. The number of Indian students here grew from 3,300 in the 2022–2023 academic year to 4,400 in 2024–2025. - **Italy** β€” a popular destination where the number of students increased from 6,100 to more than 8,100. - **Portugal** β€” attracts with accessible postgraduate education. - **France** β€” remains a center of attraction for those studying management. Against the backdrop of this growth, the flow of new students to the US has decreased by 40–45% compared to last year. ### Reality and Challenges Despite the optimism, the path to Europe is not without difficulties. Students face language barriers, an acute shortage of housing in megacities like Amsterdam, and high competition in the labor market. Sivaraman Pandian, Director of the European Study Centre, urges not to believe in "easy money" and guaranteed employment. According to him, studying is not an automatic ticket to a successful career: "You must study and develop your skills, and then the doors of opportunity will always be open".