Emerging European destinations: How Austria, Malta, Portugal, and Spain are winning over Indian students – Times of India

As rising tuition fees and living costs in traditional study destinations such as the U.K., U.S., Canada, and Australia become increasingly unaffordable for many Indian students, emerging European countries are quickly gaining popularity as alternative study destinations. Students from India are now turning to Austria, Malta, Portugal, and Spain for higher education, lured by lower tuition fees, affordable living costs, and clear post-study work opportunities.These countries offer diverse educational programs, a growing number of English-taught courses, and a range of visa options that make them an attractive choice. With these factors in mind, Indian students are beginning to see Europe not just as a hub for tourism but as a promising educational and professional gateway.Affordable accommodation options and low living costsOne of the primary factors driving Indian students to these European nations is the affordable cost of living compared to more traditional study destinations. In Austria, accommodation options range from on-campus halls costing between €250 and €1,000 per month to off-campus flats that cost between €250 and €700 in major cities like Vienna and Graz. Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) offers a more structured and premium living experience, with prices ranging from €350 to €1,200 per month.Malta offers similar accommodation options with on-campus housing available for €250 to €700 per month, while off-campus flats can range from €300 to €1,200 depending on the location. The island’s PBSA also provides a more modern living experience, with rent prices ranging from €600 to €1,200 per month. Portugal is known for its affordable living, with on-campus housing available for €150 to €800 per month in major cities, and off-campus flats ranging from €250 to €1,000 per month.Spain offers similar prices, with accommodation costs varying between €200 and €700 per week for on-campus living, while off-campus flats cost between €400 and €1,300 per week in major cities.Top universities and courses on offerThese countries also provide a variety of world-class educational opportunities. Austria is home to the University of Vienna (QS 2025: 137) and Technische Universität Wien (QS 2025: 190), which offer popular English-taught programs in engineering and social sciences. In Malta, the University of Malta (QS 2025: 751) is renowned for its courses in information technology, health sciences, and business. Portugal’s University of Lisbon (QS 2025: 260) and University of Porto (QS 2025: 278) are top-ranked institutions, particularly in fields like data science, renewable energy, and international management.Spain’s prestigious institutions, such as the University of Barcelona, Complutense University of Madrid, and Pompeu Fabra University, offer sought-after courses in medicine, architecture, and social sciences.

Post-study work opportunities and visa benefitsAnother significant draw is the post-study work opportunities offered by these countries. Indian students can work up to 20 hours per week during their studies in Austria, Malta, Portugal, and Spain. After graduation, Austria offers a 12-month Jobseeker’s Residence Permit, giving students time to find employment in sectors like research, engineering, and social sciences. Malta provides a one-year internship visa, which can be extended with a job offer, while Portugal offers an 18-month job search residence permit.Spain also has a one-year post-study permit, which is renewable if students secure employment in high-demand sectors such as healthcare, tourism, and IT.In addition to these opportunities, students in Portugal can benefit from a startup visa if they wish to launch a tech venture after completing their studies, gaining access to incubators and funding.The growing appeal of European educationWith living costs in these European countries ranging from €675 to €1,400 per month, they are proving to be more affordable alternatives to the traditionally expensive study destinations. These countries not only offer world-ranked universities with English-taught programs but also provide clear pathways to employment and long-term career growth. As Indian students increasingly seek cost-effective, career-focused educational options, Austria, Malta, Portugal, and Spain are emerging as top choices for higher education.