In a landmark event held in New Delhi, H.E. Ms. Katharina Wieser, Austrian Ambassador to India, and Mr. Armstrong Pame, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Government of India, showcased the collaborative programme between Austria’s leading Technical Universities — TU Wien, TU Graz, and TU Leoben — and VFS Education Services, to boost Indo-Austria educational collaboration and mobility.
The event on 19 September 2025 was also graced by Mr. Karl August Lux, Consul at the Austrian Embassy in New Delhi; Prof. Peter Moser, Rector, TU Leoben; Mr. Clemens Weihs, Team Lead Strategic Partnerships, International Relations and European University; Mr. Bernard Martyris, Chief Culture Officer and Member of the Executive Board, VFS Global; Mr. Nirbhik Goel, Chief Human Resources Officer and Member of the Executive Board, VFS Global; and Mr. Anirudh Singh, COO – Education & Migration Services, VFS Global.
This landmark public-private partnership aims to support Indo-Austrian mobility for skilled engineering and technology students. It is specifically designed for students from recognised colleges across India, providing them with access to quality higher education at TU Leoben, TU Wien, and TU Graz. Under this agreement, Indian engineering and technology graduates from recognised colleges under the ANABIN list will be able to pursue higher education in these institutes.
H.E. Ms. Katharina Wieser, Austrian Ambassador to India, said, “Austria looks forward to further enhancing Austria–India cooperation by deepening academic ties, creating new opportunities, and warmly welcoming talented Indian students into our world-class public technical universities. This partnership represents a significant step in bridging India’s bright STEM talent with Austria’s globally recognised centres of research, innovation, and academic excellence. By combining Austria’s higher education strengths with the cutting-edge EdTech solutions of VFS Education Services, we are establishing a transparent and robust framework that strengthens institutional trust, empowers students, and deepens cultural and academic exchange. Indian students bring immense creativity, knowledge, and diversity to our campuses, and we are proud to support their journey towards shaping a shared global future.”
Prof. Peter Moser, Rector, TU Leoben, said, “We deeply appreciate the support and leadership of the Indian and Austrian governments in making this opportunity possible for eligible Indian engineering students aspiring to pursue higher education in Austria. We are also excited to have VFS Education Services as our partners in this endeavour, helping us identify and connect with talented and deserving engineering students. It is both an honour and a responsibility to welcome these bright minds, nurture their potential, and guide them toward a promising future—one where they can meaningfully contribute to Austria’s workforce and society at large.”
Mr. Bernard Martyris, Chief Culture Officer and Member of the Executive Board, VFS Global, said, “At VFS Education Services, we are proud to be the bridge that connects eligible Indian engineering students with Austria’s world-class technical universities. Our mission goes beyond facilitating admissions — we are shaping futures, fostering innovation, and strengthening global partnerships. The enthusiastic response from students and institutions across India is a testament to the programme’s relevance and promise. We believe that by offering specialised programmes, Austria is poised to become a top destination for Indian engineering talent. This partnership not only empowers students but also contributes to building a skilled, future-ready workforce that will drive sustainable growth and global competitiveness. We are honoured to support this vision and look forward to deepening our collaboration with Austria’s leading universities.”
The programme comprises a two-year Master’s degree, entailing theory as well as industry work experience as part of the course component. The Universities will also support on-campus placements and career open day engagements with industry experts. As part of the academic programme, the students will be eligible for a one-year post study visa extension upon graduation, supporting their transition into the international workforce.
