Indian Students to Pursue Higher Education in Europe Under Prestigious Erasmus Scheme

Erasmus Scholarships Reflect Growing India–EU Education Alliance

In a notable advancement of India–EU academic relations, 101 Indian students, including 50 women, have been awarded the prestigious Erasmus scholarships for a two-year master’s programme in Europe, beginning in 2025. This development marks another milestone in India’s expanding footprint within global higher education. Since its inception in 1987, the Erasmus Programme has stood as the European Union’s flagship initiative for academic exchange and student mobility, continually reinforcing international cooperation in higher education. According to the Delegation of the European Union to India, India remains the top global recipient of Erasmus scholarships, underlining the deepening academic ties between both regions.

Erasmus scholars typically enrol at two or more European universities, earning joint or multiple degrees while benefiting from full financial support covering tuition, travel, and living expenses. This year’s cohort reflects India’s continued commitment to academic engagement with Europe, particularly in priority areas such as sustainability, digital innovation, and inclusive development. Students from 20 Indian states will pursue programmes across a wide range of disciplines, including artificial intelligence, sustainable urban planning, food security, public policy, and nuclear safety.

To celebrate their achievement, a pre-departure event was held in New Delhi, bringing together scholarship recipients, EU member state representatives, alumni, and institutional stakeholders. The EU Ambassador to India, Hervé Delphin, extended his congratulations to the students, remarking that the Erasmus programme represents more than financial support; it serves as a gateway to personal growth, professional advancement, and intercultural exchange. He further noted that over 6,000 Indian students and scholars have already benefitted from Europe’s world-leading universities and diverse cultural settings.

Delphin highlighted that more than 90,000 Indian nationals are currently studying across Europe, a testament to the trust placed in the region’s educational quality, diversity, and affordability. EU officials reiterated that Erasmus scholars play a vital role in strengthening bilateral relations, acting as academic and cultural bridges between India and the EU while fostering long-term collaboration.

Over the next two years, Indian scholarship holders will study in more than 19 EU member states, including France, Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands. Several students will also pursue programmes at partner institutions located outside Europe. Since 2004, over 2,200 Indian students have been awarded the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship, with more than 6,000 benefitting from short- and long-term opportunities under the broader Erasmus framework. This consistent engagement underscores India’s growing academic presence across the European continent.

Officials noted that Indian women’s participation in the Erasmus Programme has steadily increased in recent years, with near-equal gender representation now becoming a standard feature. Europe, with its vast academic ecosystem comprising over 4,000 institutions, supports more than 17.5 million students, 1.35 million educators, and 1.17 million researchers. The Erasmus Programme itself is currently in its most ambitious phase, backed by a €26.2 billion budget, making it the world’s largest academic exchange and mobility initiative, enabling students, researchers, and educators to study, teach, train, and collaborate across borders. India’s prominent role in the Erasmus Programme continues to strengthen its academic ties with Europe while promoting inclusive, globally connected education.

Editor’s Note:

The selection of 101 Indian students, including a significant representation of women, for the Erasmus Programme marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of India–EU academic collaboration. At a time when global education is being reshaped by transnational partnerships and knowledge diplomacy, India's consistent leadership in Erasmus participation underscores its growing stature on the world academic stage. This achievement is more than a numbers milestone; it reflects the strength of mutual trust, shared priorities, and an enduring commitment to inclusive and high-quality education. 

According to Skoobuzz, Indian scholars embarking on academic pursuits across various European institutions are not only furthering their academic and professional aspirations but also serving as cultural envoys, fostering understanding, cooperation, and enduring partnerships between India and the European Union.