International Workforce & Students India

Future Skilled Professionals: How Styria Attracts Talent from India

With its 'Work & Study' model and a consistent on-site presence, Montanuniversität Leoben – in close cooperation with the ICS – paves the way for qualified, sustainable immigration from India.

Montanuniversität Leoben is Austria’s only university for mining and metallurgy and an international leader in raw materials, energy, and sustainability. However, like many European universities, it faces the challenge of declining student numbers, particularly in STEM fields. Since 2024, Montanuni has been addressing this development with a clear international strategy – with India as a key focus country.

Even before the first fact-finding trip, the ICS supported the project with targeted coaching, country expertise, and valuable business and government contacts. ICS India Project Manager Christina Ulrich accompanied Susanne Feiel and Clemens Weihs in establishing a long-term, professional market entry: “Montanuniversität approached the Indian market with great commitment, structure, and a clear plan. The successes of recent months demonstrate how viable this approach is,” says Christina Ulrich.

Since then, Montanuniversität has been represented at numerous career fairs in India and positions itself, together with TU Wien and TU Graz, under the umbrella of TU Austria. The result: interest in studying in Styria is rapidly increasing. A key reason for this is the innovative ‘Work & Study’ model, which combines academic education with practical experience in Styrian industrial companies – a central advantage of Styria as a business and research location.

“With our focus on India, we go far beyond traditional recruitment. We build genuine relationships – with students, universities, and companies. Crucially, we not only bring students to Leoben but also offer them prospects here. The ‘Work & Study’ model combines academic excellence with Styrian industrial expertise – and that is precisely what makes Styria so attractive for international talent.”

Susanne Feiel, Director International Relations, Montanuniversität Leoben

To further expand the model, the ICS continuously connects Montanuniversität with companies that actively participate in the dual education system. Currently, Montanuni and the ICS are jointly planning a Business Round Table in spring 2026, with the participation of Provincial Councillor Willibald Ehrenhöfer and leading industrial companies that are already creating internships for Indian students. The goal is to deepen the dialogue between business, academia, and international talent and to initiate new collaborations – a decisive step to retain future skilled professionals early on.

The ICS and Montanuniversität Leoben continue their journey together – with a clear vision: to position Styria as an attractive, future-oriented study and business location for young talent worldwide.