Moving in to cash in shortage of education institutions in the US and UK, Italy is trying to promote itself “as an ideal education institution” and “put together Italian companies with the best human resources in India through the university system.”

Promising a “barrier-free” environment for Asian engineering students, especially from China and India , Italy has embarked on major overhaul to address these markets. A second year in a row, it has launched a promotional and marketing campaign in major Indian cities involving the government, the chambers of commerce and universities. The message and allure are a sizeable increase in the numbers of international faculties in all major universities, a phased switch-over to English as a medium of instruction, and exclusive scholarships for Indian students. Automotive and manufacturing companies, showing a distinct preference for Indians, are driving educational institutions to deliver candidates.

Appreciating “the educational capabilities of Indian students to be above par,” Italian Government officials say that the demand from companies and the potential market is prompting them to “contribute scholarships” and a reduction in tuition fees. Apart from mass expansion, Italy is also targeting “talented post-graduate Indian students” offering them “training in prestigious Italian academic institutions and an internship period with placement.”

Last year’s drive saw 50 students taking up the offer and more institutions are expected to sign up this year.