QS to bring Global Master’s Education Fair to Kolkata as more students look abroad

Kolkata students can now explore global education opportunities at the QS Master’s Education Fair on 29 November, meeting top universities from the US, UK, Europe, and Asia while getting guidance on courses, scholarships, and career-ready skills.

QS to bring Global Master’s Education Fair to Kolkata as more students look abroad

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Kolkata is getting ready for a major academic event this month, as QS, the well-known global organisation that tracks universities and student mobility, prepares to host its Master’s Education Fair in the city on 29 November. The event will take place at The Park Hotel, and it aims to connect young learners with top universities from the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe and East Asia.

For Kolkata students, studying abroad is no longer just a dream. It has become a serious goal, and the numbers show this clearly. According to the Global Student Flows report by QS, interest in overseas education from the city has been growing fast at 11.3% (CAGR) since 2022.

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In 2025 alone, more than 20,000 students from Kolkata are exploring international study options. Better exposure, new-age training, industry-ready skills and flexible learning systems are some of the biggest reasons behind this rise.

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Top universities coming to the city

This year’s QS fair will bring together an impressive list of global institutions. Students will get a chance to meet representatives from the University of Cambridge, EADA Business School Barcelona, BI Norwegian Business School, and Taipei Medical University.

Major American universities will also participate, including Drexel University, the University of Vermont, NYU Tandon School of Engineering, the University of Pittsburgh, and the Savannah College of Art and Design.

Instead of searching endlessly online or depending only on social media posts, students will be able to ask their questions directly to official admissions teams. This includes queries about courses, scholarships and more.

Cost of living a major worry for students

“Students from Kolkata and surrounding regions are increasingly seeking internationally recognised qualifications that offer academic excellence and strong career outcomes,” Pieter Funnekotter, Senior Vice President for Candidate Engagement at QS, says students today want qualifications that are trusted across the world and help them secure strong career opportunities. However, they also have genuine concerns, especially about money.

He explained that findings from the International Student Survey 2024: Source India reveal that 70% of potential Indian students worry about rising living expenses abroad. At the same time, 52% have already attended at least one student fair to get better clarity before making such an important decision.

“The QS Masters Fair is built exactly for this purpose,” Funnekotter shared. “It brings global universities to Kolkata and gives students direct access to decision-makers, scholarship information and real-world advice. We want students to feel confident and well-prepared before taking the next step in their academic journey.”

Local understanding, global network

Although QS works internationally, nearly one-third of its workforce is based in India. This gives the organisation a unique advantage; a combination of global understanding and deep awareness of Indian students’ real-life challenges.

Visitors won’t just meet universities. They will also get access to QS Apply, a service offering personalised guidance, profile evaluation and application support.

Additionally, students can use career-readiness services such as CV reviews, LinkedIn profile optimisation and even free professional headshots, tools that can help them present themselves better in future applications or internships.

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