Singapore, Ireland, and Dubai are becoming more and more popular study abroad options for Indian students. Better visa regulations, higher-quality education, and more favorable employment prospects are the main drivers of this change.
The US, UK, and Australia used to be the top study abroad countries for Indian students, but their market is currently declining. The facts are self-evident: According to a recent announcement by the Indian government, the overall number of students studying abroad decreased by almost 15% in 2024 compared to the previous year. The largest decline was 41% in Canada, followed by 27.7% in the UK and 13% in the US. In the meantime, there was a rise in demand for nations like Singapore, Ireland, and Dubai.
Students are influenced to think about a wider variety of study abroad locations by the changing global scene, new visa regulations, and dynamic policy changes. This is done in accordance with the evolving dynamics of international academia as well as their educational goals. According to a survey, there were 892,989 Indian students studying overseas in 2023, up from 750,365 in 2022. As was mentioned, the percentage of pupils selecting uncharted territories increased during these years, while it was still highest in nations like the USA, UK, and Australia.
Causes of the fall in conventional study locations: The tightening of post-study visa regulations and the misuse of academic resources are two major variables influencing the number of applicants in these countries. Stricter immigration laws enforced by countries like Canada and Australia make the procedure more difficult. Additionally, they have limited post-study work and dependant visa options. Students who place a high value on long-term employment opportunities after graduation are thus deterred by these uncertainties.
Because they offer high-quality education at comparatively reduced costs, study abroad locations like Singapore, Dubai, and Ireland are becoming more and more popular. These countries are home to some of the best universities in the world, which attracts students seeking top-notch education. Furthermore, a report claims that the number of Indian students enrolled in Singapore has increased by 25% annually. Using 10,000 Indian students registered in Singapore, which increased by 25% year, would result in over 12,500 enrollments in 2023, to give you a better idea. Additionally, the need for specialists in the fields of finance, technology, and health has increased significantly due to government initiatives and commercial partnerships, giving graduates a wide range of job choices.
“A revolutionary change in the dynamics of global education is reflected in the changing tastes of Indian students. We’re seeing a more thoughtful and calculated approach to international education, with places like Singapore, Ireland, and Dubai providing high-quality education, affordability, and promising employment opportunities,” says a source.
These new locations will continue to gain popularity, as 38% more Indian students are traveling abroad for academic experiences. With careful preparation and well-informed choices, students can benefit from the unique opportunities these countries offer to advance their academic and professional opportunities.
