The landscape of Indian students studying abroad is undergoing major changes. Just a couple of years ago, the “Big Four” destinations – Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States – were the most popular choices among Indian students. However, due to various challenges, including stricter visa policies, increasing costs, and uncertainty around post-study work rights, Indian students are now exploring alternative destinations.
According to Indian government data, the number of degree-seeking Indian students traveling abroad for studies declined by almost 15% in 2024 compared to 2023. This decline is evident across the Big Four destinations:
- Canada: -41% (from 233,500 in 2023 to 137,600 in 2024)
- UK: -28% (from 136,900 to 98,900)
- US: -13% (from 234,500 to 204,000)
- Australia: -12% (from 78,100 to 68,600)
In contrast, Indian student numbers are rising in destinations such as:
- Germany: +68% from 2022 to 2024 (from 20,700 to 34,700)
- Russia: +59% from 2022 to 2024 (from 19,800 to 31,400)
- France: +33% from 2022 to 2024 (from 6,400 to 8,500)
- New Zealand: +354% from 2022 to 2024 (from 1,600 to 7,300)
- Ireland: +49% from 2022/23 to 2023/24 (from 4,700 to 7,000)
Factors Driving the Shift
So, what’s driving this shift in destination preferences? Several factors are contributing to this trend:
- Policies in Australia, Canada, and the UK: Stricter visa policies, increased costs, and uncertainty around post-study work rights are making it more challenging for Indian students to pursue higher education in these countries.
- Depreciation of the Indian Rupee: The recent depreciation of the Indian rupee against the US dollar has made it more expensive for Indian students to study abroad.
- Growing Unease about President Trump’s Treatment of Immigrants: The uncertainty surrounding immigration policies in the US has also contributed to the decline in Indian student numbers.
As Indian students explore alternative destinations, countries like Germany, France, and New Zealand are gaining popularity due to the numerous benefits they offer. These countries boast high-quality education, with several highly ranked universities in Germany and France providing access to world-class learning. Additionally, they provide affordable education, with lower tuition fees compared to the traditional Big Four destinations. Furthermore, these countries also offer attractive post-study opportunities, such as France’s two-year post-study stay visa for Indian graduates with French master’s degrees, making them an increasingly appealing choice for Indian students.As Indian students explore alternative destinations, countries like Germany, France, and New Zealand are emerging as popular choices. With their high-quality education, affordability, and post-study opportunities, these destinations are likely to continue attracting Indian students in the coming years.
