Indian students applying for higher studies abroad experienced a dip of 15% in 2024 as opposed to last year, as per statistics released by the Ministry of Education. The main factors for this fall are tighter visa regulations, political changes, and diplomatic tensions in the major study countries, such as Canada, the US, and the UK.
Declining figures of Indian students
750,365 Indian students were overseas in 2022. In 2023, it was 892,989 but declined by 133,920 students to 759,064 in 2024.
The most acute fall was in:
• Canada: It plummeted by 41% from 233,532 in 2023 to 137,608 in 2024, mainly because of student visa clampdowns and rising refusals.
• United States: A decline of 13%, with Indians losing student numbers from 234,473 in 2023 to 204,058 in 2024, most likely because of the political transition from Joe Biden to Donald Trump.
• United Kingdom: A reduction of 28%, with figures falling from 136,921 in 2023 to 98,890 in 2024.
• Australia: A 13% decline, from 78,093 in 2023 to 68,572 in 2024.
In an interview with The Free Press Journal (FPJ), Terrence Graham, Associate Dean for Graduate Education and Chief International Officer at the University of Southern California, Mann School of Pharmacy, said, "Yes, I have seen some students who were considering Canada before are now focusing on US universities. I do hope our policies will remain quite favourable for international students because it's a global competition for the best students around the world. Top destinations like the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia are all competing for these students, and we try to make the US an attractive option."
Growth of Indian students in other countries
While the traditional countries saw declines, other countries saw growth in Indian student enrolments:
• Russia: 34% growth, from 23,503 in 2023 to 31,444 in 2024, mainly in medical courses.
• France: Growth in enrolments, from 6,406 in 2022 to 8,536 in 2024.
• Germany: Rise in interest, from 20,684 in 2022 to 34,702 in 2024, mainly due to the free education and research opportunities.
Why students are choosing alternative countries
France: A hub for research and innovation
Dhavani C., pursuing a master's in France, said, "I opted to pursue my master's in France due to its internationally renowned education system, illustrious academic heritage, and AI and data science leadership." I was fascinated by the culture and studied French in school, so studying here was the perfect choice."
"During the lockdown, I explored baking, and Le Cordon Bleu was the obvious choice for mastering French pastries. The global setting and business exposure here make it an excellent learning experience," explained Rishika Khosla, studying pastry and bakery arts at Le Cordon Bleu, Paris.
Russia: An emerging destination for Medical studies
Ritesh Dubey, a sixth-year MBBS student at Oryol State Medical University, explained why he chose Russia: “Following the COVID-19 and the war, my parents were apprehensive about China and Ukraine for pursuing medical studies. The best option for this was Russia due to the good diplomatic ties between India and Russia, education costs being low, and a secure environment for the students.
Germany: Free tuition and research studies
Germany has become a favourite option due to its excellent research, low tuition fees, and strong industry links.
Arjun Sojitra, a master's student in micro and nano systems at TU Chemnitz, said, "Many suggested I go to the US or stay in India, but my goal was clear—I wanted to do research in nanotechnology and semiconductors. The prospect of free education and a direct job after graduation made Germany my top choice."
Darshak Patel, another student from Germany, emphasised, "Germany provides real hands-on experience through industry collaboration, which suits my master's best. Another great advantage compared to other nations is the affordability of education."
Vasudha Kunjir, also one of the students who picked Germany, chimed in, “Germany's world-class institutions, tight industrial links, and free higher education made Germany the most desirable destination for me. The nation also boasts a rich history, culture, and reliable public transport, which made Germany the best location to develop both academically and as an individual."
To assist Indian students abroad, the Indian government has set up the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) in all Indian missions and posts abroad to grant financial aid in times of need. Students are advised to get themselves registered with Indian Missions for early assistance.
The fall in Indian students abroad can be explained by changes in government policy, visa controls, and changing worldwide trends. But newer destinations such as Germany, France, and Russia are experiencing Indian enrolments soaring, based on low-cost education, high-quality academic programs, and research support.