The number of Indian students opting to study abroad has seen a significant drop in 2024. After a post-pandemic surge, figures have fallen by approximately 15%, decreasing from 892,989 in 2023 to 759,064 in 2024. The most affected destinations include Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, which collectively recorded a sharp 27% decline in Indian student enrollments.
Ministry Data Highlights the Drop- According to the Union Education Ministry and Bureau of Immigration, the number of Indian students traveling abroad for education saw a decline, especially in traditionally preferred destinations.
- Canada: 41% drop from 233,532 in 2023 to 137,608 in 2024.
- US: 13% decline from 234,473 to 204,058.
- UK: 27% drop to 98,890 students in 2024.
- Australia: 12% decline from 78,093 to 68,572.
In total, the number of students traveling to Canada, the US, and the UK decreased from 604,926 in 2023 to 440,556 in 2024.
Why Are Fewer Indian Students Studying Abroad?
Several factors are responsible for this sharp decline, including stricter visa regulations, rising financial burdens, and geopolitical tensions.
Stricter Immigration Rules
One major reason for the drop is the tightening of immigration and study visa policies across several nations.
- Canada: Stricter visa requirements and employment rules for international students were enforced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The country also revoked study and work permits under certain conditions.
- UK: The UK government restricted international students from bringing family members unless enrolled in postgraduate research programs or government-funded courses.
- US: Uncertainty around immigration policies and increased visa denials led to hesitation among students.
- Australia: Higher visa costs and affordability concerns due to rising living expenses discouraged many students from applying.
India-Canada Diplomatic Tensions
Political tensions between India and Canada further worsened the situation. The diplomatic crisis started in September 2023 when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of involvement in the assassination of Sikh extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen. Following this, India withdrew diplomatic immunity for 41 Canadian diplomats in October 2023. These tensions led to increased visa scrutiny and rejection rates for Indian students.
Cost of Living and Financial Burden
The cost of education and living expenses in these countries has surged, making it harder for Indian students to afford studying abroad. Rising tuition fees, expensive student accommodations, and inflation have made it financially challenging for middle-class families to send their children overseas for higher education.
Alternative Study Destinations Gaining Popularity
While the US, UK, Canada, and Australia have seen a decline, other countries have emerged as preferred study destinations for Indian students.
- Germany: Indian student numbers increased from 23,296 in 2023 to 34,702 in 2024.
- Russia: A significant rise from 19,784 in 2022 to 31,444 in 2024.
- Uzbekistan & Bangladesh: Notable increases of 9,915 and 8,864 students, respectively.
- France: Growth from 6,406 in 2022 to 8,536 in 2024.
- New Zealand: A steep rise from 1,605 in 2022 to 7,297 in 2024.
Other emerging destinations include Malaysia, Singapore, Kazakhstan, the Philippines, and Ireland, which have all recorded an upward trend in Indian student enrollments.
The drop in Indian students choosing Canada, the US, and the UK signals a shift in global education trends. Countries offering more flexible visa policies, affordable tuition, and better post-study work opportunities are likely to attract a larger share of Indian students.
The long-term impact of diplomatic relations, visa policies, and financial factors will determine whether traditional education hubs regain their appeal or if new destinations continue to rise in popularity.
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