SRINAGAR: The trend of Indian students pursuing higher education abroad has seen a remarkable surge in recent years, reflecting a growing demand for global exposure and access to world-class education.
According to data from the Ministry of Education, the number of Indian students going abroad has increased significantly, with the latest figures showing an impressive rise from 586,337 students in 2019 to nearly 893,000 in 2023. This surge comes after a pandemic-induced dip, which saw numbers fall to just 259,655 in 2020, highlighting the resilience of the trend as global conditions improved.
By 2021, the number of Indian students heading overseas had rebounded sharply, reaching 444,553, with 750,365 students in 2022 and 892,989 in 2023. The rising figures indicate that despite the challenges posed by COVID-19 and changing immigration policies, Indian students are eager to seek higher education opportunities in diverse international destinations. While the Ministry of Education does not provide detailed country-specific data, the Bureau of Immigration (BoI) offers comprehensive figures on the top countries chosen by Indian students, shedding light on the shifting preferences and emerging patterns in international student mobility.
The United States continues to dominate as the top destination for Indian students, with 234,473 students opting to study there in 2023. Known for its prestigious universities, vast research opportunities, and diverse student population, the US remains the preferred choice for students across all disciplines. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, the post-pandemic recovery has shown that Indian students are still gravitating towards American institutions, solidifying the country’s position as the most popular destination.
With 125,115 students opting to study there in 2021, numbers fell to 62,415 in 2020 but have picked up again reaching 125115 in 2021, 190512 in 2022 and 234473 in 2023.
Close behind is Canada, with 233,532 Indian students in 2023. Canada’s reputation for being student-friendly, combined with its strong immigration policies, quality education system, and multicultural environment, has made it a top contender for Indian students. The country’s policies allowing international students to work during and after their studies, along with its increasing focus on attracting skilled talent, have further enhanced its appeal in recent years.
In 2020, 43,624 students from India chose Canada as their study destination. This figure surged dramatically in 2021, with 102,688 students making the move. By 2022, the number had reached 186,382, and in 2023, it further rose to 233,532 students, making Canada one of the top choices for Indian students.
Australia, another long-standing favourite, hosted 78,093 Indian students in 2023. Despite the decline in 2020 due to strict travel restrictions, Australia continues to attract students, particularly in fields such as healthcare, engineering, and business. Its strong academic reputation and the high employability of graduates make it a popular choice for those seeking quality education and career prospects.
In 2020, only 33,629 Indian students went to Australia, a sharp decline from the previous year due to strict travel restrictions. However, as conditions improved, the numbers began to rebound. In 2021, the number of Indian students going to Australia dropped to just 8,950, reflecting the lingering impact of the pandemic. By 2022, Australia saw a significant recovery, with 21,562 students from India choosing to study there. The trend continued in 2023, with 78,093 Indian students heading to Australian institutions.
The United Kingdom also remains a strong contender, with 136,921 Indian students in 2023. The UK’s historic academic prestige and the introduction of policies like the two-year post-study work visa have significantly boosted its appeal. The rise in the number of Indian students choosing the UK reflects the growing desire for world-class education and work opportunities post-graduation.
In 2020, the number of Indian students studying in the UK dipped to 44,901. there was a notable rebound in 2021, with the number of Indian students rising sharply to 77,855. This increase continued into 2022, with 136,921 students choosing the UK for higher education, driven in part by the introduction of the two-year post-study work visa. In 2023, the number further surged to 234,473 students, highlighting the UK’s enduring appeal due to its world-class universities, rich academic heritage, and strong historical and cultural ties between India and Britain.
Germany, with 23,296 Indian students in 2023, remains a prominent European destination. Known for its no-fee public universities and robust STEM education system, Germany attracts students seeking high-quality education, particularly in fields like engineering and technology. The country’s commitment to research, innovation, and affordable tuition makes it an increasingly popular choice for Indian students.
Emerging destinations are also seeing a significant rise in Indian student numbers. New Zealand, which hosted 21,562 students in 2023, and the United Arab Emirates (17,304 students) are among the countries that have grown in popularity, offering high-quality education, safety, and post-study opportunities. Singapore, Ireland, France, and Malaysia continue to be important hubs for Indian students, with 14,567, 13,487, 12,492, and 11,430 students respectively in 2023.
South Korea, Japan, Sweden, and China are also gaining traction, with Indian students seeking education in these countries’ advanced technology and research fields. These nations offer unique cultural experiences alongside top-tier academic programmes, contributing to their increasing appeal. Bangladesh, with 5,731 students in 2023, has also become a significant destination, particularly for students from eastern India. The proximity, cultural similarities, and affordable education make Bangladesh an attractive option, especially in fields like medicine and engineering.
Other countries that have also seen a rise in student numbers include Russia, Ukraine, and the Czech Republic, where Indian students are flocking to pursue studies in engineering, medical sciences, and technology. These nations offer affordable education in diverse academic fields, with some having strong ties to India’s educational and professional sectors.
While traditional study destinations like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia remain at the top, Indian students are increasingly choosing a wider variety of countries. This reflects the growing trend of globalisation in higher education, as students seek not only academic excellence but also diverse cultural experiences and opportunities for international exposure. The broadening of destination choices indicates a shift in the dynamics of international student mobility, with emerging destinations offering competitive education systems, lower costs, and diverse career prospects.
This shift also raises concerns about the “brain drain” phenomenon, as many Indian students opt to stay abroad after completing their studies, contributing to the growing concern over talent retention in India. However, for many students, the opportunity to study in global centres of knowledge, coupled with the chance to live and work in multicultural environments, remains an attractive proposition.
As the numbers continue to rise, it is clear that Indian students will continue to shape the future of global higher education, with diverse countries offering both academic excellence and cultural enrichment. The ongoing trend points to an increasing globalisation of Indian education, with students seeking international exposure to enhance their career prospects, broaden their horizons, and contribute to the global community.
The least chosen destinations for Indian students reflect a combination of geographical, political, and economic factors that make these countries less attractive for higher education. In 2021, places like Antarctica and the British Indian Ocean Territory registered negligible numbers, with only one student each, largely due to their geographical isolation and lack of academic infrastructure. Similarly, countries such as the Maldives, Mauritius, and some African nations saw fewer Indian students, owing to limited higher education opportunities, lower international recognition, and smaller student communities. Political instability, economic challenges, and lack of robust educational systems also contributed to the declining numbers in destinations like Afghanistan and Bhutan, where student numbers remained minimal. These countries, though not completely devoid of Indian students, have not been able to capture the attention of a significant portion of the student population looking for internationally recognised, diverse, and high-quality education.
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