Indian students aiming to study abroad are now choosing destinations beyond the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. Now, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, and Russia are gaining popularity among young Indian students. But what caused this shift? Scroll on to find out.
Indian Students Look Beyond Traditional Choices
According to a Travel and Tour World report, Indian students wanting to study abroad are ready to move away from traditional destinations. The reason for this can be narrowed down to stricter visa regulations, rising racism incidents, and, of course, stringent immigration policies.
On the other hand, countries like Germany, Ireland, and New Zealand are seeing a rapid increase in interest from Indian students wishing to study abroad. With their welcoming immigration policies, attractive post-graduation work prospects, and better overall educational experiences, Indian students choose these countries despite the language barriers.
An Indian Education Ministry’s Lok Sabha report revealed that New Zealand reported a massive 354% surge in Indian students, with numbers growing from 1,605 in 2022 to 7,297 in 2024. Germany also saw an impressive 68% increase, jumping from 20,684 in 2022 to 34,702 in 2024. Russia witnessed a 59% increase in Indian students between 2022 and 2024, and Ireland’s student intake surged by an impressive 49%.
Despite Decline, US, UK Still Top Favourites
While the interest in other destinations is increasing, the US, UK, Canada, and Australia continue to dominate. As per the report, nearly 70% of Indian students studying abroad head to these countries. However, it is to be noted that admissions to these nations have seen a steady decline in 2024. As per the Bureau of Immigration data, the number of Indian students in Canada dropped by 41%, from 233,532 in 2023 to 137,608 in 2024. The UK saw a 27% decline, nosediving from 136,921 students in 2023 to 98,890 in 2024. While the US saw a 13% decrease, Australia recorded a 12% dip.
Also Read: Dubai Ranks As The ‘World’s Best Destination For Solo Female Travel’ With A 7.71 Score: Report
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