Recent numbers regarding movement of international students from India may indicate a shifting pattern, with students seeking newer destinations.

* Germany saw a 68% increase in Indian students – from from 20,684 in 2022 to 34,702 in 2024.
* New Zealand witnessed a 354% jump – from 1,605 in 2022 to 7,297 in 2024.
* This was followed by Russia with a 59% rise in Indian students and Ireland with 49%.

Even though the Big Four (US, UK, Canada, Australia) remain top destinations and account for 70% of Indian students studying abroad, these countries have seen a drop in admission in 2024.

India surpassed China to become the biggest contributor of international students to the US with 331,602 students studying there in 2023-24 academic year. In the 2023-24 period, the US denied 41% of F1 (student) visas – rejecting 279,000 of 679,000 applications.

Key elements for students – Immigration policies, diverse academic programmes, strong post-study work opportunities, cost of tuition, living expenses, competition for admission.

Source: Indian students’ hunt for new destinations takes fresh route; Business Standard; April 16, 2025; Image from Business Standard.