Why Indian students are choosing Russia, Germany over US, UK
What's the story
Indian students studying abroad have seen a significant trend reversal. Following a post-pandemic boom in 2023, there was a sharp 15% dip in the number of Indians studying overseas in 2024.
According to the data shared by the Bureau of Immigration, the numbers fell from 892,989 to 759,064 in this period.
A large part of this drop can be attributed to stricter visa laws and increasing financial demands from Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
Country-wise decline
Significant drop in Indian students in Canada
Bureau of Immigration data showed a sharp 41% decline in the number of Indian students opting for Canada as their study destination, from 233,532 in 2023 to 137,608 in 2024.
The US also saw a drop, with student migration decreasing 13% from 234,473 to 204,058.
The UK saw a decline of about 27%, with numbers falling from 136,921 to 98,890 during the same time.
Other countries
Australia and China also witness decrease
Australia witnessed a 12% drop in students, from 78,093 in 2023 to 68,572 in 2024.
China had a varied range of figures from as low as 1,967 in 2022 to a high of 7,279 in 2023, before dropping again to 4,978 in 2024.
The reasons for this shift can be attributed to stricter immigration policies, visa rejections, and changes in study visa rules.
Factors affecting choices
Diplomatic tensions and policy changes impact student choices
The India-Canada diplomatic tensions have also contributed.
In September 2023, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau accused India of orchestrating a plot to kill Sikh extremist activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
This brought increased scrutiny on Indian students going there for education.
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada, a federal organization that works with international students, amended its regulations at the same time, giving it the authority to withdraw employment and study permits in certain instances.
Trump admin
Students also concerned about diminishing labor market
In the case of the US, several Indian students reconsidered studying there last year because of the uncertainties surrounding the Trump administration's plans.
Students are also concerned about a diminishing labor market that now favors local workers, as the new immigration system sidelines overseas students.
Several Indian students also complained that "officers in uniform" were coming to their workplaces and asking to see their IDs or work authorization documents, just in case they were on Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Rising destinations
Countries witnessing an influx of Indian students
On the contrary, countries including Germany, Russia, Uzbekistan, and Bangladesh have witnessed a sharp increase in the number of Indian students.
From 20,684 in 2022, Germany's student numbers increased to 34,702 in 2024. Russia, too, saw an increase from 19,784 in 2022 to 31,444 in 2024.
Other countries like Malaysia, Singapore, Kazakhstan, and Ireland are also gaining popularity with Indian students seeking higher education abroad.