In 2024, the landscape of Indian students pursuing education abroad underwent significant changes, with notable declines in traditional destinations like Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom, while countries such as Russia, France, and Germany observed increased enrollments.
Overall Decline in Overseas Education
The total number of Indian students studying abroad decreased by nearly 15% in 2024 compared to the previous year. According to data from the Ministry of External Affairs, the figures dropped from 8,92,989 in 2023 to 7,59,064 in 2024.
Canada: A Sharp Decline
Canada, previously a top destination for Indian students, experienced a substantial 41% decrease in enrollments. The number fell from 2,33,532 in 2023 to 1,37,608 in 2024. This decline is attributed to stricter visa regulations and increased rejection rates. In November 2024, Canada implemented new International Student Program regulations to enhance program integrity and protect students from potential abuses within the system.
United States and United Kingdom: Noticeable Drops
The United States saw a 12.9% decline in Indian student enrollments, decreasing from 2,34,473 in 2023 to 2,04,058 in 2024. Similarly, the United Kingdom experienced a 27.7% drop, with numbers falling from 1,36,921 in 2023 to 98,890 in 2024. These trends are linked to stricter visa regulations and changes in post-study work policies.
Australia: Decreased Interest
Australia reported a 12% reduction in Indian student numbers, from 78,093 in 2023 to 68,572 in 2024. Factors contributing to this decline include increased visa fees, stricter entry requirements, and concerns over housing affordability.
Russia, France, and Germany: Rising Popularity
Conversely, Russia saw a 33.7% increase in Indian student enrollments, rising from 23,503 in 2023 to 31,444 in 2024. France and Germany also experienced growth, with Indian student numbers in France increasing from 7,484 in 2023 to 8,536 in 2024, and Germany seeing a rise from 23,296 in 2023 to 34,702 in 2024.
These shifts highlight the dynamic nature of international education preferences among Indian students, influenced by factors such as visa policies, geopolitical relations, and the evolving quality of educational institutions worldwide.
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