Recent data reveals a noteworthy shift in the destinations chosen by Indian students pursuing higher education abroad. According to information shared by Union Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar in the Lok Sabha on Monday, there has been a nearly 15% decrease in the number of Indian students heading overseas for studies in 2024 compared to the previous year.
In 2022, a total of 750,365 Indian students were studying abroad, which increased to 892,989 in 2023. However, this number dropped to 759,064 in 2024, marking a decline of 133,920 students. While traditionally popular destinations like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada are experiencing a decrease in Indian student enrollment, countries like Russia, Germany, France, and New Zealand are witnessing a surge in numbers.
Factors Contributing to the Decline
Several factors appear to be contributing to this shift in student preferences. Canada has experienced the most significant decline, with the number of Indian students plummeting from 233,532 in 2023 to 137,608 in 2024. This decline can be attributed to stricter student visa regulations, leading to increased visa rejections and study permit cancellations. Diplomatic tensions between India and Canada following the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023 have further exacerbated the situation.
The United States has also seen a decrease in Indian student enrollment, with numbers dropping from 234,473 in 2023 to 204,058 in 2024, a decline of 30,415 students. Some experts suggest that Donald Trump’s election as US President and the resulting uncertainty surrounding visa policies may have contributed to this decline. Concerns have also been raised by universities in the US. Christopher Clary, Associate Professor of Political Science at the University at Albany, noted that the 11% drop in Indian students studying in the US from 2023 to 2024 should be a cause for concern for US universities and policymakers, citing factors such as a depreciating rupee against the dollar and policy uncertainty.
Australia has also experienced a decrease in Indian student numbers, from 78,093 in 2023 to 68,572 in 2024. The United Kingdom has seen a considerable fall, with numbers declining from 136,921 in 2023 to 98,890 in 2024, a 28% drop. Reports indicate that nearly 10,000 university jobs in the UK could be at risk due to gaps in university funding.
Rise in Popularity of Other Destinations
While the number of Indian students in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia has decreased, other countries are gaining popularity. Russia has seen a significant increase in Indian student enrollment, from 19,784 in 2022 to 23,503 in 2023 and further to 31,444 in 2024. France has also experienced growth, with student numbers rising from 6,406 in 2022 to 8,536 in 2024. Germany has witnessed a substantial surge from 20,684 students in 2022 to 34,702 in 2024, and New Zealand has recorded a significant jump from 1,605 in 2022 to 7,297 in 2024.
Government Support Measures
In response to the increasing number of Indian students pursuing education abroad, the Indian government has implemented support measures such as the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) to assist students in emergencies. The MADAD Portal has also been launched to address grievances, ensuring the well-being and safety of students studying overseas. These initiatives demonstrate the government’s commitment to supporting Indian students in their pursuit of international education.
Source: IndianExpress
