In 2024, the number of Indian students pursuing higher education abroad has risen to 1.33 million, a slight increase from 1.31 million in 2023, as revealed by the Indian government in the upper house of parliament. The Ministry of External Affairs’ data shows a rise from 13,18,955 Indian students studying abroad in 2023 to 13,35,878 in 2024.
Canada remains the most popular destination for Indian students, hosting 427,000 of them. The USA follows with 337,630 Indian students, the UK with 185,000, Australia with 122,202, and Germany with 42,997. Notably, the number of Indian students in Ukraine has dropped dramatically to 2,510 in 2024 from 11,987 in 2023, reflecting the ongoing impact of the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
Medical education is a significant factor driving Indian student mobility, with several East and Central Asian countries ranking among the top destinations. China hosts 8,580 Indian students, Georgia 16,093, Uzbekistan 4,100, and the Philippines 9,665.
Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh assured parliament that Indian missions abroad are actively engaging with Indian students. Initiatives include welcome ceremonies, security briefings, and encouraging students to register with the Global Rishta Portal and local Indian missions. These efforts aim to keep students connected and secure while studying abroad.
Despite diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, along with Canada’s cap on study permits and concerns about employment and housing, the number of Indian students in Canada has only slightly decreased from 427,085 in 2023 to 427,000 in 2024. However, safety concerns may contribute to a further decline. Over the past five years, 633 Indian students have died abroad, with Canada reporting the highest number of fatalities at 172. Of the 18 Indian students who died due to violent incidents, nine were in Canada, six in the USA, and one each in China, the UK, and Australia. The remaining 614 students passed away due to accidents or medical issues, with 163 deaths occurring in Canada.
