In recent years, there has been a significant surge in the number of Indian women pursuing higher education abroad, particularly in destinations like the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Europe. This increase is driven by various factors, including a growing availability of scholarships, changing societal attitudes towards women’s education, and a strong desire to enhance career prospects.
According to education consultants, the number of female applicants seeking opportunities for education abroad has been rising steadily. Akshay Chaturvedi, CEO of the consultancy firm Leverage.biz, revealed that women have made up over 40% of applicants on the Leverage Edu platform in recent years. These female applicants, who come from both urban and rural areas, are capitalizing on a wide array of scholarships and funding opportunities available to them.
One example is the GREAT Scholarship provided by the British Council, which offers Indian students the chance to pursue postgraduate programs in the UK. The scholarship, which covers tuition fees and living expenses, has become a popular option for women seeking international education. The British Council has also partnered with UK universities to offer specific scholarships aimed at women in STEM fields, further expanding opportunities for women in male-dominated disciplines. These scholarships cater not only to women but also to women with dependents, and they cover a wide range of expenses, including travel, visa fees, and health coverage.
Additionally, there are several funding opportunities for women from marginalized communities, such as those belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Palak Kumhare, a student from the Harda district of Madhya Pradesh, benefited from the Madhya Pradesh government’s scholarship scheme for students from deprived communities, which enabled her to study abroad. She is currently pursuing a Masters in International Law at Kent University in the UK. Her mother, Seema, shared that, due to financial constraints, funding Palak’s education abroad would have been impossible without this government support. Seema believes that Palak’s international education will significantly improve her future career prospects and enhance her respect in society upon her return.
For many women, the driving force behind studying abroad is the desire to access better job opportunities. Kavita Khare, a final-year graduate student from Delhi, plans to pursue her master’s in either the US or the UK, citing the increased potential for employment in these countries compared to staying in India. A comprehensive survey conducted by MSM Unify in March revealed that 65% of student respondents were women, and many cited career growth as a key motivator for pursuing international education.
The survey findings support this notion, as 60% of education experts noted that Indian women increasingly recognize the importance of building strong career paths. Indian women who study abroad often earn higher salaries and enjoy better job prospects than those who do not. The survey further found that the US, UK, and Canada remain the top choices for Indian women seeking education abroad, with many believing that studying abroad leads to improved academic, career, and financial opportunities.
Increasing awareness of global educational opportunities is another significant factor motivating Indian women to study abroad. Manisha Purohit, a student planning to pursue higher education overseas, explained that the possibility of securing permanent residency after completing her studies makes the prospect of studying abroad even more appealing.
The societal landscape in India has also shifted, contributing to more women taking the leap to study abroad. As gender equality becomes more emphasized and patriarchal structures slowly decline, parents are increasingly offering equal educational opportunities to their daughters. Rohan Ganeriwala, co-founder of the Kolkata-based consultancy Collegify, explained that societal modernization and the rise of gender equality have enabled more women to pursue higher education abroad. Families now recognize the long-term benefits of female education in contributing to gender equality and national progress.
Concerns about safety, which once posed significant barriers for women considering international education, are gradually being alleviated. Ganeriwala assured that the cities where Indian students typically study are generally safe. The changing perception of safety and the recognition of the value of education for women are key factors in encouraging more Indian women to study abroad.
In light of the increasing number of women pursuing higher education internationally, the US Embassy in New Delhi has highlighted the need for greater female representation in academia and research. Gloria Berbena, minister-counsellor for public diplomacy at the US Embassy, emphasized the importance of initiatives like the Fulbright Scholarship Program in supporting women scholars and encouraging their participation at the highest levels of education and leadership.
In conclusion, the growing trend of Indian women studying abroad reflects a confluence of factors, including increased scholarship opportunities, societal shifts towards gender equality, and the pursuit of better career prospects. As more women take advantage of these opportunities, they are not only shaping their own futures but also contributing to the broader global movement towards gender equality and educational empowerment.
