The number of Indian students pursuing higher education abroad dropped by nearly 15% in 2024, with Canada experiencing the most significant decline — a 41% fall in Indian enrolments.
According to data presented in India’s parliament by Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar, 759,064 Indian students went overseas in 2024, compared to 892,989 in 2023. Canada, once a top destination, saw enrolments plummet from 233,532 in 2023 to 137,608 in 2024.
Experts attribute the decline to tightening visa regulations, affordability concerns, and reduced job prospects during and after studies. The drop in Canada is particularly linked to stricter visa policies and rising diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, notably after the October 2023 withdrawal of Canadian diplomats and subsequent expulsions.
Maria Mathai, founder of MM Advisory Services, described the trend as a “market adjustment” rather than a collapse. “Students are adapting to policy changes, prioritizing affordability, visa stability, and return on investment over university rankings,” she said. “It’s a recalibration.”
Global Trends Reflect Wider Shifts
The downward trend extends beyond Canada. The United States saw a 13% drop in Indian students, falling from 234,473 in 2023 to 204,058 in 2024. The decline is partly due to the Indian rupee’s depreciation and uncertainty around visa policies, especially with Donald Trump’s return to the presidency.
The UK witnessed a sharper 28% decline, with Indian enrolments falling from 136,921 in 2023 to 98,890 in 2024, driven by changes in visa and post-study work rules.
Australia also experienced a fall — from 78,093 in 2023 to 68,572 in 2024 — due to increased visa fees, housing concerns, and new international student caps. China reported a 31.6% decrease, attributed to ongoing geopolitical tensions and post-pandemic effects.
Emerging Study Destinations on the Rise
Despite declines in traditional destinations, Indian students are increasingly considering emerging countries. Germany saw enrolments rise to 34,702 in 2024 from 20,684 in 2022, while Russia’s numbers surged to 31,444 from 19,784 over the same period. France and New Zealand also reported strong growth.
Analysts say attractive job markets and more lenient visa policies are making these destinations more appealing. “Students are exploring cost-effective, career-oriented alternatives,” said Mathai. “But even with this growth, the US, Canada, and the UK still dominate Indian student mobility.”
Garima Mathur, a student from Chandigarh planning to study in Italy, said, “Cost, visa rules, and diplomatic relations now weigh heavily in our choices. It’s no longer just about rankings.”
