The number of Indian students choosing the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada for higher education has dropped sharply by 40% in 2024. This marks a significant shift in the patterns of international student mobility , as the Big Four countries are facing declining interest due to stricter immigration policies, rising costs, and uncertain visa regulations.
Meanwhile, countries like Germany and New Zealand have experienced remarkable growth, attracting an increasing number of Indian students. These nations, with their more affordable tuition fees, better post-study work rights, and more stable immigration environments, are becoming top alternatives for students from India seeking educational opportunities abroad.
US, UK, and Canada see steep declines in enrollments
As reported by the ICEF Monitor, Indian government data shows a 15% overall decline in the number of Indian students studying abroad in 2024 compared to the previous year. Of the Big Four study destinations, Canada saw the largest drop, with Indian enrollments plummeting by 41%, from 233,500 in 2023 to just 137,600 in 2024. The UK and the US followed with significant declines of 28% and 13%, respectively, while Australia saw a 12% drop. In total, these countries together accounted for 72% of Indian students abroad in 2024, although their share is clearly shrinking.
The decline in enrollments can be attributed to a combination of factors, with rising tuition costs and tougher visa regulations being among the main reasons. As pointed out by the ICEF Monitor, Indian students, who are often seeking not only quality education but also post-study work opportunities and potential immigration pathways, are increasingly finding those avenues restricted in traditional study destinations. The depreciation of the Indian Rupee against the US Dollar has further compounded the financial burden on Indian students, making education in these countries even more expensive.
Shifting preferences towards Germany and New Zealand
While the Big Four destinations are losing ground, Germany and New Zealand are seeing a surge in interest from Indian students. According to Indian government data, the number of Indian students in Germany increased by 68% from 2022 to 2024, rising from 20,700 to 34,700 students. This growth is largely driven by the high quality of education in Germany, coupled with low tuition fees and ample post-study work opportunities.
New Zealand is also experiencing a significant rise in Indian student numbers, with a remarkable 354% increase from 2022 to 2024, growing from 1,600 students to 7,300. As reported by the ICEF Monitor, New Zealand has become the most welcoming Anglophone country for Indian students, thanks to its flexible visa policies and safe environment. The country’s education system is highly ranked, and the availability of work visas for graduates has made it a preferred destination for students seeking not only quality education but also work opportunities after graduation.
Factors driving the change
A key factor behind the decline in enrollments in the US, UK, and Canada is the tightening of immigration policies. As reported by the ICEF Monitor, recent changes in visa regulations, particularly in the US, under President Trump's administration, have created uncertainty for international students. The ability to bring family members, secure post-study work rights, and eventually transition to permanent residency has become increasingly difficult, making these countries less appealing.
The depreciation of the Indian Rupee against the US Dollar has also played a crucial role in pushing students away from these countries. Eela Dubey, co-founder of EduFund, noted that "Rupee depreciation acts as hidden inflation for Indian students aspiring to study abroad, significantly increasing the cost of education, even if universities do not raise tuition fees" (quoted by the ICEF Monitor). This shift in the economic landscape has made countries like Germany, which offer more affordable education options, an attractive alternative.
On the other hand, Germany’s policy environment, its well-established reputation for high-quality education, and its relatively low tuition fees are drawing more Indian students. Similarly, New Zealand’s recent rise as an educational hub has been fueled by its student-friendly visa policies and its reputation for safety and stability.
A recalibration, not a collapse
While the trends may point to a significant change in Indian student preferences, experts agree that this is more of a market adjustment than a total collapse of interest in the US, UK, and Canada. Maria Mathai, founder of MM Advisory Services, told the ICEF Monitor that “students are responding pragmatically to shifting costs and changing visa rules” and that this shift represents a “recalibration” rather than an “exit.”
Indian students are now more discerning, asking not only about the academic rankings of institutions but also about post-study work rights and the stability of visa policies. As Mathai pointed out, “Our destination maps now have layered overlays – visa stability indices atop rankings" (quoted by the ICEF Monitor). The focus is shifting from simply finding the best-ranked universities to considering practical aspects like work opportunities and immigration policies.
The future of Indian student mobility
The continued demand for higher education from India, one of the largest student populations in the world, suggests that international education will remain a vital sector. However, the shifts in student mobility patterns, driven by policy changes and economic factors, signal a transformation in how Indian students approach studying abroad. Countries like Germany and New Zealand, which offer more favorable policies and affordability, are poised to gain further market share in the coming years.
With international students increasingly looking for stability, work opportunities, and financial sustainability, countries that can provide these will continue to attract Indian students, while the traditional Big Four must adapt to the changing demands if they wish to maintain their dominance in the global education market.
Meanwhile, countries like Germany and New Zealand have experienced remarkable growth, attracting an increasing number of Indian students. These nations, with their more affordable tuition fees, better post-study work rights, and more stable immigration environments, are becoming top alternatives for students from India seeking educational opportunities abroad.
US, UK, and Canada see steep declines in enrollments
As reported by the ICEF Monitor, Indian government data shows a 15% overall decline in the number of Indian students studying abroad in 2024 compared to the previous year. Of the Big Four study destinations, Canada saw the largest drop, with Indian enrollments plummeting by 41%, from 233,500 in 2023 to just 137,600 in 2024. The UK and the US followed with significant declines of 28% and 13%, respectively, while Australia saw a 12% drop. In total, these countries together accounted for 72% of Indian students abroad in 2024, although their share is clearly shrinking.
The decline in enrollments can be attributed to a combination of factors, with rising tuition costs and tougher visa regulations being among the main reasons. As pointed out by the ICEF Monitor, Indian students, who are often seeking not only quality education but also post-study work opportunities and potential immigration pathways, are increasingly finding those avenues restricted in traditional study destinations. The depreciation of the Indian Rupee against the US Dollar has further compounded the financial burden on Indian students, making education in these countries even more expensive.
Shifting preferences towards Germany and New Zealand
While the Big Four destinations are losing ground, Germany and New Zealand are seeing a surge in interest from Indian students. According to Indian government data, the number of Indian students in Germany increased by 68% from 2022 to 2024, rising from 20,700 to 34,700 students. This growth is largely driven by the high quality of education in Germany, coupled with low tuition fees and ample post-study work opportunities.
New Zealand is also experiencing a significant rise in Indian student numbers, with a remarkable 354% increase from 2022 to 2024, growing from 1,600 students to 7,300. As reported by the ICEF Monitor, New Zealand has become the most welcoming Anglophone country for Indian students, thanks to its flexible visa policies and safe environment. The country’s education system is highly ranked, and the availability of work visas for graduates has made it a preferred destination for students seeking not only quality education but also work opportunities after graduation.
Factors driving the change
A key factor behind the decline in enrollments in the US, UK, and Canada is the tightening of immigration policies. As reported by the ICEF Monitor, recent changes in visa regulations, particularly in the US, under President Trump's administration, have created uncertainty for international students. The ability to bring family members, secure post-study work rights, and eventually transition to permanent residency has become increasingly difficult, making these countries less appealing.
The depreciation of the Indian Rupee against the US Dollar has also played a crucial role in pushing students away from these countries. Eela Dubey, co-founder of EduFund, noted that "Rupee depreciation acts as hidden inflation for Indian students aspiring to study abroad, significantly increasing the cost of education, even if universities do not raise tuition fees" (quoted by the ICEF Monitor). This shift in the economic landscape has made countries like Germany, which offer more affordable education options, an attractive alternative.
On the other hand, Germany’s policy environment, its well-established reputation for high-quality education, and its relatively low tuition fees are drawing more Indian students. Similarly, New Zealand’s recent rise as an educational hub has been fueled by its student-friendly visa policies and its reputation for safety and stability.
A recalibration, not a collapse
While the trends may point to a significant change in Indian student preferences, experts agree that this is more of a market adjustment than a total collapse of interest in the US, UK, and Canada. Maria Mathai, founder of MM Advisory Services, told the ICEF Monitor that “students are responding pragmatically to shifting costs and changing visa rules” and that this shift represents a “recalibration” rather than an “exit.”
Indian students are now more discerning, asking not only about the academic rankings of institutions but also about post-study work rights and the stability of visa policies. As Mathai pointed out, “Our destination maps now have layered overlays – visa stability indices atop rankings" (quoted by the ICEF Monitor). The focus is shifting from simply finding the best-ranked universities to considering practical aspects like work opportunities and immigration policies.
The future of Indian student mobility
The continued demand for higher education from India, one of the largest student populations in the world, suggests that international education will remain a vital sector. However, the shifts in student mobility patterns, driven by policy changes and economic factors, signal a transformation in how Indian students approach studying abroad. Countries like Germany and New Zealand, which offer more favorable policies and affordability, are poised to gain further market share in the coming years.
With international students increasingly looking for stability, work opportunities, and financial sustainability, countries that can provide these will continue to attract Indian students, while the traditional Big Four must adapt to the changing demands if they wish to maintain their dominance in the global education market.
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