India’s vast and vibrant youth population has traditionally fueled a steady outflow of students seeking education abroad, particularly to the Big Four destinations — Australia, Canada, the UK, and the US. However, in 2024, the dynamics of Indian student mobility are shifting, with a notable decline in enrolments in these traditionally preferred destinations.
The Changing Landscape of Indian Enrolments Abroad
In 2024, the Indian government reported a 15% overall decline in Indian students pursuing degrees abroad, falling from 893,000 students in 2023 to 759,000 in 2024. The breakdown for the Big Four shows dramatic drops:
- Canada: Down by 41%, from 233,500 to 137,600
- UK: Down by 28%, from 136,900 to 98,900
- US: Down by 13%, from 234,500 to 204,000
- Australia: Down by 12%, from 78,100 to 68,600
Despite these declines, these four countries still account for 72% of all Indian students abroad. This is a clear indication of Indian Students inclined towards International Education.
Why Are Indian Enrolments Declining in Big Four Destinations?
Several factors are contributing to this trend:
- Stringent Immigration and Visa Policies:
Policy changes in Australia, Canada, and the UK have introduced tougher visa rules, fewer work rights, and a less predictable immigration landscape. For instance, the UK recently restricted dependent visas for international students, and Canada announced a significant cap on international student admissions. - Rising Costs and Currency Fluctuations:
The depreciation of the Indian rupee against the US dollar and other major currencies is making overseas education increasingly expensive. Even when tuition fees remain stable, the fluctuating exchange rate increases overall expenses for Indian families. As Sudarshan Motwani, CEO of BookMyForex.com, highlights:
“Even a slight fluctuation can inflate students’ annual expenses, making budgeting a daunting task.” - Uncertainty About Post-Study Opportunities:
Post-study work rights and pathways to permanent residency — major attractions for Indian students — are becoming less certain due to changing immigration rules. This is leading students to explore more stable and welcoming alternatives. - Evolving Priorities of Indian Students:
Indian students are becoming more pragmatic, shifting their focus from just university rankings to job prospects and work rights after graduation. Maria Mathai, founder of MM Advisory Services, comments:
“It’s a recalibration, not a collapse. Students are responding pragmatically to shifting costs and changing visa rules.”
India’s Outbound Mobility Shift: Emerging Destinations on the Rise
As Indian enrolments in the Big Four decline, alternative destinations are becoming more appealing to Indian students due to affordability, better post-study work rights, and perceived safety. According to Indian government data, enrolments have surged in:
- Germany: +68% from 2022 to 2024 (20,700 to 34,700)
- Russia: +59% from 2022 to 2024 (19,800 to 31,400)
- France: +33% from 2022 to 2024 (6,400 to 8,500)
- New Zealand: +354% from 2022 to 2024 (1,600 to 7,300)
- Ireland: +49% from 2022/23 to 2023/24 (4,700 to 7,000)
Why These Destinations Are Winning Over Indian Students
- Germany and France: Affordable Education and World-Class Institutions
Germany and France offer high-quality education with lower tuition fees compared to the Big Four. Both countries also have a significant number of universities in the QS Top 500 World University Rankings for 2025 — 17 each. France is actively recruiting Indian students, with a goal of welcoming 30,000 Indian students by 2030. - Russia: Strong Medical and Engineering Programs at Affordable Costs
Russia’s medical and technical education system has long been popular in India. Low tuition fees and easier admission criteria make it a preferred choice for Indian families. - New Zealand: A Safe and Welcoming Environment
New Zealand offers high-ranking institutions, easy work visas, and a reputation for being a safe and friendly destination. A 24% increase in international student enrolments between January and August 2024 highlights its growing appeal.
Future Outlook: Where Are Indian Students Headed in 2025?
With immigration policies tightening in traditional destinations and costs rising, the shift toward emerging destinations is expected to continue into 2025. Indian students and families are increasingly prioritizing affordability, visa stability, and post-study opportunities over brand names and rankings.
How about making International Education accessible in India?
For global universities and education solution providers, this shift in student mobility patterns presents a unique opportunity to attract Indian students by offering tailored, affordable, and high-quality education options.
India Market Entry (IME) stands at the forefront of helping global education leaders expand into India. With a vast network that includes:
✅ 100+ Universities
✅ 300+ Study Abroad Visa Consultants
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✅ 2,000+ Higher Education Colleges
✅ 6,600+ K-12 Schools
✅ 16,000+ Preschools & Learning Centers
✅ 51,000+ Teachers
IME ensures a seamless market entry by offering customized strategies, deep market insights, and unparalleled local expertise. Our extensive reach across India positions us as the most reliable partner for global educators seeking to make a lasting impact in one of the world’s fastest-growing education markets.
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