The number of Indian students heading abroad for studies has dropped significantly in 2024, especially in Canada, the US, the UK, and Australia, as per the Union Education Ministry.

Decline in Numbers

The total count of Indians pursuing education abroad fell 15% from 8,92,989 in 2023 to 7,59,064 in 2024.

Student migration saw a sharp downturn:
🇨🇦 Canada: 41% drop (2,33,532 → 1,37,608)
🇺🇸 US: 13% fall (2,34,473 → 2,04,058)
🇬🇧 UK: 27% decline (1,35,412 → 98,890)
🇦🇺 Australia: 12% decrease (78,093 → 68,572)

Reasons Behind the Shift

Tougher visa norms, rising financial requirements, and increased rejection rates have made studying in these countries harder.

Tensions between India and Canada after the Nijjar controversy led many students to reconsider Canada as a destination. Similarly, changing work permit policies in the UK and uncertainty in US immigration rules contributed to the shift.

Emerging Study Destinations

While traditional hubs lost appeal, alternative countries saw a surge in Indian students:
🇩🇪 Germany: 34,702 students (from 23,296 in 2023)
🇷🇺 Russia: 31,444 (up from 23,503)
🇳🇿 New Zealand: 1,605 (2022) → 7,297 (2024)

With education becoming more cost-sensitive and visa-dependent, students are exploring newer, more accessible options.