In the realm of education, the global landscape continues to evolve rapidly. More Indian students are studying abroad now than ever before. They seek world-class learning, better career prospects, and global exposure.
As a result, the trend of student emigration from India is growing steadily. According to recent projections, their overseas spending on education is set to reach $70 billion annually by 2025. This sharp rise highlights the increasing demand for international education among Indian youth.
Clearly, Indian students studying abroad are reshaping the future of global academic mobility.
Key Insights: Indian Student Mobility Report, 2025:
The Indian students Mobility Report 2025 highlights the significant rise in Indian students pursuing education abroad. By the end of 2025, over 1.5 million Indian students are expected to study abroad. As a result, India remains one of the top contributors to global student mobility.
Top Destinations:
The USA, Canada, UK, Australia, and Germany remain the most preferred destinations. Emerging options include Ireland, the UAE, and Italy.
Popular Courses:
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) programs, Business, Data Science, and AI-related fields dominate student interest.
Top States Sending Students Abroad:
Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, and Gujarat lead in outbound student numbers, followed by Delhi and Karnataka.
Financial Trends:
Students increasingly opt for Forex cards, international education loans, and online money transfers for tuition and living expenses.
Migration Drivers:
Better career opportunities, quality education, global exposure, and favorable post-study work visas remain the top reasons for going abroad.
The appeal of studying abroad resonates strongly with students from certain Indian states. This trend is driven by multiple factors. For instance, strong educational infrastructure encourages global academic aspirations. Moreover, economic prosperity in these regions allows families to invest in overseas education.
Figures
- Around 1.3 million Indian students were studying abroad in 2023
- In 2024, approximately 759,000 Indian students were studying overseas, marking a 15% decline from 893,000 in 2023.
- Growth compared to 2024: 12.5% increase
- Top states in India for students going abroad include Punjab (10%), Andhra Pradesh/Telangana (12%), Maharashtra (15%), Gujarat (8%), and Delhi/NCR (8%), Tamil Nadu (9%)
- Higher education spending overseas by Indians to hit $70 billion mark by 2025
Understanding the Changes in Indian Students Mobility Report
1. Changing Study Destinations
Indian outbound mobility exhibits remarkable agility, swiftly adapting to changes in study destinations. Notably, the UK, US, and Australia have seen substantial increases in Indian student numbers. Factors such as better visa procedures, graduate visa routes, and recruitment efforts have contributed to the growing popularity of these countries among Indian students.
2. Challenges Faced by Canadian Institutions
Canadian colleges and universities have faced challenges due to a diplomatic rift between Canada and India. Visa processing delays and reduced staff capacity have hindered the handling of Indian study permit applications, impacting the recruitment efforts of Canadian institutions.
3. Diplomatic Impacts on Visa Processing
The strained relations between India and Canada have led to a significant reduction in visa processing capacity. With only a fraction of staff available for processing, delays are expected, affecting Indian applicants’ overall processing times and responses to enquiries.
4. UK’s Rising Popularity
The UK has witnessed a surge in Indian student numbers, attributed to improved visa procedures and the introduction of the graduate visa route. Despite concerns about policies affecting dependents, Indian student interest in the UK remains high.
5. Growth in Indian Students in the US
Indian student numbers in the US have seen remarkable growth, nearly matching those of Chinese students. US institutions have prioritized India as a recruitment focus, with concerted efforts to enhance Indian student enrolments.
6. Australian Education Sector Recovery
Australia’s international education sector is experiencing a post-pandemic recovery, fueled in part by a significant increase in Indian student numbers. The Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement has paved the way for enhanced student mobility between the two countries.
Factors Influencing the Migration from India:
The decision for Indian students, particularly from states like Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Delhi/NCR, to pursue education abroad is influenced by a variety of factors. Here are some reasons why students from these regions migrate abroad for education:
Quality of Education
Many Indian students perceive foreign universities as offering superior quality education compared to institutions within India. These universities often have state-of-the-art facilities, world-renowned faculty, and cutting-edge research opportunities, which attract students seeking top-notch academic experiences.
Global Recognition and Accreditation
Degrees from prestigious foreign universities hold significant weightage in the global job market. Indian students, especially from Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Delhi/NCR, recognize the value of obtaining an internationally recognized degree, which can enhance their career prospects and open doors to global employment opportunities.
Specialized Programs and Courses
Foreign universities often offer a wide range of specialized programs and courses that may not be readily available in India. Students from these regions may migrate abroad to pursue niche fields of study or specific disciplines that align with their career aspirations but are limited in Indian educational institutions.
Research Opportunities
Many foreign universities prioritize research and innovation, providing ample opportunities for students to engage in groundbreaking research projects, collaborate with esteemed faculty, and contribute to advancements in their respective fields. This research-centric approach appeals to students with a thirst for knowledge and a passion for academic exploration.
Global Exposure and Cultural Immersion
Studying abroad offers students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in diverse cultures, broaden their perspectives, and develop a global mindset. For students from Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Delhi/NCR, the chance to interact with people from different backgrounds and nationalities fosters personal growth, enhances cross-cultural communication skills, and prepares them to thrive in an interconnected world.
Employment Opportunities and Post-Study Work Rights
Many countries, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and countries in Europe, offer favorable post-study work rights and opportunities for international students to gain practical work experience or secure employment after graduation. This prospect of gaining valuable work experience in a foreign country motivates students from these regions to pursue education abroad as a pathway to long-term career success.
Migration for Family and Social Reasons
In some cases, Indian students may migrate abroad for education due to family or social reasons. This could include aspirations to join relatives already settled in foreign countries, societal pressure to pursue education abroad for perceived prestige or status, or the desire to escape certain cultural or societal constraints present in their home country.
Scholarships and Financial Assistance
While studying abroad can be expensive, many foreign universities offer scholarships, grants, and financial aid to international students based on academic merit, talent, or financial need. Students from Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Delhi/NCR may be attracted to these opportunities to alleviate the financial burden associated with studying abroad.
Conclusion
The landscape of Indian student mobility continues to evolve rapidly. It reflects a strong blend of ambition, aspiration, and global opportunity. As the Indian Student Mobility Report 2025 highlights, more Indian students are choosing to pursue higher education abroad than ever before.
Moreover, certain states have emerged as key contributors to this growing trend. Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Punjab are among the top sources of outbound students.
As this momentum builds, it becomes crucial for all stakeholders – educators, policymakers, and financial institutions—to work together. By collaborating effectively, they can provide better resources and stronger support systems.
Ultimately, with the right guidance and infrastructure, Indian students can fulfil their global academic dreams and shape a more connected, inclusive world.
For students embarking on their study abroad journey, Supreme Forex, with 28+ years of experience, offers reliable and efficient forex services for students going abroad. Moreover, it ensures safe financial transactions and smooth outward remittances. As a result, students can focus on their studies without worry. Ultimately, Supreme Forex simplifies the financial side of studying overseas.
