The number of Indian students pursuing education abroad has surged by 52.2% over the past five years, increasing from 5,86,337 in 2019 to 8,92,989 in 2023, according to data presented by the Ministry of Education in the Rajya Sabha. This steady growth, apart from a dip during the pandemic in 2020, reflects the rising aspirations of Indian students to seek global academic opportunities.
The United States leads as the top destination, hosting 2,34,473 Indian students in 2023, followed closely by Canada with 2,33,532 and the United Kingdom with 1,36,921. These three nations collectively account for over 67% of Indian students studying abroad.
Pandemic Impact and Recovery
The trend of increasing overseas enrollment was interrupted in 2020 when the number of Indian students abroad dropped by 55.7% to 2,59,655. Travel restrictions and the global shift to online learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic were the primary reasons behind this decline.
Responding to a question by CPI(M) MP V Sivadasan, Minister of State for Education, Sukanta Majumdar clarified that the Ministry does not maintain detailed data on students pursuing higher studies abroad. Instead, figures were derived from the Bureau of Immigration records under the Ministry of Home Affairs, based on individuals declaring “Study or Education” as their purpose of travel.
Canada Remains a Preferred Destination Amid Tensions
Canada saw a remarkable 76% growth in Indian student enrollment, increasing from 1,32,620 in 2019 to 2,33,532 in 2023. This growth occurred despite ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Canada. The strained relationship began in 2020 following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s support for Indian farmers’ protests and further deteriorated in 2024 with mutual diplomatic expulsions over the killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada.
Canada’s appeal lies in its policy allowing international students to work for up to three years after graduation, offering a pathway to permanent residency.
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United States and United Kingdom See Record Growth
The U.S. recorded a 91% increase in Indian students, from 1,22,535 in 2019 to 2,34,473 in 2023. Prestigious institutions like MIT, Stanford, and Harvard, combined with the lure of high-quality education and research opportunities, drive this demand.
The UK saw the most dramatic rise, with a 273.9% increase in Indian student numbers, from 36,612 in 2019 to 1,36,921 in 2023. The Graduate Route Visa, introduced in 2021, has been a key factor, allowing students to stay and work in the UK for up to two years post-graduation (three years for PhD holders).
This growing trend reflects the global aspirations of Indian students, driven by opportunities for world-class education, work experience, and pathways to residency in these countries.
