Recent data indicates that the number of Indian students travelling abroad for education has significantly decreased, dropping from 8,94,758 in 2023 to 6,19,264 in 2025, as reported by the Bureau of Immigration and the Ministry of Education. This represents a 31 per cent reduction over the two-year period. The decline follows a noticeable increase in the aftermath of the pandemic, where 4,45,580 students travelled for educational purposes in 2021, followed by rises to 7,52,100 in 2022 and hitting a peak in 2023.

The changing landscape reflects a reassessment among families regarding study-abroad decisions, particularly in light of rising costs and evolving job market uncertainties. Lakshmi Iyer, Chief Client Officer and Chairperson of StudyIN India, notes that factors like unpredictable visa regulations are significantly influencing this shift.

Visa issues have become more pronounced, with stricter immigration policies affecting key educational destinations including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Additionally, a weaker rupee has escalated tuition and living expenses, prompting families to critically evaluate the overall value of overseas education.

Emergence of Foreign Universities in India

In a notable development, international universities are establishing campuses within India, thereby offering students alternative choices. The Indian Ministry of Education has granted approval to 16 foreign institutions from countries such as Australia, the UK, and the US to commence academic operations in various states, including Karnataka and Maharashtra. This is seen as an effort to maintain educational quality within India while providing international degrees.

Institutions such as the University of York and the University of Bristol are among those receiving approval to operate in Mumbai, while other campuses have already been set up in Gurugram and Bengaluru. This approach aims to provide Indian students access to international quality education without the need for relocating abroad, thus addressing financial and logistical concerns.

This trend allows students to earn foreign degrees while mitigating costs associated with studying overseas, such as living expenses and obtaining student visas. However, Iyer suggests that these local campuses do not entirely replicate the experiential learning one would receive from studying abroad.

Shifts in Student Preferences in the Global Landscape

The United States remains a popular destination for Indian students, with enrollment increasing by 10 per cent to 3,63,019 students for the 2024-25 academic year, according to Open Doors 2025. Nonetheless, a report from NAFSA and JB International suggests that the US could witness a reduction of up to 1,11,000 international students by Fall 2026 due to visa complications and stricter immigration policies.

Saurabh Arora, Founder and CEO of University Living, emphasises that this decline is not indicative of students abandoning international education but rather reflects a shift in how they assess potential study destinations. Factors such as visa processing times, post-study employment opportunities, and overall affordability have gained importance alongside traditional considerations like university rankings.

Students now have multiple alternatives, with countries like the UK, Australia, Ireland, and Germany competing to attract Indian applicants, thereby offering a broader spectrum of choices. This means students are becoming more selective and cost-conscious in their decisions regarding international education.

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