In 2023 the international education sector witnessed significant changes including shift in course preferences by students and emergence of new study abroad destinations. According to the Open Doors 2023 report, India reached an all-time high of 2,68,923 international students, an increase of 35% year-on-year which is the fastest growth rate in the last 40 years. The UK alone granted nearly 143,000 visas to Indian students putting India in the leading position for the UK surpassing China for the first time. Australia and Canada, also witnessed a significant increase in Indian students with a 34% rise in Australia, where they now constitute 17% of all international students, making them the second largest group of foreign students in the country.
Looking at this upward trend, 2024 would appear to be a great year for mobility of Indian students aspiring to study abroad. However, at the start of this year there have been complications such as changes in policies and caps introduced by Canada and the downturn of student visa success rate for Australia.
Popular destinations such as the U.K, the U.S. Canada, Australia continue to shape the high level of interest and uptake they get from India by tweaking policies, other countries such as Ireland and Germany have found favour with Indian students due to their welcoming immigration policies, diverse course specialisations and post-study work opportunities. The Irish government for instance now permits international students who completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree to remain in the country for a period of two years, while a PhD holder may remain for a period of three years.
Students remain focused on career-oriented programmes such as business and management as well as STEM specialisations such as computer science, technology and IT, and health and life sciences. Other fields like artificial intelligence, data science, and cybersecurity are also witnessing a significant influx of Indian students. The reputation of foreign universities for innovative research and deep industry connections is a driving force behind this trend. As the world becomes increasingly reliant on technology, Indian students are strategically positioning themselves for future career opportunities.
Other factors for changing preferences for institutes and destinations are marked by a crucial trend- a dual emphasis on quality of education and student satisfaction. Students now prioritise institutions with cutting-edge curricula and dedicated faculty, recognising their role in shaping future careers. Simultaneously, the importance of student satisfaction has risen, prompting a preference for institutions that offer holistic support and ensure overall well-being. This trend underscores the understanding that satisfied students are more likely to excel academically and positively contribute to the learning community. This confluence of quality education and heightened satisfaction emerged as a defining trend in 2023, reshaping the landscape of Indian student mobility and setting elevated expectations for global educational institutions and will continue to persist in 2024 as well.
The inclination of students from Tier 2 and 3 cities in India to pursue education abroad saw a steady increase in 2023 and this momentum is poised to continue in 2024. The easy availability of loans, promising career prospects, and scholarship opportunities are motivating students from cities like Mysuru, Vadodara, Bhubaneshwar, and Nagpur to opt for study-abroad opportunities.
Today the average Indian student is well-informed about the numerous higher education opportunities available abroad. This increasing awareness serves as an indicator of growing interest among Indian students to explore diverse learning environments and a strong desire for quality education. Students are taking multiple kinds of approaches as a part of their study abroad journey such as applying to multiple countries to mitigate delays in visa processing time due to unforeseen circumstances such as geopolitical tensions. Moreover, students are progressively turning to educational consultants with expertise in guiding them through the intricacies of international study, especially in the face of geopolitical challenges.
The surge in mobility of Indian students going abroad goes beyond mere numbers, emerging as a strong force shaping the landscape of international education. Ranging from varied preferences in destinations to an emphasis on education powered by technology, the decisions taken by Indian students are becoming increasingly strategic. Factors like student satisfaction, employability and overall career outcomes now play a significant role in decision making. As the world evolves, Indian students too continue to adapt and thrive in search of fresh opportunities and personal growth abroad.