According to figures released by the Ministry of External Affairs, there were approximately 1.5 million Indian students pursuing education abroad as of January 2023. Some of the prominent countries preferred by Indian students include the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Australia, Canada, Ireland, the United Arab Emirates, and Germany. There are many reasons why students choose to study abroad, and these reasons might vary depending on personal preferences, circumstances, and aspirations.

Amit Singh, Founder of ASL, UniScholars, UniCreds & UniAcco in an interview with Financial Express Online talks about some interesting trends influencing students in studying abroad and the popular courses they are opting for.

In my opinion, 2023 has proven to be an incredibly dynamic year for students considering studying abroad, and the choices seem to be significantly influenced by the evolving geopolitical scenarios and visa norms.

Incidentally, according to an article I was reading in the Financial Express, Canadian educators continue to witness India as the predominant source of international students with the count of Indian students holding active study permits surpassing 320,000, constituting a substantial 35%-40% of Canada’s overall foreign enrollment.

However, we are slowly seeing a change of trend where more and more Indian students are now opting for the UK, USA, Ireland and Australia as preferred destinations.

Delving into the preferred courses, it appears that students are strategically selecting fields that offer promising career prospects and have substantial global demand.

According to our data, Business and Management courses are the most popular among students, with nearly half of them (45%-50%) choosing this stream. Computer Science also holds significant interest, attracting 10%-15% of students. General Technology & IT follows closely, chosen by 10%-12%. Health & Life Sciences and ‘Other’ categories have a moderate appeal, with 5%-7% and 5%-6% respectively.

Overall, these trends in study abroad choices for 2023 suggest thoughtful consideration among students, weighing not only personal interests but also aligning their educational paths with fields that offer significant opportunities on a global scale.

How has the application process evolved in both top and bottom-ranking countries, and what does the data reveal about the changing patterns of increased or decreased applications?

In 2023, we’ve seen significant changes in the application process both in top-ranking and bottom-ranking countries. Top-performing nations—the US, UK, Canada, Australia and Ireland —have witnessed a robust increase of approximately 12%-15% in applications. This surge can be attributed to effective post-pandemic recovery strategies and favourable policies, making these countries more appealing to prospective students.

What notable policy shifts and updates have taken place in the study abroad space during 2023, and how could they impact students in 2024?

The recent policy shifts in the UK, Australia, and Canada reflect diverse approaches to international student regulations. The UK’s decision to restrict dependent partners and children for most international students, except those in PhD or postgraduate research programs, may pose challenges for individuals considering studying in the country with family.

On the other hand, Australia’s migration strategy, marked by the removal of working hour caps, visa fee refunds, and extended post-study work rights for specific degrees, appears to prioritize a more inclusive and student-friendly environment.

Meanwhile, Canada’s tightened student visa rules and increased minimum funds requirement could present financial hurdles for prospective students. These changes underscore the importance of carefully considering the impact of evolving immigration policies on the overall student experience in each country.

How has been the response in Tier 2 and 3 Cities among students looking to go abroad?

Boom in Applications from Tier 2 and 3 Cities (India): Our data reveals a significant increase in 2023 applications from Indian students, especially from Tier 2 and 3 cities such as Indore, Bhopal, Lucknow, Chandigarh, and Kanpur. This denotes a broader interest in international education, potentially driven by increased scholarships, better job opportunities, higher educational quality, and the availability of financing options.

As students plan for 2024, staying informed about these policy shifts will be crucial, influencing decisions on study-abroad destinations and programs. Considerations such as family, financial stability, and evolving education dynamics will play a vital role in shaping students’ choices in this dynamic environment.

According to UniScholars Data, what lingering effects can students anticipate in 2024 due to the policy alterations and amendments witnessed in the study abroad sector in 2023?

In 2024, the landscape of international education is undergoing significant transformations that may have certain implications for students in India. At UniScholars, we recognize the paramount importance of keeping students well-informed in the face of these dynamic shifts.

Effective January 1, 2024, the United Kingdom has implemented restrictions on dependents for international students, with exceptions only for those enrolled in PhD or postgraduate research programs. Meanwhile, both Australia and Canada have heightened financial requirements for international students, setting the minimum funds at AUD 56,000 and CAD 56,000, respectively. Canada has further tightened its student visa rules, now requiring a substantial CAD 20,635 in available funds. Australia, on the other hand, introduces a Skills in Demand visa, streamlines labor market testing, and unveils a new points system for skilled migration.

In such a rapidly changing landscape, staying abreast of policy shifts is not just advisable but crucial. UniScholars remains steadfast in its commitment to guiding students through these transformations, providing the necessary support and information to empower them in making well-informed decisions.

Looking at academic trends in 2024, STEM fields, particularly in technology and engineering, continue to dominate the international education scene. Business and Entrepreneurship also maintain a strong appeal, reflecting ongoing global market trends. UniScholars places a premium on adaptability, ensuring that students are supported through these changes, ultimately contributing to a successful and enriching study abroad experience.