Enrollment in study abroad programmes has reached an all-time high among Indian students, with nearly 13 lakh participating or enrolled in 2023, signalling a remarkable recovery post-pandemic.
“This shift signifies an increasing curiosity among students to delve into different cultures and academic prospects outside their home countries,” says Gaurav Batra, Founder and CEO of Infinite Group.
A lot of changes have taken place in various countries in 2023 leading to changes in student visa routes and technical requirements such as application processes and documentation among other aspects.
Batra adds that overall, the prevailing trend leaned favourably towards facilitating the experience for students visiting different countries.
“There has been a collective effort among nations to simplify visa application processes and relax technical requirements, alleviating documentation concerns for students,” Batra says.
Notably, Canada and the UK implemented significant changes in their international visa systems. Meanwhile, other countries have remained committed to continually refining their pathways for students aspiring to study within their borders.
Moreover, application assessment trends have changed as well.
“Universities abroad now emphasise holistic evaluations, considering academic scores, extracurricular activities, personal essays, and letters of recommendation for a more comprehensive assessment,” says Amit Singh, Founder of ASL, (parent company of an integrated study abroad platform including UniScholars, UniCreds and UniAcco)
Among the top destinations for Indian students seeking higher education are the UK, Canada, the USA, and Australia.
Here are the changes in major study abroad destinations that students need to know:
1. UNITED STATES
The US visa application process has become more stringent.
“The US implemented modifications to the visa application process, requiring all F, M, and J student visa applicants to use their own passport information when creating a profile and scheduling visa appointments,” says Amit Singh.
2. CANADA
In 2023, while the visa procedures and technical requirements to study in Canada remained largely stable, two notable updates reshaped the landscape.
“Firstly, the financial requirement for studying in Canada has undergone a significant alteration, doubling the amount students must demonstrate in their accounts. This adjustment is in response to the increased cost of living in the country,” explains Gaurav Batra.
As per a statement by IRCC, adjusting for cost-of-living, “For 2024, a single applicant will need to show they have $20,635, representing 75% of LICO (low-income-cut-off), in addition to their first year of tuition and travel costs. This change will apply to new study permit applications received on or after January 1, 2024.”
Another key change aims to tackle fraudulent practices within the system. To counter acceptance letter fraud, Canada’s designated learning institutions must now verify each applicant’s letter of acceptance (LOA) directly with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
“An online portal has been launched for Designated Learning Institutes (DLIs), enabling these institutions to authenticate LOAs submitted by students, failure of which would result in the cancellation of the student visa application,” says Gaurav Batra.
The Post-Graduation Work Permit Programme is also under review. “Canada has introduced policies allowing international students an extended work permit of up to 18 months after graduation,” says Amit Singh.
3. UNITED KINGDOM
The UK witnessed certain adjustments in its visa procedures in 2023, particularly impacting students aspiring to study in the country.
“The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) department has introduced the foremost change involving modifications in fees. The UK visa fees have notably surged from £363 to £490, representing a substantial 35% increase. Additionally, there have been revisions in the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), escalating from £624 to £1,035,” says Gaurav Batra.
In a move to reduce immigration, the UK also banned students from bringing families and dependents on a student visa.
“A significant development is the ban on dependents accompanying international students. However, international students pursuing a full-time postgraduate-level research degree can bring their dependents with them,” explains Gaurav Batra.
“The UK granted just under 500,000 study visas for the year ending June 2023, with Indian students accounting for about 30% of that total,” says Amit Singh.
A review of the post-study work visa is also underway.
4. AUSTRALIA
Australia raised English proficiency test score requirements as well as the savings requirement for student visas. Moreover, age limits for work visas were reduced, and scrutiny of second visa applications were intensified.
“In Australia, savings requirements for visas increased to $24,505, language prerequisites toughened, and new evaluations like the Genuine Student Test were talked about and are likely to be introduced this year,” says Rohit Sethi, Director of ESS Global
“Australia introduced policies such as temporarily removing caps on working hours and extending post-study work rights for select degree holders,” says Amit Singh.
As per a statement from the Australian government, “A two-year extension of post-study work rights is available for international graduates with select degrees that are in areas of verified skill shortage.”
“This extension will give eligible international higher education graduates an additional two years on their Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). The extension is in addition to the existing additional one to two years of work rights for eligible students who study, live and work in regional areas,” the statement added.
5. FRANCE
France extended its post-study work visas to five years for master’s degree graduates.
Additionally, those who studied in France for a semester can now avail a five-year short-stay Schengen visa to check out job opportunities.
6. IRELAND
Ireland allows international graduates with bachelor’s or master’s degrees to stay for two years on a post-study work visa. PhD holders can stay for three years.
Previously, the time frame for undergraduates was one year.
7. ITALY
Italy extended opportunities for Indian students by allowing an extra 12-month stay after degree completion.
Provisions for professional training and internships enhance the post-study experience in this country.
8. NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand has introduced a notable reform in its technical requirements, allowing the IELTS One Skill Retake option, providing flexibility for test-takers to retake any of the four skills if needed.
“Applicants widely cherished this significant change. One of the primary requirements during admission is showcasing language proficiency,” says Gaurav Batra.
“To streamline this process, authorities have begun accepting one skill retake. This initiative permits students to reappear for a specific skill among listening, speaking, writing, or reading, aiming to ease the pathway for applicants,” he adds.