Number of Indian students emigrated abroad 2016-2023

In 2023, over 765,000 students emigrated from India to study abroad. The number of students emigrating from India was the highest since 2016. The number of students going abroad declined drastically during the pandemic, however, with the opening of international borders there was an uptick in the number of students going abroad for education.

Why are Indian students pursuing foreign education?

English-speaking countries like the United States, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Ireland are most preferred by Indian students. The countries also have top-tier universities, specialized courses, and better post-study work opportunities. The easy availability of educational loans and increasing scholarship options are some of the reasons that influence Indian students to pursue foreign education.

Which foreign study programs are popular?

Indian students predominantly prefer enrolling in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. Postgraduate management courses also have a steady following among Indian students. The pursuit of medical education in foreign countries is increasingly becoming popular among Indian students due to the limited availability of seats in Indian medical colleges. Key destinations for medical degrees include Russia, Georgia, China, and Kazakhstan among others.