Highlights from 2024
USA, UK & Canada: Significant Declines
- Indian student enrollments plummeted by approximately 40% across the USA, UK, and Canada in 2024, driven by stricter visa regulations, rising costs, and economic uncertainty The Times of India.
- Breaking it down:
- Canada saw a staggering 41% drop, from ~233,500 to 137,600 students ICEF MonitorUniNxt Overseas Study.
- UK enrollment fell by 28%, from 136,900 to 98,900 ICEF Monitor.
- USA numbers dropped 13%, from ~234,500 to 204,000 ICEF Monitor.
Australia: Moderate Decline
- Australian student intake from India declined by 12%, from around 78,100 to 68,600 students in 2024 ICEF Monitor.
New Zealand: Strong Growth
- In contrast, New Zealand witnessed substantial growth, though specific figures are not provided, it’s highlighted as a rising choice Times KuwaitRediff.
Summary Table — Preference Shifts in 2024
| Destination | 2024 Trend Among South Asian Students |
|---|---|
| USA | Enrollment dropped 13%—visa challenges impacting demand |
| UK | 28% decline—driven by cost and immigration policy shifts |
| Canada | Sharpest decline of 41%—visa tightening and application difficulty |
| Australia | 12% drop—slower but steady decline |
| New Zealand | Marked growth—gaining traction amidst restrictions elsewhere |
What’s Driving These Shifts?
- Stricter Visa Policies & Costs: Western destinations tightened student visa rules and raised costs, making them less attractive ICEF MonitorVisaVerge.
- Emergence of Alternatives: As traditional destinations cooled off, students began favoring alternatives like Germany, New Zealand, and non-traditional ones like Bangladesh, Russia, and Uzbekistan for affordability and simpler visas RediffIndia Today.
Final Take
In 2024, traditional “Big Five” study destinations—especially Canada, UK, and USA—saw sharp declines in student interest, while New Zealand emerged as a rising alternative. If you’re targeting students from South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Africa, it’s wise to highlight emerging-friendly policies and growing programs in New Zealand and beyond.
