📈 Indian Students Abroad Cross 1.8 Million in 2025
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, India has seen a sharp rise in the number of students going abroad for higher education. Over 1.8 million Indian students are now pursuing international degrees — up from 1.3 million just two years ago.
✅ Popular destinations: United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, Russia, Georgia, and the Philippines.
Read more on Times of India
🌍 Emerging Destinations on the Rise
A growing number of Indian students — especially from Gujarat, Kerala, and Punjab — are now opting for:
- Germany (Engineering, AI, Computer Science)
- Russia, Georgia, and Kyrgyzstan (MBBS and Medical Programs)
- Philippines (Affordable medical degrees)
Data from Gujarat’s GUEEDC shows a 168% surge in students availing low-interest loans for foreign study, with Canada now less preferred due to visa delays.
📌 Source
🇺🇸 Students Wary of US Due to Uncertainty
A mid-2025 report by The Guardian reflects growing anxiety among Indian students over potential visa delays, OPT policy changes, and political rhetoric from the US.
🔴 “They are in shock,” says one counsellor, after visa rejections and OPT suspensions affected dozens of hopefuls.
This uncertainty has led to a shift towards UK, Ireland, Australia, Germany, and Middle Eastern countries for students from South Asia.
📰 Read full article: Indian students fear Trump has ended their American dream
🌐 OECD: Global Mobility Still on the Rise
The latest OECD report indicates that international student enrollments continue to grow globally. Key trends:
- High concentration in STEM fields (Science, Tech, Engineering, Math)
- International students make up over 10% of higher education enrollments in most host countries
- Demand for English-medium instruction remains strong
More insights on OECD International Student Mobility
🧭 Summary: Where Is the Trend Heading?
| Aspect | Key Update |
|---|---|
| Students Abroad (India) | 1.8 million and growing |
| Preferred Destinations | Shift from US/Canada to Germany, UK, Russia, Philippines |
| Government Loans (Gujarat) | Record rise in demand for low-interest study loans abroad |
| US Visa Policy Impact | Increasing hesitation due to perceived instability |
| Global Outlook (OECD) | STEM and English-speaking countries continue to attract more global students |
📢 Final Word
For students and families planning for 2025 and beyond, it’s clear that global education is still a strong aspiration, but the choice of destination is being shaped by policy shifts, affordability, and visa certainty.
Stay tuned to StudentOrbit360.com for continuous updates on destination-specific policies, scholarships, and student experiences.
