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Where Do Most Indian Students Come From? Top States Sending Students Abroad in 2025
In 2025, India continues to be one of the largest sources of international students globally. But have you ever wondered which states send the most students abroad?
This guide breaks down the top Indian states sending students abroad in 2025, along with key trends, preferred destinations, and insights based on recent data and reports.
If you are planning to study abroad, understanding these trends can help you make better decisions about destinations, courses, and opportunities.
🇮🇳 Top Indian States Sending Students Abroad in 2025
| State / Region | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Punjab | Long-standing culture of migration, strong NRI networks, and demand for Canada & UK |
| Gujarat | Large middle-class and business families investing in foreign education; Germany rising |
| Maharashtra | Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur students go to the US, UK, and Australia for STEM & MBA |
| Kerala | High literacy rates, strong preference for medical and nursing degrees abroad |
| Telangana & Andhra Pradesh | High outbound flow, especially for tech and engineering courses in the US, UK, and Germany |
| Tamil Nadu | US and UK are the most preferred; increasing interest in Australia and Europe |
| Delhi-NCR (Delhi, Haryana, Noida) | Students from affluent urban families choose top-tier global universities |
| Karnataka | Tech-savvy students from Bengaluru prefer the US, Germany, and Canada |
According to global student mobility data from IIE and government reports, India remains a top contributor to international student populations worldwide.
🔍 Highlights from 2025 Data & News
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- Gujarat: According to recent reports, Gujarat saw a 168% increase in general category students taking government education loans for overseas study.
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- Source: TOI Gujarat News
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- Punjab: Continues to top the chart in per capita students going abroad, particularly for Canada, UK, and increasingly Germany and Australia due to Canadian visa issues.
- Telangana: Hyderabad alone sends tens of thousands of students annually — US, UK, and Germany are top choices.
- Kerala: Strong interest in medical programs in the Philippines, Georgia, Russia, and nursing courses in Australia and Ireland.
- Maharashtra & Tamil Nadu: Leading states in sending students to Ivy League, Russell Group, and Group of Eight (Go8) universities.
- Gujarat: According to recent reports, Gujarat saw a 168% increase in general category students taking government education loans for overseas study.
🧭 Regional Trends by Destination Country (2025)
| Destination Country | Top Source States in India |
|---|---|
| USA | Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra |
| Canada | Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat (though declining in 2025) |
| UK | Delhi, Punjab, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala |
| Germany | Maharashtra, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat |
| Australia | Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Delhi |
| Philippines/Georgia/Russia (MBBS) | Kerala, Gujarat, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Which Indian state sends the most students abroad?
Panjab and Gujarat are among the top states sending students abroad in 2025.
Why do Indian students prefer studying abroad?
Better education quality, global exposure, and career opportunities are the main reasons.
Which country is most popular among Indian students in 2025?
The USA, UK, Germany, and Australia are the most preferred destinations.
📌 Summary
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- Punjab, Gujarat, Telangana, and Kerala continue to dominate in terms of student outflows in 2025.
- A shift from Canada to Germany, UK, Australia, and the Philippines is noticeable.
- Urban hubs like Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru are also top contributors.
Overall, the trend of Indian students going abroad continues to grow in 2025, with more diversification in destinations and courses. Choosing the right country depends on your academic goals, budget, and career plans.

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