Indian Students Studying Abroad: Latest Trends, Insights and Statistics

The trend of Indian students studying abroad is growing day by day, with the number of students going abroad from India expected to exceed 900,000 in 2024. India has seen a whopping increase in the number of students migrating abroad for higher education in recent years.

According to data from the Bureau of Immigration (BoI), Ministry of Home Affairs, the number of Indian students choosing abroad for their studies has grown from 369,876 in 2016 to 894,783 in 2023. However, only 40,431 foreign students came to India in 2023 for higher education. As per the latest update, in 2024, over 3.6 lakh Indian students went abroad for their higher studies.

This Story also Contains

1. How many Indian students are currently studying abroad?
2. Where do most Indian students study abroad?
3. Top countries to study abroad
4. Which Indian states send most students abroad?
5. Why are so many Indian students studying abroad?
6. Which country is best for Indian students in 2024?
7. Which is the cheapest country to study for Indian students?

This Number of students going abroad from India 2024 trend has raised concerns about the long-term impact on India's economy and brain drain. One can check the latest trends, insights and latest statistics on Indian students studying abroad.

How many Indian students are currently studying abroad?

There are millions of Indian students currently studying in abroad. The exact number of Indian students currently studying overseas is hard to give, however, the detailed year-wise comparison of students who choose abroad is mentioned in the table below.

Number of Indians studying abroad for studies: Year-wise trends

The data shows that the number of Indian students going abroad for education has increased significantly over the years, from 369,876 in 2016 to 894,783 in 2023, a nearly 2.5 times increase. However, the number for 2024 (as of July 20) is lower at 360,588, likely due to the ongoing year not being complete yet.

Where do most Indian students study abroad?

The analysis of where most Indian students study abroad reveals significant trends and preferences among these countries. The data from the Ministry of External Affairs shows that the USA, Canada, Australia, and the UK are the top study-abroad destinations for Indian students seeking higher education.

The USA consistently ranks as the most popular destination for Indian students, with numbers reaching approximately 200,000 in recent years.

While, Canada has seen a dramatic increase in the number of Indian students, with figures rising from around 102,720 in 2018 to over 185,955 in 2022. One can check the country-wise data of Indian students from below mentioned table.

Top preferred destinations to study abroad by Indian Students

Top countries to study abroad

Which Indian states send most students abroad?

The trend of Indian students going abroad for studies has been on the rise, with various states contributing to this growing number. If you are looking for an answer on which states are sending the most students overseas, you will get details here.

Maharashtra, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Karnataka, and Gujarat are the top states of India from which students are choosing to study abroad.

Students Going Abroad from India State-wise

Why are so many Indian students studying abroad?

The number of Indian students studying abroad has been increasing regularly. The students studying abroad data indicate that USA, Canada, Australia, and UK are the top study-abroad destinations. There are various reasons why Indian students choose the study abroad option, some of them are:

Quality of Education: Many Indian students seek higher quality education and specialised programmes that are not available in India. Countries like USA, UK, and Australia have the top colleges in world, attracting a significant number of Indian students.

Global Exposure: Studying abroad offers students exposure to diverse cultures and international networks, which can enhance their career prospects. The experience of living and studying in a foreign country is seen as valuable for personal growth and developing a global mindset.

Career Opportunities: Graduating from top colleges abroad often provides better job opportunities, particularly in fields like technology, business, and healthcare. Many students view international education as a pathway to get a better job after studying abroad.

Dissatisfaction with Indian Education System: The perceived lack of quality, infrastructure, and research opportunities in Indian higher education institutions drives many students to look for alternatives abroad. The intense competition for limited seats in prestigious Indian colleges also motivates students to explore international options.

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Which country is best for Indian students in 2024?

Based on the data provided, the United States remains the top destination for Indian students seeking higher education in 2024. The number of Indian students in the USA is expected to increase over the year.

Some key reasons why the USA is the best country for Indian students in 2024:

• The USA offers a wide range of high-quality educational programmes, particularly in fields like STEM, business, and healthcare, which are popular among Indian students. One can check the top 10 courses to study in USA if they are planning to study in US.

• Top USA universities are known for their cutting-edge research facilities and opportunities for practical training, providing students with valuable real-world experience.

• After completing their studies, Indian students in the USA can take advantage of post-study work opportunities to gain practical experience and build their careers.

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Which is the cheapest country to study for Indian students?

There is no definitive "cheapest" country for Indian students to study in, as the overall cost to study abroad depends on various factors such as tuition fees, living expenses, and the exchange rate between the Indian rupee and the local currency. However, some countries are generally more affordable compared to others such as Poland, Germany, Denmark, Belgium, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland.

Top 10 Cheapest Countries to Study Abroad

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