Why more Indians are going abroad for higher education

Over the years, there has been a substantial increase in the number of Indian students opting to pursue higher studies abroad. A report by Redseer Strategy Consultants, Bengaluru, estimates that the number of Indian students deciding to study abroad will touch 1.8 million by 2024.

Data shared by the government in Parliament recently showed a 68 per cent increase in Indian students going abroad for higher education over the past year—750,365 students in 2022 as against 444,553 in 2021.

There are several factors behind this exponential surge. One of the major reasons is the pent-up demand during the pandemic. According to Piyush Kumar, regional director, South Asia and Mauritius, IDP Education, “During the pandemic, the number of Indian students going to study abroad came down drastically. With the reopening of international borders, many students who had postponed their plans are going abroad to study, across destinations.”

The Indian economy is resurgent and education is one of the most reliable pathways to being part of that surge. Bhaskar Chakravorti, dean of global business, The Fletcher School, Tufts University, explains: “The best jobs and opportunities are competitive, and the best academic institutions in India are super competitive and only a few. A degree from a well-recognised international institution gives graduates the distinction and credentials along with a wider world view.”

Add to that the fact that the middle class in India has more disposable income than before and their horizons have expanded through travel. In a post-pandemic environment, there is an urge to explore new frontiers and travel further for education. “India is a bright spot in an otherwise troubled world. The US and European Union economies are in slowdown and are facing the repercussions of the Ukraine war—all this adds to the desire to avail education opportunities abroad and gain international experience,” adds Chakravorti.

Many students believe institutions abroad offer better programmes, facilities and resources. Harsh Bharwani, CEO and MD of Jetking Infotrain, observes: “Students can take advantage of the latest technology, research opportunities and top-notch faculty. This opens up a broader range of subjects, courses, and fields to choose from.”

Employers often look favourably at candidates who have completed their education at prestigious institutions abroad. “This is because these universities have a reputation for providing high-quality education and their graduates often possess a range of valuable skills that are in high demand in the job market,” says Bharwani. An international degree also provides students with the opportunity to gain exposure to different cultures and develop cross-cultural communication skills.

With more and more Indian students coming out of school every year, there aren’t enough quality colleges and universities to accommodate them. Attractive post-study work rights in many countries, easy availability of education loans, and scholarship options are some of other reasons why more Indians are going abroad to study. “Many countries are keen to welcome international students and are working tenaciously to clear the visa backlog. The US and Canada are taking innovative measures, hiring new employees and modernising their services so that they can process more visa applications,” says Kumar.

The availability of scholarships and financial aid has made studying abroad more doable. Bharwani says that since many universities offer financial assistance to international students, it can significantly reduce the cost of tuition and living expenses. In some cases, students can receive full scholarships. “The ease of travel and access to information has also contributed to the surge in students pursuing higher education abroad,” he says.

Most Indian students prefer studying in English-speaking countries, such as the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Ireland. The US and UK, for instance, had record-breaking visa issuance for Indian students in 2022. The reason for these countries’ popularity is the demand for top-notch universities, specialised courses and better post-study work rights.

“Australia, Canada, UK, US and New Zealand currently have the best post-study work rights. The policies have never been so liberal in any country,” says Kumar. Also, Australia and Canada have lifted limitations for part-time work for international students. Now, international students can work for more hours while studying. This helps many overseas students repay their education loans faster and lead a better student life.

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