Number Of Indian Students Going Abroad Drops; Russia Emerges As New Education Hub

In 2024, the number of Indian students studying abroad has declined sharply, dropping from 8.92 lakh in 2023 to 7.59 lakh, according to data from the Ministry of External Affairs. The steepest declines are observed in traditional Western education hubs such as Canada, the US, and the UK, with Canada experiencing the most significant drop amid ongoing diplomatic tensions with India. Conversely, non-traditional destinations like Bangladesh, Uzbekistan, Russia, and Singapore are seeing increased Indian student inflows, motivated by factors such as lower education costs, streamlined visa processes, and specialized programs in medical and technical fields. This shift indicates a changing landscape in Indian students’ international education preferences.