31% Drop in Indian Students Going Abroad in Three Years; 14 Foreign Universities Approved in India
The number of Indian students pursuing higher education abroad has declined significantly over the past three years. According to data shared by the Ministry of Education, the trend has shown a consistent downward pattern.
In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar stated that more than 9.08 lakh Indian students went abroad in 2023. The number declined to 7.7 lakh in 2024 and further dropped to 6.26 lakh in 2025, marking an overall decrease of nearly 31% in three years.
Post-Pandemic Surge Followed by Decline
Data indicates that after the pandemic, the number of students going abroad had risen sharply. Around 4.44 lakh students went overseas in 2021, increasing to 7.5 lakh in 2022. However, the numbers have since steadily declined.
The ministry clarified that the data was obtained from the Bureau of Immigration under the Ministry of Home Affairs for the period 2021 to 2025.
Factors Influencing Study Abroad Decisions
According to Majumdar, studying abroad depends on individual preference and several factors, including cost of education, availability of bank loans, social environment, and specialization in particular subjects. He emphasized that India recognizes the realities of a global knowledge-based economy.
The government also considers successful and influential overseas Indians as valuable national assets and aims to leverage their knowledge and experience for national development.
Strengthening Higher Education in India
Under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the government has taken multiple steps to strengthen higher education in India. Reforms include infrastructure upgrades, strengthening accreditation systems, promoting research and innovation, and expanding digital education.
To provide world-class education domestically, foreign universities have been allowed to establish campuses in India. So far, 14 foreign institutions have received approval. Additionally, five foreign universities have been permitted to begin operations in Gujarat’s GIFT City.
Policy Changes in Major Host Countries
Several popular study destinations have introduced policy changes between 2023 and 2025, increasing uncertainty for Indian students.
Canada
Canada imposed caps on new study permits in 2024 and tightened scrutiny of private colleges and post-graduate work programs. Provinces were directed to reduce student intake, and financial proof requirements were increased. Processing delays and higher visa rejection rates have affected return on investment expectations for Indian students.
Australia
Australia introduced measures to control migration growth, including enrollment caps, stricter English language requirements, and enhanced financial scrutiny. Visa rejection rates have increased in certain categories, and tighter rules on course changes and work conditions may affect cost-conscious families.
United Kingdom
From 2024, most international students in the UK are no longer allowed to bring family members, except for research-level postgraduate students. Additionally, salary thresholds for work visas have been increased, impacting post-study employment plans. While the Graduate Route remains, overall migration policy has tightened.
United States
The United States remains a top destination for international students. However, increased visa rejection rates in some categories, long appointment wait times in India, and ongoing discussions around H-1B visa reforms have created uncertainty.
For students and families planning overseas education, understanding these policy shifts and planning carefully has become more important than ever.