Study Abroad Trends: Rising Visa Rejections & Policy Changes
31% Drop in Indian Students Going Abroad
The number of Indian students going abroad for higher education has declined by 31% over the past two years. Key reasons include the strengthening of the dollar and pound, along with stricter visa and immigration policies, financial proof requirements, post-study work permits, and medical regulations.
US Visa Rejection Rate Reaches 60%
The rejection rate for Indian student visas in the United States has reached approximately 60%, the highest in the last 10 years.
Shift to Alternative Destinations
Countries such as the UK, Canada, Australia, and China have tightened their immigration policies in the last two years. As a result, students are now preferring destinations like Dubai, Italy, Germany, Spain, France, and Ireland.
Due to direct flights from Indore to Dubai, there has been a 40% increase in students from Madhya Pradesh choosing Dubai in the past two years.
Expert Insights
Experts: Prashant Hemnani, Faraz Warsi (Foreign Education & Visa Experts)
United States
After a visa rejection, applicants must wait 8–10 months for the next attempt, contributing to a 30% decline. However, US universities remain a top priority.
United Kingdom
The minimum salary requirement for a work visa has increased from £26,200 (₹33 lakh) to £38,700 (₹49 lakh). Students now need an additional ₹16 lakh annual package to work after studies.
Canada
The required proof of funds has increased from CAD 10,000 (₹7 lakh) to CAD 20,635 (₹14 lakh), excluding tuition fees.
Australia
India has been moved from Evidence Level 2 to Evidence Level 3, considered a high-risk category. This has led to stricter scrutiny of financial and academic documents, increasing rejection rates by up to 10%.
China, Russia, and Georgia
Strict rules by the National Medical Council in India have impacted students pursuing medical studies in these countries. Requirements include complete education in English and passing all 19 subjects, leading to fewer enrollments.
Visa Process Challenges in Madhya Pradesh
Due to the lack of visa-related medical certification and biometric centers in Madhya Pradesh, students must travel to Delhi, Mumbai, or Ahmedabad to complete their visa processes.
Increase in Foreign Students Coming to India
On the other hand, the number of international students coming to India has increased. According to recent data presented in Parliament:
- 39,000 foreign students came to India in 2022
- Currently, 72,000 students from 150 countries are studying in India
Study in India Initiative
The government aims to attract 200,000 international students annually by 2030 under the “Study in India” initiative.
Recently, 19 foreign universities have been permitted to open campuses in India. In the latest QS World University Rankings, 27 Indian universities are among the top 50 globally.