by Yang Song, Global Nexus Education
Indian students have long been among the most mobile international student populations worldwide. In recent years, they’ve driven record enrolments in countries such as Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. However, in a surprising turn of events, the number of Indian students pursuing higher education abroad fell sharply in 2024—declining by nearly 15% compared to the previous year. The decrease is most pronounced in North America, particularly in Canada, which saw an astonishing 41% drop in Indian student enrolments within just a year.
This blog explores the factors behind this shift, drawing on parliamentary data, expert commentary, and international reporting to paint a picture of an increasingly complex and competitive global education landscape.
The Numbers Behind the Decline
In a March 2025 response to a parliamentary question, India’s Minister of State for Education, Sukanta Majumdar, revealed that 759,064 Indian students studied abroad in 2024—down from 892,989 in 2023, and a slight increase over 750,365 in 2022 during the pandemic (Majumdar, 2025).
The most significant drop occurred in Canada, where Indian student enrolments fell from 233,532 in 2023 to just 137,608 in 2024—a decline of 95,924 students, or 41% (Niazi, 2025).
In the United States, the decline was more modest but still notable. Indian enrolments fell by 13%, from 234,473 in 2023 to 204,058 in 2024.
The United Kingdom experienced a sharper decline of 28%, from 136,921 to 98,890, while Australia saw Indian student numbers fall by over 12%, from 78,093 in 2023 to 68,572 in 2024.
Other destinations such as China also experienced a significant dip, with Indian enrolments dropping 31.6%, from 7,279 in 2023 to 4,978 in 2024.
What’s Driving the Decline?
- Stricter Visa Regulations and Rejections
One of the most immediate and impactful causes of the decline has been tighter student visa regulations in countries like Canada, the U.S., and the U.K. In Canada, new visa policies introduced in 2023 led to a surge in study permit rejections and cancellations, disproportionately affecting Indian applicants.
According to experts like Maria Mathai, founder of MM Advisory Services, “student priorities are evolving with each policy shift. It’s a recalibration, not a collapse. Students are responding pragmatically to shifting costs and changing visa rules” (Niazi, 2025). In the United States, concerns about potential changes to visa policies under the returning administration of President Donald Trump have already influenced student choices. Some universities are bracing for more restrictive policies and lower Indian enrolment as a result. - Geopolitical and Diplomatic Tensions
The sharp drop in Indian students in Canada has been compounded by diplomatic tensions between the two countries. In late 2023, Canada withdrew 41 diplomats from India following allegations that Indian agents were involved in the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil. Tensions escalated further in October 2024 with additional expulsions of diplomats from both sides (Niazi, 2025).
These events have had a chilling effect on Indian student confidence, especially given the uncertainty around visa renewals, legal protections, and long-term residence prospects. - Currency Depreciation and Rising Costs
Another significant barrier is affordability. The Indian rupee depreciated notably against major currencies in recent years, making tuition fees and living expenses more expensive. In the U.S., for instance, the exchange rate rose from INR 81.71 to INR 87.34 per USD between March 2023 and March 2025, increasing the cost burden for Indian families (Niazi, 2025).
These currency shifts, combined with rising tuition fees, housing shortages, and reduced access to part-time work opportunities, have driven students to explore more cost-effective alternatives.
Where Are Indian Students Going Instead?
While the top four destinations—Canada, the U.S., the U.K., and Australia—saw enrolments fall, several emerging destinations experienced a surge in Indian student numbers:
Country Indian Students in 2024 % Increase since 2022
Germany 34,702 (from 20,684) +67.7%
Russia 31,444 (from 19,784) +58.9%
France 8,536 (from 6,406) +33.2%
New Zealand 7,297 (from 1,605) +354.7%
These countries offer lower tuition, favorable visa and post-study work policies, and in some cases, publicly subsidized education—making them attractive alternatives for Indian students seeking quality education and a clear path to employment.
Implications for Global Higher Education
The decline in Indian student mobility to North America and other traditional destinations presents both a challenge and an opportunity.
For institutions and governments in Canada, the U.S., and the U.K., the message is clear:
• Visa stability and transparency matter.
• Affordability is a top priority.
• Post-study work rights can make or break destination appeal.
As Christopher Clary, Associate Professor of Political Science at the University at Albany, put it in a recent post on X (formerly Twitter):
“The drop in Indian students studying in the U.S. by 11% from 2023 to 2024 should be a cause for concern for U.S. universities and policymakers. Some of it is the depreciating rupee, some policy uncertainty. But it’s a warning sign” (Clary, 2025).
Conclusion
Indian students are not abandoning international education—but they are becoming more strategic. The days of choosing universities based solely on rankings or legacy are giving way to more pragmatic decision-making, informed by policy shifts, economic constraints, and geopolitical developments.
To remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market, destination countries must prioritize student experience, streamline immigration pathways, and ensure a welcoming and stable environment. Otherwise, they risk losing out to nations better equipped to offer value, certainty, and opportunity.
Further Reading
- Niazi, Shuriah. (2025). Indian students abroad fall by 15%. University World News, March 19, 2025.
https://www.universityworldnews.com - Government of India, Ministry of Education. (2025). Parliamentary Response on Indian Students Abroad, Lok Sabha, March 10, 2025.
- Clary, Christopher. (2025). Commentary on Indian enrolments in U.S. University at Albany. Posted on X, March 2025.
- MM Advisory Services. (2024). Insights on Indian Student Mobility. www.mmadvisory.in
- IDP Connect. (2024). Redefining ROI: What Indian students now prioritize when studying abroad.
- ICEF Monitor. (2024). Indian students shift preferences amid rising visa barriers and global uncertainty.
- World Bank. (2024). Currency Exchange Trends and the Cost of Higher Education for Indian Students Abroad.
- Times Higher Education. (2024). Diplomacy, visas, and the future of global student flows.
- QS Intelligence Unit. (2023). What Indian Students Want: The ROI of Global Education.
- The PIE News. (2024). Emerging Destinations: Why New Zealand, Germany, and France are attracting Indian students.
Yang Song is a key contributor to Global Nexus Education and is recognized for her thought leadership on many subjects relating to higher education