OECD Data Shows Indian Students Looking Beyond Traditional English-Speaking Countries
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As per the new OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) data, Indian students, once concentrated in a few English-speaking countries, are expanding their study destinations.
According to the OECD International Migration Outlook 2025, there is a distinct shift in where students from India are choosing to pursue their higher education. Indian students, who collectively represent the second-largest source of international students in OECD countries (accounting for 14% of all tertiary-level foreign students in 2023), are increasingly diversifying their study destinations. They are moving away from traditional English-speaking countries toward a wider array of nations.
Also Read: Indians Emerge as Key Beneficiaries of UAE's Golden Visa Program
Factors Behind the Changing Study Abroad Choices
Here are the changes driving the sudden changes in choices of study destination for Indian students:
- The main reason for the shift is the tightening of visa and work regulations in traditional destinations like the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.
- These countries are revising their migration and employment policies.
- As a result, Indian students are exploring alternative countries that provide clearer post-study immigration routes.
- They are also seeking destinations that are more affordable for education and living.
Slowdowns in Key Destination Countries
The OECD data for 2024 highlights the slowdown in new Indian student arrivals in these countries:
|
Destination |
Change in Indian Student Arrivals (2024) |
Primary Policy Drivers |
|
United States |
−39% |
Higher financial proof requirements and limited work transition visas. |
|
Canada |
−39% |
A cap on new study permits and reduced post-study work options. |
|
United Kingdom |
−26% |
Restrictions on dependents and a shortened post-study visa duration. |
|
Australia |
−22% |
Stricter requirements for English proficiency and funding. |
Also Read: UAE Updates Visa-on-Arrival Rules for Indian Passport Holders
The Rise of New Study Hotspots
This recent change has led to the emergence of destinations like Europe, East Asia, and smaller OECD economies as new preferred study locations.
The underlying motivation is a strategic, "value-based migration", with students prioritising lower tuition fees, safety, and definite post-study employment clarity.
|
Emerging Preferred Destination (2025) |
Key Attractions for Indian Students |
|
Germany |
Low tuition costs, a strong job market, and a focus on STEM programs. |
|
Ireland |
An English-speaking environment within Europe and established post-study work permits. |
|
France |
The expansion of scholarships and English-taught courses through the "Choose France" initiative. |
|
Japan |
Technology-focused education and integrated work-study opportunities. |
|
New Zealand |
The reinstatement of long post-study work rights (up to three years) in priority sectors. |
To sum up, India's global student footprint is entering a new phase, one of diversification and strategic adaptation. While major destinations are implementing controls, smaller and mid-tier countries are actively welcoming Indian talent to bolster their own knowledge economies.
Explore New Study Destinations with GetGIS Immigration Support
As Indian students diversify their global education choices beyond traditional hubs like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, they seek affordable tuition, safety, and clearer post-study work options in emerging destinations like Germany, Ireland, France, Japan, and New Zealand. With tighter visa and work regulations in established countries, this shift offers new opportunities for Indian talent.
Suppose you're looking to navigate this changing landscape and explore study and immigration pathways. In that case, GetGIS provides expert guidance to simplify visa processes and help you maximize your global education and career prospects.
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