August 21, 2025

In 2024, a whopping 7.6 lakh Indian students packed their bags and headed abroad to chase higher education dreams, says the Bureau of Immigration (BoI). Though this number dipped a bit from 8.95 lakh in 2023, it still shows strong love for global learning and adventure. Why are they going? Because studying overseas means not just great education but also dazzling new experiences and worldwide friendships! Take a quick look at the rising trend over the years: - 2020: 2.6 lakh students - 2021: 4.45 lakh - 2022: 7.52 lakh - 2023: 8.95 lakh - 2024: 7.6 lakh These figures yell one thing — Indian students are hungry for international campuses and challenges. The favourite countries remain the US, Canada, UK, and Australia, all known for their brilliant universities and cool work-study options. Meanwhile, up-and-coming places like Germany, Russia, and Uzbekistan are now stealing the spotlight too, thanks to affordable fees and strong STEM programs. Students are flocking to courses in STEM fields, especially catching the buzz around Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Cybersecurity. Business courses like finance and management also remain hot, showing that India’s future pros want to blend tech skills with smart business sense. The Indian government is not just watching. It’s helping big time! Agreements with Australia and the UK make credit transfers easier, and visa processes are smoother thanks to new partnerships. The Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) supports students in emergencies abroad. And guess what? The Chevening-Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Scholarship is a golden ticket for bright students from Uttar Pradesh to study in the UK on full scholarship! But the ride isn’t completely smooth. Many face tough visa hurdles, rising costs of tuition and living, and sometimes scary geopolitical issues. Still, with smart planning, strong government support, and the right course picks, Indian students are ready to own the global stage. The study-abroad craze is here to stay! Policy changes in foreign countries, new digital learning ways, and economic twists like currency changes will shape this journey. For millions, the world is not just a dream—it’s a playground full of opportunities waiting to be grabbed.

Read More at Timesofindia →

Tags: Indian students, Study abroad, International education, Stem courses, Government scholarships, 2024 trends,