Indian student numbers drop by 40% in US, UK, and Canada, while Germany and New Zealand see record growthUS, UK, and Canada see steep declines in enrollmentsShifting preferences towards Germany and New ZealandFactors driving the changeA recalibration, not a collapseThe future of Indian student mobilityThe number of Indian students choosing the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada for higher education has dropped sharply by 40% in 2024. According to Indian government data, the number of Indian students in Germany increased by 68% from 2022 to 2024, rising from 20,700 to 34,700 students. As reported by the ICEF Monitor, New Zealand has become the most welcoming Anglophone country for Indian students, thanks to its flexible visa policies and safe environment. As Mathai pointed out, “Our destination maps now have layered overlays – visa stability indices atop rankings" (quoted by the ICEF Monitor). However, the shifts in student mobility patterns, driven by policy changes and economic factors, signal a transformation in how Indian students approach studying abroad.

Source: The Times April 02, 2025 15:00 UTC