The number of Indian students pursuing higher education abroad has witnessed a sharp decline of nearly 15% in 2024 compared to the previous year, according to data presented in the Lok Sabha by the Union Minister of State for Education, Sukanta Majumdar. The figures indicate that after reaching a peak of 8,92,989 students in 2023, the count fell to 7,59,064 in 2024, marking a drop of 1,33,920 students.
Canada recorded the steepest decline, with Indian student enrolment plummeting from 2,33,532 in 2023 to 1,37,608 in 2024. Stricter visa regulations, rising rejection rates, and escalating diplomatic tensions between India and Canada following the 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar have been cited as key reasons for this downturn.
The United States also saw a significant reduction, with Indian student numbers falling from 2,34,473 in 2023 to 2,04,058 in 2024, a decrease of 30,415. The shift follows concerns over visa policies after Donald Trump’s re-election. Australian universities also recorded a decline in Indian students, with numbers dropping from 78,093 in 2023 to 68,572 in 2024. The United Kingdom was similarly affected, experiencing a 28% decline from 1,36,921 in 2023 to 98,890 in 2024. Reports suggest that nearly 10,000 university jobs in the UK could be at risk due to reduced student enrolment.
Despite this trend, Indian student numbers have risen in alternative destinations, including Russia, France, Germany, and New Zealand. The Indian government continues to support students abroad through initiatives like the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) and the MADAD Portal, ensuring assistance in emergencies and grievance redressal.
