Number Of Indian Students Leaving Country Drops Significantly

India-West News Desk

The number of Indian students heading overseas for higher education has plummeted by nearly 31% over the last three years, according to official Ministry of Education data presented to Parliament.

Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar informed the Rajya Sabha that while 9.08 lakh Indians traveled abroad for studies in 2023, that number dropped to 7.7 lakh in 2024 and hit a low of 6.26 lakh in 2025.

While the government did not pin the decline on one specific cause, the trend coincides with immigration policy shifts in traditional destination countries, weaker rupee making costs more prohibitive in the West and job availability on completion of education.

The United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia have all recently introduced stricter immigration rules. Students now face higher financial proof requirements, tighter visa caps, and more scrutiny of educational institutions.

In the US specifically, a hiring slowdown in the tech sector and uncertainty surrounding H-1B work visas have made post-graduation prospects look less certain. Canada’s new limits on study permits and high cost of living have further cooled interest.

Financial pressure is also a major factor. Rising tuition fees in Western nations, combined with currency fluctuations and a weaker rupee, have made international degrees significantly more expensive. Although education loans are easier to get in India than in previous years, many families are now reassessing the risk of taking on massive debt when post-study work options are no longer guaranteed.

While the total number of students leaving has fallen, the report clarifies that the interest in international education has not vanished. Instead, Indian students are diversifying their choices, looking for English-speaking programs in newer, more affordable destinations rather than sticking to the traditional hubs.