According to the latest data shared by the Ministry of Education in the Rajya Sabha on February 11, 2026, the number of Indian students travelling abroad for higher education has experienced a sharp 31% decline over the last three years.
Government statistics, sourced from the Bureau of Immigration, show a consistent downward trend from the post-pandemic peak in 2023.
The Numbers: A 3-Year Decline
While 2023 saw a record surge of students heading overseas, the figures for the subsequent years indicate a significant cooling of the market.
| Year | Number of Students Going Abroad | Annual Change (%) |
| 2023 | 9.08 Lakh | — |
| 2024 | 7.70 Lakh | -15.2% |
| 2025 | 6.26 Lakh | -18.7% |
| Total (3-yr) | ~31% Cumulative Drop |
Why the Sudden Drop?
The decline is not attributed to a single factor but is a “perfect storm” of regulatory, economic, and domestic shifts.
1. Stricter Visa & Immigration Rules
The “Big Four” destinations (US, UK, Canada, and Australia) have all implemented restrictive measures to control migration:
- Canada: Introduced a national cap on study permits in 2024 and significantly raised financial proof requirements.
- UK: Barred most international students from bringing dependants and raised salary thresholds for post-study work visas.
- Australia: Increased visa fees to AUD 2,000 and moved India to “Assessment Level 3,” resulting in higher scrutiny and slower processing.
- USA: Enhanced vetting processes, including social media history reviews, and political uncertainty have caused some hesitation.
2. The “ROI” Reality Check
Rising tuition fees and high living costs in Western cities, combined with currency devaluation, have pushed the cost of a US degree up by roughly ₹10 lakh over five years. With shrinking entry-level jobs in global tech, families are finding it harder to justify the massive education loans.
3. Domestic Improvements & Foreign Campuses
Under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Indian government is upgrading local infrastructure. Crucially, 14 foreign universities have been approved to set up campuses in India (including 5 in GIFT City, Gujarat), allowing students to get a global degree without the migration hurdles.
4. Shift to “Alternative” Destinations
Students are moving away from expensive Anglosphere countries toward more affordable hubs like Germany, Russia, Uzbekistan, and the UAE, which offer lower tuition and more stable visa pathways for STEM and medical students.
Government Stance
Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar stated that while the government views a prosperous diaspora as an asset, the decision to study abroad is a “matter of individual will” influenced by affordability and aptitude. The focus remains on making India a “global education hub” to retain talent domestically.
