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Highlights:
- Canada remains the number one destination for Indian students, with a 46.8% year-on-year increase in intake.
- The United States maintains its second position, with a steady inflow of Indian students.
- The United Kingdom experiences the highest year-on-year growth at 49.6%, overtaking Australia.
- Australia’s popularity among Indian students has declined slightly, losing its third-place ranking.
Canada and the United States have solidified their positions as the top destinations for Indian students seeking higher education abroad, while the United Kingdom has displaced Australia to become the third most popular choice, according to the Indian Students Mobility Report 2023.
While Canada continues to be number 1, followed by the US, the UK has displaced Australia to rise to third position. The Indian Students Mobility Report 2023, said the UK saw the highest year-on-year growth at 49.6% followed closely by Canada at 46.8%
Canada has been the primary choice for Indian students in three out of the last four years, with the US securing the top spot in 2021. Australia held the third position, and the UK was fourth in 2019, 2020, and 2021-a ranking that shifted in 2022.
In 2022, Canada exhibited the highest year-on-year growth rate, indicating a surge in demand in the student mobility market following potential drops due to the COVID-19 pandemic in previous years. Concerns about diplomatic tensions between India and Canada potentially affecting projections have been raised, with the suggestion that student interest may remain largely unaffected.
Canada’s reputation for its high-quality education, welcoming immigration policies, and post-graduation work opportunities continue to attract Indian students. The report noted a surge in interest in STEM fields, particularly computer science and engineering programs.
Over the past five years (since 2018), Canada has increased its intake from India by over 86%, almost doubling its numbers. Meanwhile, Australia’s standing as a top international student destination has gradually diminished over the past five years. Although it held the second position until 2019 for total international students, it slipped to the fourth spot in 2021. Concerning Indian students heading to Australia, it slipped to the third spot in 2019 and further to the fourth place in 2022.
“The recent unfolding diplomatic tensions between India and Canada risk disrupting our projections from India. Should these tensions impair the Canadian High Commission’s visa-processing capabilities, a portion of the market may start seeking alternative destinations,” said Maria Mathias, director of the agency that released the report.
The report reveals that nearly 8.5 lakh students are pursuing higher education abroad in just four countries – the US, UK, Australia, and Canada – collectively spending close to US$ 34 billion in 2023.
The Indian Students Mobility Report 2023 reveals a shifting landscape in the preferences of Indian students seeking higher education abroad. While Canada and the US remain dominant forces, the UK’s emergence as a strong contender and Australia’s slight dip in popularity indicate a more diverse and dynamic market for international education.