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The amount of Indians who stated their reason for traveling abroad as ‘study/education’ fell by 31% in 2025 in comparison to 2023, based on information shared in the Centre’s reply to a question in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. CPI(M) member A A Rahim inquired about the number of Indian students who went abroad for higher education over the past three years and which countries they went to. According to the reply from Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar, 9,08,364 students traveled abroad in 2023, but this number fell to 7,70,127 in 2024. It decreased even more to 6,26,606 in 2025. The information is from the Bureau of Immigration and reflects the number of Indians who identified their reason for travel as ‘study/education’ from 2023 to 2025.
The response did not mention the countries of destination. Rahim also wanted to know if the government had conducted any research or evaluation to understand why students prefer to study abroad and what key findings and suggestions exist to tackle the reasons driving them to seek education in other countries. Majumdar’s reply mentioned that choosing to study abroad is a personal decision influenced by several factors like cost, availability of bank loans, exposure to foreign cultures, and interest in specific fields of study. The government acknowledges the reality of a global job market, particularly in today’s knowledge-driven economy. A successful and influential expatriate community is seen as beneficial for India. The government’s initiatives also focus on leveraging the potential of this community, including exchanging knowledge and skills.
Additionally, the response stated that the University Grants Commission has sent letters of intent to 14 foreign higher education institutions from Australia, Italy, the UK, and the USA to set up campuses in India.
It was reported last April that in 2024, visa statistics reflected a significant drop of at least 25% in Indian students obtaining study permits in major destinations like Canada, the USA, and the UK, compared to 2023. This decline follows years of increasing numbers and occurs alongside stricter immigration laws. In 2024, Canada set a limit on study permits, while the UK imposed rules preventing foreign students from bringing dependents.
Under the administration of Donald Trump, the USA has tightened regulations on international students. Last year, applicants for student visas were required to make their social media accounts public for screening, and visas of students linked to pro-Palestine protests were revoked. New interviews for student visa applications were postponed for several weeks in May to June last year to allow for checking social media activity of applicants. Universities in the USA have also been facing cuts in funding from the federal government.
