Canada is leading in the highest year-on-year growth category at 46.8 per cent, while the United States managed a decent growth of 18.9 per cent.
Canada continues to be the most preferred destination for Indian students. It dethroned the United States of America (USA) in 2021 to claim the top position in terms of attracting the highest number of students from India. The Indian Students Mobility Report 2023 reveals that the second most preferred destination for Indian students is the US. It is followed by the United Kingdom (UK) and Australia at the second and third positions, respectively.
The UK held the number four position from 2019 to 2021, but this changed in 2022 when positive policy changes, such as the introduction of a two-year work permit, propelled it to the third position. This shift pushed Australia to the fourth spot.
With strong bilateral relations with India in recent times, the UK experienced the highest year-on-year growth at 49.6 per cent.
Canada is leading in the highest year-on-year growth category at 46.8 per cent, while the United States managed a decent growth of 18.9 per cent.
Australia registered a sluggish growth of 0.7 per cent in attracting Indian students. Until 2019, it was the second preferred study destination for international students across the globe. However, with regards to attracting Indian students, Australia has been slipping down that ladder – it fell to the third spot in 2019 and to the fourth position in 2022. Academicians believe that the reluctance to fully open its borders might be one of the major reasons for this decline.
The US continues to attract a large number of Indian students to pursue STEM courses. Last year, it issued a record number of 1,40,000 visas to Indian students. Julie Stufft, deputy assistant secretary of state for Visa Services, said the US missions in India are putting its best foot forward to reduce visa appointment wait period and complete the visa interview process early before the commencement of classes.
