Indian Students Shift Focus from Big Four to Affordable Study Abroad Destinations in Asia and Europe
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The long-standing dominance of the “Big Four” study-abroad destinations – the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia – is beginning to wane. Tightening visa rules and escalating education costs are prompting Indian students to explore more affordable and accessible options across Asia and Europe.
Over the past 18 months, stricter immigration policies in these traditional hotspots have led to a marked decline in student enrolments, particularly from India – the world’s largest source of international students. Industry experts note a growing trend among Indian students to prioritise return on investment, post-study work opportunities, and long-term career prospects over conventional preferences.
Karunn Kandoi, Founder and CEO of Vidysea Education, remarked, “While the US, UK, Canada, and Australia remain aspirational, restrictive visa policies, rising costs, and uncertainty are making students look East and deeper into Europe. For today’s students, it’s less about where the degree comes from, and more about what it empowers them to do next.”
Countries such as Germany, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, France, and Sweden are experiencing a surge in student interest due to clearer immigration pathways, lower tuition fees, and greater affordability. According to a recent Global Enrolment Benchmark Survey, there has been a 20–30% increase in Indian student preferences for destinations like France, Ireland, Austria, and Spain.
Asian nations including Malaysia, China, South Korea, and South Africa are also gaining momentum.
Canada, in particular, has witnessed the steepest decline, with 73% of its institutions reporting a drop in undergraduate enrolments in early 2025. In the United States, policy uncertainties – including ongoing debates around the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme – continue to affect student sentiment.
Two distinct student profiles are now emerging: one still targeting top-ranked universities in the Big Four, and another seeking destinations that offer smoother entry routes, extended post-study visas, and better value for money.
As Indian students become increasingly discerning, the UK and its traditional counterparts face mounting competition from a wider range of countries offering high-quality education, practical career opportunities, and more welcoming immigration policies.
Source: FINANCIAL EXPRESS
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