How will 2023 International Education Trends Shape the Study Abroad Decisions of Indian Students in 2024?

Studying abroad is a dream for many Indian students offering the opportunity to receive world-class education, experience new cultures, and enhance career prospects. Today's Indian students are career-focused, prioritising courses like STEM, healthcare, and data science that provide the skill sets required for success in the competitive job market.?

However, with the ever-changing landscape of international education, what can Indian students expect in 2024? Let's recap the changes that occurred in 2023– from UK visa-dependent policy adjustments to political tensions with Canada. Indian students experienced various factors that may influence their decision to study abroad.?

International Education Trends of 2023

Key Trends:

• Enrollment Surge: The number of Indian students studying abroad skyrocketed by 35% in 2023 compared to 2022, reaching an estimated 1.5 million.
• Postgraduate Demand: Postgraduate students accounted for 70% of the total.

Top 3 Destinations:

• United States: Hosted 400,000 Indian students in 2023.
• United Kingdom: Welcomed around 130,000 Indian students.
• Canada: Attracted an estimated 120,000 Indian students.

3 Popular Fields of Study:

• STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics remained the most in-demand fields, pursued by over 40% of Indian students abroad.
• Business and Management: It is a close second, attracting around 35% of Indian students.
• Healthcare: Witnessed a significant increase in interest, with approximately 15% of Indian students pursuing health-related programs.

Financial Considerations:

• Scholarships: Scholarship opportunities played a crucial role in enabling international education for Indian students, with an estimated $1 billion in scholarships awarded in 2023.

Trends that Impacted Indian Students

New UK Visa Rule: Family Exclusion for Non-Research Postgrads

Starting January 11, 2024, there will be vital changes in the UK student visa regulations. From now on, foreign postgraduate students enrolled in non-research courses in the UK can no longer bring family members. However, international PhD or postgraduate research program students can bring their dependent partners or children to the UK.

Decline in Enrolment of Indian Students in Canada

Indian students comprised approximately 40% of Canada's international student body last year. However, recent data suggests a decline in Indian student enrollment. Between July and October 2022, the Canadian government processed nearly 146,000 new study permit applications for Indian nationals. In contrast, during the same period in 2023, the number dropped to fewer than 87,000. This indicates a significant decrease of over 40% in Canadian study permit applications processed for Indian students since July. Geopolitical tensions between India and Canada noticeably shape student choices, leading them to explore alternative learning paths.?

High Cost of Education

In choosing Canada as a study destination, international students prioritise affordability above all else, according to an ApplyBoard report. The financial consideration of tuition fees overshadows factors such as program selection and future career prospects by a significant margin of 15 percentage points. This underscores the financial anxieties in the international student decision-making process.

International Educational Trends for 2024

Anticipated Growth?

Market analysts foresee a tremendous growth in the number of Indian students pursuing education abroad, reaching unprecedented levels by 2024. Data from Ministry of External Affairs, India reveals that 300,000 Indian students studied abroad in 2021, and projections for 2024 suggest a significant surge, exceeding 500,000.

Rising Destinations

Traditionally favoured study-abroad destinations like the USA, UK, and Australia are experiencing a shift in preferences. Indian students are showing interest in countries that are growing as study-abroad destinations such as Germany, Ireland, and the Netherlands.

Rise in Scholarships

A surge in scholarship opportunities, particularly targeting underprivileged and minority students, along with those excelling in technology, STEM, and the arts, is expected in 2024.

Influence of Global Partnerships

With India actively forming global partnerships in education, the expected impact on educational opportunities for Indian students in 2024 is substantial.

Conclusion

In 2024, Indian students have many exciting opportunities. The key is to explore those that match their career goals and help them build the right skills. As Indian students navigate the changing world of international education in 2024, Casita stands as a guide for those eager to study abroad, offering a perfect student accommodation.?