Indian students are packing their bags and heading abroad in record numbers. It's a trend that's reshaping global education, but what's fueling this surge? Are students finding the opportunities they seek? What challenges are they facing?  

 

The "Beyond Beds & Boundaries: Indian Student Mobility Report 2023-24" offers a wealth of insights, revealing both the allure of international education and the hurdles that need to be overcome. This report not only uncovers the opportunities driving this global movement but also shows the challenges that students face in 2024.

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Let’s start with the Indian Education system, with close to 1,200 universities, 49,400 colleges, and 12,600 standalone institutions, India records the world's largest higher education ecosystem, representing a market worth an estimated $40 billion in 2023 and growing at a staggering 15% annually. 

 

So, why are record numbers of Indian students packing their bags and heading for abroad education? The report sheds light on several key challenges.

• Quality and Quantity Mismatch: No Indian institute appears in the Top 200 of global university rankings, raising concerns about the quality of education. Additionally, the system is unable to accommodate the growing number of students graduating from high school. 
• Outdated Curriculum: Many Indian higher education institutions have curriculums that have not been updated in decades, failing to prepare students for the challenges of the modern world or equip them with practical and technical skills.
• Regulatory and Policy Issues: While the private sector accounts for 59% of enrollment in higher education, the regulatory environment is not focusing well on high-quality private institutions. 

The report also identifies several compelling reasons for this migration of Indian students:

• Exposure to Newer Courses: Students are drawn to the diverse range of courses and programs available abroad, many of which are not offered in India.
• Flexible Multi-Disciplinary Approach: Foreign universities often adopt a more flexible, multi-disciplinary approach to academics, allowing students to explore various fields of interest.
  
• Better Research Facilities: Studying abroad often provides students with access to advanced research facilities and opportunities that may be lacking in Indian institutions.
  
• Global Careers and Citizenship: Overseas education is often seen as a pathway to global careers and, in some cases, foreign citizenship.
  
• Global Networking Opportunities: Foreign universities offer a unique chance to network with a global audience, providing broader exposure and connections.

So, the global study abroad market is experiencing a huge surge, with the number of students choosing overseas for higher education steadily increasing. This trend is particularly prominent in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Punjab, where a growing middle class and a thirst for international exposure are boosting a significant rise in student mobility.

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In 2019, approximately 10.9 Lakh Indian students pursued their education abroad. This figure witnessed a 3% growth in 2022, escalating to around 11.8 Lakh students. If the current growth rate of 8% sustains, the number of Indian students studying overseas is projected to raise to approximately 15 Lakh by the year 2025.

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This surge in Indian student mobility is not just about numbers; it's about investment in the future. In 2019, Indian students spent an estimated US$ 37 billion on education abroad. This expenditure experienced a 9% surge in 2022, reaching a substantial US$ 47 billion. If the sector continues to grow at the current rate of 14%, the projected spending by Indian students on overseas education is expected to skyrocket to a huge US$ 70 billion by the year 2025.

 

Most Indian students have preferred countries like the US, Canada, UK, and Australia. However, recently other countries have also emerged as preferred destinations, including Germany, Kyrgyzstan, Ireland, Singapore, Russia, Philippines, France, and New Zealand. Top States in India in terms of students going abroad include Punjab, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, Maharashtra, Delhi/NCR, and Tamil Nadu.

 

Interestingly, the top three sending states are Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Punjab, with both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana combining to send 12.5% of all outbound students, followed by Punjab at another 12.5%. When it comes to program preferences, roughly 33% of Indian students go abroad for Bachelor's degrees, 60% for Master's degrees, with the remaining 7% divided between diplomas (2%), professional certifications (5%).

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Among the traditional favourites, the US continues to hold the top rank for Indian students seeking overseas education, followed by Canada in second place. Australia remains a popular choice, securing the third position. The UK has seen a recent surge in popularity and currently sits at number four.

 

Despite the rising numbers, Indian students planning overseas education do have some concerns:

 

• Affordability: Students are increasingly prioritising affordability and quality over pure prestige of the university. The high costs associated with studying abroad, including tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses, are a major concern. While scholarships and financial aid are a relief for some, the general sentiment leans towards a need for more affordable options and financial support.
• Visa Complexities:  Obtaining a student visa can be a challenging task, many face challenges like extensive documentation, delays, and fear of visa interview. The complexity and time-consuming nature of the visa process are commonly cited issues.
• Career-Oriented Courses:  There's a growing market for courses that offer skill development and certifications. Students are increasingly seeking programs that directly translate into career opportunities.

We hear you. These are real concerns that can make studying abroad seem out of reach. But what if we told you there's a solution that addresses all of these challenges?

 

Sirian Overseas is here to turn your dreams of an international education into reality. We understand the unique hurdles Indian students face, and we've built our services around providing practical, effective solutions:

• Affordability Redefined: We know that cost is a major factor. That's why Sirian Overseas is committed to connecting you with top-ranked public and private universities offering high-quality STEM programs at a fraction of the usual price. We believe that a world-class education should be within reach, and our goal is to make it possible for you to complete your degree at an affordable cost.
• Visa Success: Sirian Overseas provides free, comprehensive F1 visa interview preparation, led by native Americans trained under ex-consulate officers. Our mock interviews simulate the real experience, giving you the confidence and skills to succeed your interview. Our 99.8% success rate is a testament to our expertise in helping students secure their visas.
• Career-Focused from Day One: We know that your education is an investment in your future. That's why we focus on career-oriented courses that equip you with the skills and knowledge employers demand. Through our ecosystem, we support you from choosing the right course to upskilling with industry-relevant tools and landing global job placements.

In conclusion, the Indian student mobility for higher education is experiencing a big surge. Driven by a growing middle class and a thirst for international exposure, students are increasingly looking overseas for their studies. This trend is not just about numbers; it represents a significant investment in the future.

 

By understanding student concerns around affordability, visa complexities, and career-oriented programs, Sirian Overseas offers a comprehensive bunch of services to guide students throughout their study abroad journey.  These services range from application streamlining and scholarship guidance to pre-departure assistance and post-arrival support.  With its experienced team, focus on student success, and commitment to ethical practices, Sirian Overseas helps students to approach the study abroad journey with confidence.

 

If you are a student considering studying abroad, don't let challenges STOP you. Take the first step towards your future and contact Sirian Overseas today to explore how WE can turn your study abroad dream into a reality.

 

The USA job market is booming, and 2024 is shaping up to be a year of incredible opportunity.  A recent analysis reveals the top states with the most in-demand jobs, highlighting a growing need for STEM talent.  Indian students are uniquely positioned to fill this gap, with their skills and expertise aligning perfectly with the future of work in the U.S.

 

If you're an Indian student with a STEM degree, or you're considering studying in a STEM field, don't miss out on this chance to start your career in America.

 

To learn more about the exciting job opportunities waiting for you in the U.S., read these articles:

• Top States for Booming Jobs in 2024: Click here
• The Future of Work in the USA: Popular Job Sectors for 2024: Click here
• How Indian Students Are Filling the Gap: Click here