How 2023’s Education Trends Shape Studying Abroad for Indians in 2024

The year 2023 proved to be transformative for Indian students contemplating or pursuing education abroad, witnessing significant shifts in policies and diplomatic relations with key study destinations. The following key trends from 2023 are likely to influence the decisions of Indian students planning to study abroad in 2024, as per insights from an ApplyBoard report:

UK Visa Policy Change

The United Kingdom ended the ability of international postgraduate students enrolled in non-research courses to bring family members with them.
Effective from January 1, 2024, this change impacts foreign students, as the new rule permits bringing family members only if enrolled in a PhD or postgraduate research program.
Given that India was the largest source of international students in the UK in 2022/23, this policy alteration is expected to influence Indian students’ choices regarding studying abroad.

Decline in Indian Student Enrollment in Canada

While Indians accounted for approximately 40% of all international students in Canada in the previous year, recent trends indicate a decline in enrollment.
From July to October 2022, the Canadian government processed nearly 146,000 new study permit applications for Indian nationals. However, in the same period in 2023, this number dropped to fewer than 87,000, reflecting a decrease of over 40%.
Diplomatic tensions between India and Canada may be a contributing factor, but reports also suggest that negative narratives on social media regarding challenges faced by international students in Canada, including rising living costs and unmet promises of opportunities, have played a role in students’ decision-making.

Continued Focus on Study Costs

The cost of studying remained the most crucial factor for international students when choosing a study destination, surpassing other factors by 15 percentage points, according to ApplyBoard.
The financial aspect continues to be a priority for students deciding to study abroad, influencing their selection of a study destination.
As Indian students navigate the landscape of studying abroad in 2024, these trends underscore the importance of staying informed about policy changes, diplomatic relations, and the narratives surrounding international study destinations.