According to the latest data shared by the Bureau of Immigration (BoI) in the Lok Sabha, more than 7.6 lakh Indian students traveled abroad for higher studies in 2024. This marks a slight decline from the 8.95 lakh students who went overseas in 2023, but the overall numbers remain significantly higher than previous years, reflecting the growing demand for overseas education among Indian youth.
Year-Wise Trends: A Rising Demand for Overseas Education
The figures shared in the Lok Sabha by Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar reveal a steady increase in the number of Indian students going abroad for education over the past few years. In 2020, the number stood at over 2.6 lakh, which rose to 4.45 lakh in 2021. The trend continued upward, with 7.52 lakh students moving abroad in 2022, and the numbers peaking at 8.95 lakh in 2023. In 2024, while the numbers dipped slightly, the figure of 7.6 lakh still far exceeds pre-2022 levels, highlighting a strong and consistent demand for international education.
Government Measures to Facilitate Student Mobility
Despite the slight decrease, the overall trend indicates a continued preference for studying abroad. To support this growing demand, the Indian government has implemented several initiatives aimed at easing student migration. These include enhanced visa processing support, ensuring the academic recognition of foreign qualifications, and entering into Mutual Recognition of Qualifications (MRQs) agreements with several countries. Additionally, the Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreements signed with various nations further enable the smooth movement of students to international destinations.
Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) and Student Support
To address the challenges that Indian students face while studying abroad, the government has established the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) in Indian missions and posts worldwide. This fund provides welfare assistance to Indian citizens, including students, who are facing financial challenges or other contingencies during their time abroad. Students are also encouraged to register with Indian Missions and the MADAD portal to ensure that their grievances are addressed efficiently.
The Continued Appeal of Foreign Education
The steady growth in the number of Indian students going abroad for higher education underscores the continued appeal of international learning experiences. Despite the challenges posed by fluctuating numbers, foreign education remains a crucial pathway for academic and career advancement for Indian youth. With the government's support and increasing opportunities abroad, the trend of Indian students studying overseas is expected to continue rising.
