Indian Students Face Decline in Overseas Education Amid 2025 Visa Restrictions

In 2025, Indian students are increasingly reconsidering their plans to study abroad due to stringent visa policies and geopolitical tensions in traditional destinations like the US, UK, and Canada. Recent data indicates a significant decline in Indian student enrollments across these countries. For instance, Canada experienced a 41% drop in Indian student numbers, the UK saw a 28% decrease, and the US reported a 13% decline in 2024 compared to the previous year

Several factors contribute to this trend. The US has tightened its F-1 visa policies, leading to increased delays and a sharp decline in visa approvals. In Canada, stricter study permit rules and the end of the Student Direct Stream (SDS) have made it more challenging for Indian students to gain admission. Similarly, the UK has implemented more rigid visa requirements, further complicating the process for prospective students.​

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Exploring Alternative Destinations for visa

As traditional study destinations impose stricter visa regulations, Indian students are exploring alternative countries for higher education. European nations like Germany, France, and Spain are emerging as attractive options due to their more accommodating visa policies and quality education systems ​. Additionally, countries such as Ireland, the Netherlands, and Finland are gaining popularity among Indian students seeking international education opportunities.

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​Despite these challenges, the US remains a top choice for many Indian students, with a record 337,630 Indian students enrolled in 2024. Much of this growth has been driven by postgraduate courses, with Indian postgraduate enrollments increasing by 18% to 196,000 students ​. However, the evolving visa policies and geopolitical climate continue to influence students’ decisions, prompting them to consider a broader range of study destinations.​