Despite visa uncertainty and rising costs in traditional destinations, India has strengthened its position as the world’s largest contributor to global student mobility, with overseas enrolments crossing 18 lakhs in 2025.
India has emerged as the world’s largest source country for international students, according to the Economic Survey 2026, underlining the country’s central role in global higher education flows even amid shifting visa policies and cost pressures.
The number of Indians studying abroad has grown from 6.85 lakh in 2016 to over 18 lakhs in 2025, driven by strong demand for global qualifications, work exposure, and long-term career mobility. While destinations such as the US, UK, Canada and Australia continue to attract the bulk of students, the Survey notes that choices are increasingly shaped by clarity on work rights, migration pathways, and return on investment.
The Survey also highlights India’s growing education ecosystem at home. Inbound international student numbers have risen steadily, supported by policy reforms under the National Education Policy, simplified regulations for foreign university campuses, and greater academic collaboration.
Together, these trends position India not only as the largest supplier of global talent, but also as an emerging education hub that is becoming more competitive, outward-looking, and internationally integrated.
[Source: Fortune India]
