Tighter visa scrutiny, uncertainty around post-study work, and shifting global job markets are prompting Indian students to rethink long-held preferences for the US and Canada, while alternative destinations in Europe and West Asia gain momentum.
Indian student interest in the United States and Canada is showing early signs of slowdown as immigration rules tighten and post-study work pathways grow less predictable. While enrolments continued rising until 2024, recent data indicates a clear deceleration driven by anxiety around F-1 oversight, H-1B lottery uncertainty, hiring freezes, and a cooling global job market.
Indian student numbers in the US more than doubled between 2021 and their 2024 peak, before dipping in 2025. Canada peaked earlier and has also begun to see a decline. In contrast, destinations such as Germany, Ireland, France, and the UAE are projected to see strong growth through 2030, supported by clearer work pathways, lower costs, and long-term talent strategies. The UK and Australia are expected to grow at a steadier pace.
These shifts suggest a broader recalibration in student decision-making. Studying in the US is no longer viewed as the default option, but as one choice among many. Over time, sustained policy uncertainty and funding pressures could also influence research output and global rankings, further reshaping the international higher education landscape.
[Source: Indian Express]
