Europe overtakes US as Indian students’ top study destination: Report

A growing number of Indian students are turning away from traditional study destinations like the United States and Canada, opting instead for Europe, where education is proving to be more affordable and policy frameworks more predictable.

A new report by GyanDhan shows a sharp 63% decline in Indian students heading to the US between 2023 and 2025, with Germany, Ireland, and the UK emerging as top choices for overseas education.

The shift signals a major realignment in global academic preferences driven by visa hurdles, rising costs, and concerns about post-study employment.

“Over the past couple of years, we’ve seen students rethink their choices. While aspirations and financial access matter, the biggest game-changer has been uncertainty, from visa delays to shifting work policies,” said Ankit Mehra, co-founder & CEO, GyanDhan.

According to GyanDhan’s data, the share of Indian students choosing the US fell from 54% in 2023 to 26% in 2024 and only 20% in 2025.

Higher tuition and living costs, longer visa processing times, and tighter post-study work regulations have made students reconsider.

The recent hikes in H-1B visa fees and changes to Optional Practical Training (OPT) guidelines have further dampened enthusiasm.

“Many students are now deferring their US plans or shifting altogether to other destinations,” Mehra noted. “They’re prioritizing stability and return on investment over prestige.”

Europe has become the most attractive region for Indian students. The UK’s share rose from 16% in 2023 to 39% in 2025, an increase of 143%.

Germany’s numbers doubled from 4% to 9%, while Ireland grew from 3% to 7.6%, marking a 153% rise.

Australia maintained steady demand at 7%, but Canada saw a steep decline, dropping from 11% in 2023 to just 2.3% in 2025.

Germany’s tuition-free or low-cost education, focus on STEM fields, and accessible post-study work options are drawing more Indian students each year.

Ireland is gaining traction with its two-year post-study visa and growing presence of global firms such as Google, Apple, Meta, and Microsoft.

Industry experts say the changing trends reflect a more pragmatic generation of students prioritizing value and job prospects.

Countries across Europe and Asia, including Germany, Ireland, Japan, and South Korea, are actively tapping into this sentiment through simpler visa pathways and work-integrated education models.

“The trend is unmistakable; students are no longer chasing a dream abroad, they’re investing in a secure, high-return future,” Mehra emphasized.

Analysts note that the future direction of global student mobility will depend largely on how the US and Canada reform their visa and work policies to restore confidence among international applicants.