Archive · 24 Sep 2026
Survey Shows Young Indians Exploring Overseas Nursing Careers
TerraTern asked about people interested in nursing jobs in other countries.
It received more than 2,500 nursing enquiries during the past year.
Most of the questions came from South India, especially Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Many people asking were final-year students or recent graduates under 25.
Some experienced nurses also wanted to learn about overseas work.
A smaller group asked about physiotherapy careers abroad.
Germany was one destination considered by physiotherapy candidates.
Asking for information does not mean someone will definitely get a job or move abroad.
TerraTern recorded more than 2,500 nursing-related enquiries over the past year.
About 90–95% of nursing enquiries came from South India, led by Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Kerala and Tamil Nadu contributed about 65% of enquiries, followed by Karnataka at 15% and Telangana at 12%.
Around 65% of enquiries came from final-year students or graduates under 25, up from 48% the previous year.
Physiotherapy represented about 5% of enquiries, with Germany among the destinations being explored.
- Who
- Indian nursing students, graduates and experienced healthcare workers, along with some physiotherapy candidates; the data was collected by TerraTern.
- What
- A survey of enquiries found strong, regionally concentrated interest in overseas nursing careers, particularly among younger candidates.
- When
- The enquiries were received over the past year; the share of younger candidates was compared with the previous year.
- Where
- About 90–95% of nursing enquiries came from South India, particularly Kerala and Tamil Nadu; Germany was among the destinations considered by physiotherapy candidates.
- Why
- Candidates are exploring overseas healthcare careers, while language proficiency, qualification recognition and documentation may be required for employment in destinations such as Germany.
Indications of Growing Opportunity
Cautious Interpretation
Meaning of the enquiries
Indications of Growing Opportunity
TerraTern founder Divyansh Chaudhari said the enquiries suggest young healthcare professionals are considering overseas careers earlier.
Cautious Interpretation
The article cautions that enquiries do not necessarily become applications, employment or migration.
Physiotherapy interest
Indications of Growing Opportunity
The lower number of physiotherapy enquiries may show an opportunity to expand awareness of international career pathways.
Cautious Interpretation
The figures only show fewer enquiries than nursing and do not by themselves establish the reasons for the difference.
- Organisation
- TerraTern
- Nursing enquiries
- More than 2,500 over the past year
- South India share
- About 90–95% of nursing enquiries
- Largest source markets
- Kerala and Tamil Nadu together contributed about 65% of enquiries
- Young candidates
- About 65% were final-year students or graduates below age 25, compared with 48% the previous year
- Experienced candidates
- About 35% had professional experience in areas including intensive care, emergency care and elderly care
- Physiotherapy interest
- About 5% of enquiries, including more than 120 applicants
