Archive · 24 Dec 2025
Indian Students Prefer US, Canada, Australia, and EU for Studies
Indian students prefer to study in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the European Union.
The United States is the top choice, with over 3.3 lakh Indian students in 2023-24.
Canada has seen rapid growth, with nearly 2.3 lakh Indian students in 2023.
Australia has also attracted over 1.2 lakh Indian students, offering strong post-study work and migration pathways.
The European Union is gaining ground, particularly for affordable and high-quality education.
These countries offer various benefits like post-study work permits, permanent residency options, and strong research ecosystems, making them popular destinations for Indian students.
The United States remains the top destination for Indian students, with 3,31,602 studying there in 2023-24, accounting for 29% of total international students in the US.
Canada has seen a 48.7% increase in international student enrollment, with 2,33,272 Indian students in 2023, making up 42.9% of all international students in Canada.
Australia has recorded a 50.9% increase in international students, with over 1.2 lakh Indian students as of September 2023.
The European Union is emerging as a strong alternative, with India being the third-largest source country for international students in the EU.
The US, Canada, and Australia offer strong post-study work and migration pathways, making them attractive destinations for Indian students.
- Who
- Indian students, NITI Aayog
- What
- Study abroad preferences and trends
- When
- 2023-2024
- Where
- United States, Canada, Australia, European Union
- Why
- To pursue higher education and better career opportunities
- Top Destinations for Indian Students
- United States, Canada, Australia, European Union
- US International Student Enrollment (2023-24)
- 11,26,690
- Indian Students in US (2023-24)
- 3,31,602 (29% of total)
- Canadian International Student Enrollment (2024)
- 4,85,000
- Indian Students in Canada (2023)
- 2,33,272 (42.9% of total)
- Australia's International Student Enrollment (2023)
- 5,24,514
- Indian Students in Australia (2023)
- 1,20,000+
- EU's Third-Largest Source of International Students (2023)
- India
- H-1B Visa Application Fee
- USD 100,000
- Canada's GDP Contribution from International Education (2022)
- CAD 30.9 billion (1.2% of GDP)
- Australia's GDP Contribution from International Education (2023-24)
- AUD 51 billion (1.9% of GDP)
- Permanent Residency Grants to Indians in Australia (2023-24)
- 49,814
Sources
Foreign varsities sitting on a gold mine in India
13.35 Lakh Indian Students Studied Abroad In 2024, Canada, US, Top Choices
‘Brain drain’ is real: For every 1 foreign student, 25 Indians go abroad for studies, says NITI Aayog
Canada, US, UK: Top picks for Indian students heading abroad – NITI Aayog
Which are the Top International Higher Education Destinations for Indian Students? Check Details
The Great Exodus: How many Indian students travelled abroad to study?
Which Are The Most Preferred Study Abroad Destinations For Indian Students
Develop Higher Education Hubs to Attract International Students
Study in India | New Foreign Universities That Opened in India This Year
