Archive · 21 Jul 2026
Post-Covid Migration Trends: Indian Students Shift to Europe
A report by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the UN Migration Agency discussed how Indian students are changing their study destinations after COVID-19.
Traditionally, many Indian students went to the US, UK, Canada, and Australia for higher education.
However, in 2024, there was a 15% drop in Indian students going to these countries.
This is because of stricter visa rules and political issues, especially in Canada.
Instead, more Indian students are choosing countries like Germany, France, Ireland, Sweden, Finland, Austria, Italy, Spain, and even Russia.
These countries offer affordable education, easier visa processes, and better job opportunities after studies.
The report was discussed in Chandigarh by senior officers and experts, who emphasized the importance of safe and orderly migration.
A report by IOM and UN Migration Agency highlights changing migration patterns of Indian students post-COVID-19.
There was a 15% drop in Indian students going to traditional Western destinations like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia in 2024.
Stricter visa rules and political issues, especially in Canada, contributed to the decline.
Indian students are increasingly choosing countries like Germany, France, Ireland, Sweden, Finland, Austria, Italy, Spain, and Russia for affordable education and favorable immigration policies.
Germany saw a 34-42% increase in Indian student enrollments, making Indians the largest group of foreign students there.
- Who
- Indian students and migration experts
- What
- A report on international migration and mobility of Indian youth
- When
- Discussed on Monday in Chandigarh
- Where
- Chandigarh
- Why
- To understand changing migration patterns post-COVID-19
Traditional Western Destinations
Emerging European Destinations
Visa and Immigration Policies
Traditional Western Destinations
Stricter visa and permit rules, especially in Canada, have led to a decline in Indian student enrollments.
Emerging European Destinations
Countries like Germany and France offer favorable immigration pathways and robust post-study work options.
Cost of Education
Traditional Western Destinations
Higher tuition fees in traditional destinations like the US and UK.
Emerging European Destinations
Lower or no tuition fees in major EU countries, making them more affordable.
Geopolitical Stability
Traditional Western Destinations
Diplomatic tensions and political rifts affecting student mobility to countries like Canada.
Emerging European Destinations
Greater geopolitical stability in European countries, attracting more Indian students.
- Report Authors
- International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and UN Migration Agency
- Event Location
- Chandigarh
- Key Speakers
- Sanjay Awasthi, Pramod Kumar, Anurag Verma, Yashudeep Singh
- Decline in Indian Students to Western Countries
- 15% drop in 2024
- Top Declining Destinations
- Canada, UK, US
- Top Growing Destinations
- Germany, France, Ireland, Sweden, Finland, Austria, Italy, Spain, Russia
- Growth in Indian Students in Germany
- 34-42% increase
- Indian Students in Germany (2023/24)
- 49,000
- Growth in Indian Students in France
- 25% increase