By Sanjay Laul, Founder of MSM Unify
For decades, Indian students dreaming of studying abroad had four go-to destinations: the US, the UK, Canada, and Australia. While these countries still dominate the international education market, hosting over half of the world’s overseas students, a quieter shift began to accelerate. This shift, which started in 2024, is taking thousands of Indians to emerging education hubs in Europe and Central Asia.
According to India’s Bureau of Immigration, over 760,000 Indian students went abroad for higher education in 2024. While the US remains the single most popular study destination, with around 204,000 Indian students last year, this was a 13% decline from 2023. Canada saw an 8% drop in Indian study permit holders, the UK fell by 4 percent, and Australia’s numbers rose slightly, but new visa fees and stricter English requirements may curb that growth in the coming years.
In turn, Germany, Russia, and Uzbekistan are moving in the opposite direction.
Germany: Quality and Affordability
Germany has quietly become one of the most stable and appealing options for Indian students. Some 35,000 Indians chose Germany in 2024. This is almost twice the number from 2019. Part of the appeal is cost: most public universities charge little to no tuition, and living expenses, while not negligible, remain lower than in English-speaking countries.
Germany’s combination of academic excellence, globally recognized degrees, and affordability is unmatched right now. For Indian families, it offers real value without compromising on quality.
A DAAD snapshot survey showed 90% of German universities have maintained or grown their intake of international students. This year, Indians now make up the largest foreign student group in the country, about 50,000, followed closely by Chinese students. And with nearly 2,300 English-taught programs available, Germany is no longer limited to those fluent in the local language.
The country also offers a clear path to post-study work. Graduates can apply for an 18-month residence permit to find employment, a policy that aligns higher education with Germany’s labour market needs.
Russia: Medical Education at a Lower Cost
Russia’s resurgence as a destination for Indian students is striking. About 31,400 Indians studied there in 2024, nearly double the number in 2019. Much of that growth is driven by demand for affordable medical degrees. MBBS programs in Russia can cost as low as ₹3–5 lakh a year, much cheaper than most private medical colleges in India.
Strong India–Russia ties have also boosted student interest. Many Russian universities actively recruit in India, offering easier entry compared to many countries. Top schools like Moscow State University and RUDN University are well known for quality STEM and medical programs.
Uzbekistan: An Emerging Contender
Uzbekistan may not be as popular as the Big Four, but it has become an emerging study destination, growing from 300 Indian students in 2019 to nearly 10,000 in 2024. Its appeal lies in low costs, English-taught programs, and active efforts to become Central Asia’s education hub.
Medical programs are Uzbekistan’s biggest draw. although universities are slowly expanding into engineering, IT, and business. Some schools work with top European universities to offer globally recognized dual-degree programs.
Uzbekistan has also been making life easier for students with streamlined visas and policies allowing graduates to stay for further study or work.
Policy Headwinds in the Big Four
One reason these destinations are gaining traction is the growing uncertainty in the Big Four. Canada’s cap on study permits, the UK’s ban on most dependents, and Australia’s higher visa costs have all affected Indian student demand.
Data show a sharp drop in interest for the UK, Canada, and Australia since early 2024, while Germany, Italy, Austria, and the US have all seen increased student traffic. For Canada, demand from India fell 24.5% year-on-year, and in the UK, Nigerian interest fell by half, signalling broader global shifts.
The New Decision Matrix
Today’s Indian students abroad are weighing a wider range of factors:
● Cost of living
● Tuition fees
● Post-study work options
● Political climate and immigration stability
● English-taught program availability
● Cultural fit
● Proximity to home
Germany, Russia, and Uzbekistan check many of these boxes, often more consistently than the Big Four in the current climate.
Looking Ahead
With nine million students expected to study abroad by 2030, more Indians are likely to choose a wider range of destinations. We are entering a more competitive and interesting era for international education. Indian students have more choices than ever before, and that’s a good thing.
This shift is a wake-up call for the entire sector. It challenges every destination to raise the bar, not just in academics, but in how they support students’ well-being, integration, and long-term career success. For Indian students and families who feel the doors closing in traditional markets, it’s proof that quality, affordability, and global opportunity now exist well beyond the Big Four, in destinations that, until recently, weren’t even part of the conversation.
