By Admin 
Study Abroad Trends: Studying abroad has been a big dream of Indian students for a long time. Every year lakhs of students move to other countries for better education, good jobs and international experience. However, now this trend seems to be gradually changing. In recent years, not only has there been a decline in the number of Indian students going abroad, but many students are returning to India after completing their studies sooner than before.
Experts say that there are many reasons for this like increasing expenses, strict immigration rules, changing job market and increasing career opportunities in India. In such a situation, let us know why Indian students are returning to India sooner than before.
Why are attitudes towards studying abroad changing?
According to Sanjay Lall, Founder and Director of MSM Unify, the thinking of students regarding studying abroad is not the same as before. Earlier, international education was considered a way to permanently settle abroad, but now students are taking decisions in a more practical manner. He says that today’s students are taking decisions keeping in mind their career and future. If they see better opportunities in India, they are deciding to return soon.
Decline in the number of Indian students going abroad
According to the Bureau of Immigration data presented in Parliament by the Ministry of Education, the number of Indian students going abroad for higher education has decreased in the last few years. In the year 2023, more than 9.08 lakh students went to study abroad. This number will reduce to 7.7 lakh in 2024. Whereas in 2025 it further reduced to 6.26 lakh. Within two years, there was a decline of about 31 percent in the number of students going abroad.
Why are Indian students who went to study abroad returning early?
According to Sanjay Lall, immigration rules in countries like America, Canada, Britain and Australia have become stricter than before. It is taking more time to get a visa and the situation of getting a job after completing studies is also not as easy as before. Especially due to AI based changes, competition has increased in entry level jobs. In such a situation, confusion has increased for international students regarding career after studies.
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Expert told this big reason
Experts say that the fees for studying abroad are continuously increasing. Along with this, the cost of living has also become higher than before. At the same time, due to fall in the value of rupee, studying abroad is becoming more expensive. In many countries, the amount of proof of funds to be shown before starting studies has also been increased significantly. In such a situation, especially middle class families are now assessing the expenses incurred on studying abroad and the benefits received in return more carefully than before.
Better career opportunities are increasing in India
According to Sanjay Lall, India’s job market is also changing rapidly. Global Capability Center (GCC), Multinational Companies (MNC), AI based companies and startups are growing rapidly in the country. This has increased the opportunities for well-paid jobs for youth with international education. This is the reason why many students, after completing their studies abroad, prefer to return to India soon to further their career. Experts believe that this change is not a sign of diminishing importance of international education. Rather, the thinking of the students is changing.
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