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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A major decision of US President Donald Trump has created a stir in world politics as well as India’s economy. The ‘Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025’, brought to further tighten the sanctions related to Russia, has received Trump’s approval. Under this law, heavy tariffs of up to 500 percent can be imposed on those countries which are trading oil, gas or other important commodities with Russia. India is also included in such countries, hence this decision is expected to have a direct impact on India.

India has been purchasing large quantities of crude oil and other energy resources from Russia for the last few years. After the Ukraine war, when many western countries distanced themselves from Russia, India met its energy needs by buying cheap Russian oil. India also benefited economically from this. But now the new law of the Trump government has made this path difficult. If India continues to buy oil and other goods from Russia, the US can impose tariffs of up to 500 percent on products coming from India.

Which sectors will be most affected

IT and Tech Sector- India’s IT sector is largely dependent on America. A major part of the income of big IT companies comes from the American market. Due to increasing tariffs and trade tensions, American companies may reduce spending on Indian IT services. This will affect new recruitments and may also increase the risk of job cuts.

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Textile and Garment Industry- A large part of the clothes and readymade garments from India goes to America. If heavy taxes are imposed on these, Indian products will become expensive. Due to this, American buyers can turn to other countries. This will have a direct impact on the factories and lakhs of workers working there.

Pharma Sector- India is called the pharmacy of the world and America is the largest market for Indian medicines. Due to increase in tariff, Indian medicines will become expensive, which may reduce exports. This may affect the earnings and jobs of pharmaceutical companies.

Auto and auto parts- Auto parts and some vehicle parts are sent to America from India. If the tariff increases, their exports may reduce, which may create a job crisis in this sector as well.

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Health & Wellness Priority in Job: Most of the employees are giving priority to health and wellness in changing jobs in India. This information was given in the report released on Wednesday. According to a report by Global Vocational Service firm Aon, 82 percent of employees in India are looking for a new job in the next 12 months.

What are the benefits of Indian employees?

The report stated that Indian employees mainly get five types of benefits in companies, including work-life balance, medical coverage, career development, salary leave and retirement savings. According to the report, among the people participating in the survey in India, medical coverage among all generations was one of the most valuable benefits in jobs, it was rated by Jane X and Jane Y Y. Jane Z has given priority to the work-life balance in the job.

76 percent people ready to give up existing benefits

In addition, 76 percent of the people involved in the survey said that they are ready to give up the existing benefits for better options for benefits. It highlights the need to do its strategies for businesses in India according to the changing expectations of their employees.

Nitin Sethi, head of talent solutions for India in AON, said, “Very few companies have considered how wellness and health program can shape their employer brand. After Kovid we are seeing a big change in it because employees give more importance to these programs and companies are branding more actively.”

Based on global research of more than 9000 employees

The report is based on global research of more than 9,000 employees in 23 geographical regions including the US, Britain, China, India and Australia. “Employees are becoming increasingly aware of the benefits of medical and life benefits,” said Ashley Decilva, head of health and wealth solutions in AON and India. “The importance of retirement and financial planning among young employees is amazing,” Disilva said.

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