How Studying Abroad Will Pan Out For Indians In 2024, Based On Key Education Trends Of 2023

2023 was a monumental year for Indian students planning to study abroad or already pursuing courses in different countries.

From shifts such as UK visa-dependent policy changes to political tensions with Canada, Indian students witnessed several factors that may influence their decision to study abroad.

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Here are the top international education trends of 2023 that may impact decisions of Indian students planning to pursue studies abroad, according to an ApplyBoard report:

UK ends ability of international students to bring family with them

Starting from 1 January 2024, foreign postgraduate students enrolled in non-research courses in the United Kingdom (UK) will no longer be able to bring family members to the UK.

Till now, the dependent visa policy in UK allowed international students to bring their family members, including spouses and children, to the UK.

According to the change in UK student visa rules, starting 11 January 2024, international students can bring their dependent partner or children to the UK only if they are enrolled in a PhD or postgraduate research programme.

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Since India was the largest source of international students in the UK in 2022/23, this policy change is expected to impact Indian students' decision to study abroad.

Decline in Indian student enrollment in Canada

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Indians accounted for roughly 40% of all international students in Canada last year. However, recent trends have indicated a decline in student enrollment in Canada.

The Canadian government processed almost 146,000 new study permit applications for Indian nationals from July to October 2022. But across the same period in 2023, it processed fewer than 87,000. This means Canadian study permit applications processed for Indians have been down more than 40% since July.

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Diplomatic tensions between India and Canada could be a reason behind this.

But a Better Dwelling report suggests a different reason - social media. Social media seem to be abuzz with articles and stories of hardships that international students face in Canada, emphasising the escalating cost of living and unfulfilled promises of opportunities. This appears to have impacted Indian students' decisions to study in Canada.

Cost of studying continues to be a priority for students deciding to study abroad

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The cost of studying remained the most vital determining factor among international students in choosing a study destination, exceeding the next-closest factor by 15 percentage points, states an ApplyBoard report.

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