Title: Instead of US, Canada, Indian Students Choosing Russia, Bangladesh
In recent years, the trend of Indian students pursuing higher education abroad has witnessed a significant shift. Instead of opting for traditional hubs like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, Indian students are now increasingly choosing Russia and Bangladesh as their preferred destinations. This phenomenon has been attributed to the affordability and easier visa norms offered by these countries.
According to the latest data, India saw a sharp dip in students going abroad in 2024, with the total outflow dropping from 8.92 lakh to 7.59 lakh. This decline is attributed to a combination of factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, economic uncertainty, and changing government policies. However, despite this decline, Indian students are still eager to pursue higher education abroad, and many are now opting for alternative destinations that offer better value for money.
Canada, which was once a popular destination for Indian students, recorded a steep 41% fall in the number of students opting for higher education. The diplomatic strain between India and Canada has been cited as one of the primary reasons for this decline. In the past, Canada was a preferred destination for Indian students due to its reputation for quality education, welcoming culture, and relatively easy visa process. However, the recent developments have led to a decline in the number of Indian students opting for Canada.
On the other hand, countries like Bangladesh, Uzbekistan, and Russia have emerged as popular destinations for Indian students. These countries offer a range of benefits, including affordable tuition fees, lower living costs, and easier visa norms. For instance, Russia offers a wide range of courses in fields like medicine, engineering, and science, with tuition fees as low as $2,000 per year. Bangladesh, another popular destination, offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in fields like business, law, and medicine, with tuition fees starting from $1,000 per year.
Russia, in particular, has seen a significant increase in the number of Indian students opting for higher education. According to the Russian Embassy in India, the number of Indian students in Russia has increased by over 20% in the past year. This growth is attributed to the country’s reputation for quality education, affordable tuition fees, and easy visa process. Russia is also home to a range of world-class universities, including the Moscow State University, the Lomonosov Moscow State University, and the St. Petersburg State University.
Bangladesh is another country that has emerged as a popular destination for Indian students. The country offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in fields like business, law, and medicine, with tuition fees starting from $1,000 per year. Bangladesh is also home to a range of world-class universities, including the University of Dhaka, the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, and the University of Chittagong.
Uzbekistan is another country that has gained popularity among Indian students. The country offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in fields like engineering, medicine, and science, with tuition fees starting from $2,000 per year. Uzbekistan is also home to a range of world-class universities, including the Tashkent State Technical University, the Tashkent Medical Academy, and the University of World Economy and Diplomacy.
In conclusion, the trend of Indian students opting for higher education abroad is shifting towards alternative destinations like Russia, Bangladesh, and Uzbekistan. These countries offer a range of benefits, including affordable tuition fees, lower living costs, and easier visa norms. While traditional hubs like the US, Canada, and the UK still remain popular, the shift towards alternative destinations is a clear indication of the changing preferences of Indian students.
Sources:
https://trak.in/stories/instead-of-us-canada-indian-students-choosing-bangladesh-russia/
