Indian students' hunt for new destination takes fresh route

With stricter policies dampening US dream, Germany, Ireland, NZ emerge as new choices

- ANUSHKA BHARDWAJ & SANKET KOUL

Indian students' search for new destinations to pursue their academic dreams is leading them to Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, and even Russia, as the Big Four — the United States (US), United Kingdom (UK), Canada and Australia — fall out of favour.

The reasons are multiple: US President Donald Trump's policies, strained ties with Canada, stricter visa rules, visa rejections, and rising incidence of racism in these countries versus welcoming immigration policies and promising work opportunities after their course ends — despite the language barrier.

Data from consultancy firms and the government indicates that countries such as Germany, Ireland and New Zealand are gaining favour with Indian students. According to a response by the education ministry in the Lok Sabha, Germany saw a 68 per cent increase in Indian students — from 20,684 in 2022 to 34,702 in 2024.

New Zealand, meanwhile, witnessed a whopping 354 per cent jump in Indian students — from 1,605 in 2022 to 7,297 in 2024. This was followed by Russia, with a 59 per cent rise in Indian students between 2022 and 2024, and Ireland, with 49 per cent.