International students are shying away from studying in America. US study visa revocation and deletion of student records from the SEVIS system are becoming a major concern for both parents and the student community.
Further, the Trump administration is likely to put an end to the OPT program, which permitted students to work in the US after completing their studies.
“Surveys show a noticeable shift in perception. According to a report, 42% of international students said they were less likely to consider the U.S., citing factors such as visa delays, safety, and political instability. So while the U.S. still attracts top talent, students are more aware of risks and are weighing options more carefully than before,” says Aritra Ghoshal, Founder and Director, OneStep Global.
So, if not the USA, where are the Indian students going to study? “Indian students are now casting a wider net when it comes to study-abroad destinations. Countries like Germany, France, and Ireland are gaining popularity, thanks to their high-quality education systems, welcoming immigration policies, and promising job markets.
Germany stands out for its low or no tuition fees and global reputation in engineering and applied sciences. France is known for business, design, and healthcare-related programs. Ireland has carved a niche in computer technology and life sciences, supported by strong university-industry linkages.
That said, the U.S. continues to remain highly aspirational, especially for those targeting STEM education, research, design and healthcare careers. As students weigh their options, informed decision-making will ensure the right academic and career outcomes,” says Manisha Zaveri, Joint Managing Director, Career Mosaic.
Germany is the most popular non-English-speaking country to study in and is one of the most significant destination countries globally. Approximately 405,000 international students are enrolled at German universities at the moment, according to DAAD figures. The majority of overseas students in German universities are Indian, numbering about 50,000.
“Indian students are now actively considering alternative destinations, and countries like Germany, New Zealand, Australia, Ireland, and France have seen a surge in applications. Germany saw a 68% increase in Indian student enrollment between 2022 and 2024 due to its affordable or free tuition and strong engineering programs.
New Zealand has emerged as a surprise favorite, with a 354% increase in Indian student applications. This spike is largely due to changes in its post-study work visa policies and strong job opportunities for graduates in IT, healthcare, and business. Students also view New Zealand as safer and more welcoming compared to the U.S. or U.K.
Australia and Ireland are also climbing up the list, especially for students in finance, law, and medicine. Canada, although still popular, is facing challenges with delayed visa processing and housing shortages, which have pushed many students toward Europe instead.
This shift shows that Indian students are not limiting themselves to traditional destinations anymore. They are adapting quickly and making data-driven decisions based on visa ease, career opportunities, and long-term settlement options,” says Aritra Ghoshal, Founder and Director, OneStep Global.
“Indian students are increasingly considering alternative destinations, including Russia, where Indian student numbers rose by 33.7% in 2024, with 31,444 students studying there. For Germany, student numbers increased by 68% from 2022 to 2024, with 34,702 students, while for France, the student numbers grew by 33% from 2022 to 2024, with 8,536 students. New Zealand saw the maximum rush where student numbers surged by 354% from 2022 to 2024, with 7,300 students,” says Gaurav Batra Founder & CEO Infinite Group.
Yatharth Gulati, Co-Founder of Rostrum Education says, “Students are increasingly looking toward the UK, Australia, Germany, and Ireland. The UK is appealing due to its two-year Graduate Route, Australia has improved visa pathways and job prospects, and Germany and Ireland are seen as high-quality, affordable options with strong career outcomes.
Singapore is also gaining traction, especially among students interested in business, finance, and technology. With globally ranked institutions like NUS and NTU, a safe and modern environment, and proximity to India, it offers excellent return on investment and strong industry connections.
Canada, on the other hand, is seeing declining interest due to its recent cap on international student permits and stricter housing and financial requirements.”