13.35 lakh Indian students currently pursuing higher studies abroad: MEA

As per the data shared by the government, in 2024, the number of Indian students pursuing higher studies from abroad is 13,35,878, and in 2023, this figure was 13,18,955.

Study Abroad: Last week, the Indian government apprised the Parliament that currently in 2024, more than 13 lakh Indian students are pursuing higher studies from abroad.

While replying to a question about whether the government is maintaining any record of Indian students studying abroad, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh provided a written response in Rajya Sabha and shared country-wise details of students from India studying abroad. The data is shared for each country including UK, Canada, Australia, US, France, Germany, Russia, Singapore, Ukraine and Israel.

As per the data shared by the government, in 2024, there are a total of 13,35,878 Indian students pursuing higher studies abroad. The figure stood at 13,18,955 in 2023 and in 2022, it was 9,07,404.

Currently, the maximum number of Indians are studying in Canada with a total student figure 4,27000 followed by the US where 3,37,630 students are pursuing higher studies, the UK has 185000, Australia has 122202, China has 8580 Indian students enrolled, 2510 students are in Ukraine, 900 in Israel, 14 in Pakistan, and eight in Greece.

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The minister said in his response, "Indian Missions/Posts abroad constantly engage with Indian students studying overseas and encourage them to either register with them or on the Global Rishta Portal. They organise 'Welcome Ceremonies' for Indian students who travel abroad for the first time and brief them on security issues in the host countries," as reported by India Today.

"They also advise them to register with the Indian Missions/Posts and to regularly stay connected. Indian Missions/Posts use the aforesaid method to collect data on Indian students abroad through voluntary registrations. Indian Missions/Posts abroad also coordinate with the concerned authorities in the host Governments to secure data on the number of Indian students studying overseas," added the minister.

The study abroad trend is catching up among the Indian students who are exploring these opportunities in search of global career options. Also, the governments of various countries are making educational ties with each other to facilitate dual programs and global exposure.

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