Forget US! This is the new study abroad hotspot

There was a time when US was ‘the dream destination’ for Indian students looking to study abroad. But that dream is no longer a reality. In 2025, India’s students are ditching US and moving beyond the big 4- US, Canada, UK & Australia .

UpGrad’s recent survey shows a sharp drop in Indian students going to the US. Applications to American universities fell by 13% year-on-year. Canada’s popularity has also sharply dropped with 17.9% applications in 2022 to just 9.3% now.

Where are Indian students going instead?

The top destination to emerge as the new study abroad dream is Germany.

Germany: It has become the leading alternative, with its share of Indian students soaring from 13.2% in 2022 to 32.6% in 2024-25. This is largely due to its affordable or even free tuition fees and strong post-study work options.

UAE: This new hotspot now hosts almost 42% Indian international students, gaining traction with career-focused, shorter programs.

Other destinations: Emerging destinations like Ireland, New Zealand and France are also witnessing rapid growth in Indian student enrollments.

Why the shift from the US?

1. Visa challenges and uncertainty
   Increasingly strict visa rules under US immigration policies, especially post-2024, have caused major hurdles, including difficult interview slots and higher rejection rates. A recent freeze on student visa appointments also left thousands of Indian students in limbo during key application seasons.
   
   
2. Rising costs and currency fluctuations
   Tuition and living expenses in the US can exceed $65,000 per year, a hefty sum for most Indian families. Moreover, the depreciation of the Indian Rupee against the US Dollar pushes these costs even higher, creating a further burden of education expenses.
   
   
3. Changing priorities
   Indian students are now preferring programs that lead quickly to jobs and practical experience. Countries like Germany and the UAE offer shorter, career-focused courses, easier visa procedures, and better chances for work after studies.

So, big picture is the ‘Big Four’ are no longer the default. Europe, the Middle East, and APAC are fast becoming the smarter, future-ready alternatives.