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Despite visa policy fluctuations and changing geopolitical currents, the global higher education landscape continues to be dominated by four destinations for Indian students — Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Germany. Data from multiple international education agencies and government sources show that these countries together host over 7 lakh Indian students in 2025, a figure that has more than doubled in the past decade.
Canada remains the most preferred destination, hosting around 4.27 lakh Indian students by the end of 2024, with a further 1.37 lakh new study permits issued in 2025, according to the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE). While recent visa uncertainties and housing concerns in Canada have drawn headlines, overall enrollment growth remains steady.
Tuition fees for Indian students range between CAD 9,000 and CAD 53,000 per year, depending on the programme and institution, with average annual living costs of CAD 10,000 to 15,000. The country’s scholarship ecosystem — including EduCanada, the Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute awards, and the Vanier Graduate Scholarships — continues to attract meritorious applicants.
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The United Kingdom remains the second-most popular destination, hosting nearly 98,890 Indian students in 2025, down slightly from the 1,17,065 recorded in 2023, as per the UK government’s immigration statistics. Interestingly, four out of five Indian students in the UK pursue postgraduate programs, reflecting the appeal of one-year master’s degrees and flexible work routes.
Average tuition costs stand at £11,400–38,000 for undergraduate and £9,000–30,000 for postgraduate programmes, with London’s annual living costs averaging £13,000–17,000. Indian students benefit from targeted scholarships such as the GREAT India Scholarships, Commonwealth Awards, and several university-specific grants.
After a pandemic-era slump, Australia has rebounded sharply, recording 1.22 lakh Indian enrollments in 2025, up from about one lakh in 2021. The Australian Department of Education notes a consistent rise in higher education enrollments, aided by relaxed post-study work rights and growing university-industry collaboration.
Tuition fees range between AUD 20,000–50,000 per year, while living expenses average AUD 21,000 annually. The government’s Destination Australia initiative and institutional awards — including those from the University of Sydney and regional universities — have boosted accessibility for Indian students.
Germany has seen the fastest growth rate among the top four destinations, with the number of Indian students rising from 43,000 in 2021 to nearly 60,000 in 2025, according to the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). India has now overtaken China as Germany’s top source of non-EU students.
A major draw is the low or zero tuition at most public universities. Postgraduate fees, where applicable, range from €250 to €4,000 per year, with average living costs estimated between €11,900 and €18,000. Robust funding options such as DAAD scholarships and Erasmus+ programs further strengthen Germany’s appeal.
While tuition and living costs vary significantly across regions — and currency fluctuations continue to impact affordability — the overall trend underscores the diversification of Indian student destinations. With government partnerships and new bilateral education agreements, experts suggest that student mobility from India will remain resilient, even amid tightening visa norms in some regions.
