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While current trends pose challenges, policy adjustments could lead to a more sustainable growth trajectory for the education sector
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The dual decline in both international student enrollment in India and Indian students going abroad signifies a period of transition, with potential for positive outcomes through strategic reforms and market corrections.
The educational landscape in India is experiencing a dual shift: a sharp drop in enrollment of international students in Indian universities, coupled with a decline in Indian students seeking education abroad.
Impact on Indian Universities: Indian universities have seen a significant decrease in international student enrollment over the past decade.
According to the Reserve Bank of India, income from education-related travel to India fell from $519 million in 2015 to $247 million in 2024.
While there was a slight recovery in 2023 and 2024, the numbers remain far below 2014-15 levels. Efforts to internationalize through the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and initiatives by the University Grants Commission (UGC) have yet to yield significant results.
The Study in India program, despite offering scholarships and student exchange opportunities, has not achieved its goals, hindered by high fees and superior infrastructure in Western countries.
Interest in standardized tests like the ACT and SAT has risen by 20%, and students are increasingly considering non-traditional destinations such as Germany, Ireland, and Spain
Decline in Indian Students Abroad: Simultaneously, fewer Indian students are pursuing education abroad. In 2023, over 1.2 million students traveled overseas for higher studies, but projections for 2025 suggest a substantial drop. A GyanDhan analysis from March to May 2024 reported a 22% decrease in students seeking abroad education loans compared to the same period last year. States like Telangana and Gujarat witnessed drops of 30% and 35%, respectively. Factors contributing to this trend include challenges in securing jobs in the US, caps on international student admissions in Canada, stricter visa evaluations in Australia, and potential restrictions in the UK.
The economic repercussions of these restrictive measures are significant, with universities in countries like the UK, Canada, and Australia facing staff layoffs and course suspensions. However, the current scenario might prompt a market correction, eliminating unscrupulous entities and fostering a more transparent industry.
Future Prospects: Despite the challenges, there’s a silver lining. The growing affluence of India’s middle class and their desire for quality education and global exposure continue to drive interest in undergraduate studies abroad. Interest in standardized tests like the ACT and SAT has risen by 20%, and students are increasingly considering non-traditional destinations such as Germany, Ireland, and Spain.
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