Nearly 800,000 Indian students are currently pursuing higher education overseas, with outbound mobility projected to grow by around 4% annually over the next decade, according to the QS Global Student Flows: India 2026 report shared exclusively with ET Education.
The report notes that while traditional destinations such as the US, UK, Canada and Australia continue to attract the majority of Indian students, visa policy changes, rising costs and growing competition from alternative destinations could reshape mobility patterns in the coming years.
India already represents one of the largest student mobility cohorts globally, reflecting sustained demand for international education and global career opportunities.
US, UK, Canada and Australia remain top destinations
The United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia continue to dominate as preferred study destinations for Indian students. These countries collectively host a significant share of Indian outbound enrolments, supported by globally ranked universities, research infrastructure and post-study work opportunities.
However, the report notes that policy shifts and stricter immigration rules in some destinations are beginning to influence student decision-making.
Students exploring alternative destinations
As visa scrutiny increases and living costs rise in traditional destinations, Indian students are gradually exploring alternative study hubs, particularly across Europe and parts of Asia. Several countries are expanding English-taught programmes, scholarship opportunities and post-study work options to attract international students.
This growing competition is expected to diversify Indian student mobility patterns over the coming decade.
Cost and visa policies shaping student choices
Financial considerations are becoming an increasingly important factor in determining where Indian students choose to study. The report highlights that tuition fees, living expenses and currency fluctuations are playing a larger role in mobility decisions.
Visa policies also remain a critical determinant. Changes related to:
post-study work rights
immigration pathways
financial documentation requirements
can significantly affect enrolment trends across destinations.
Domestic reforms may influence future trends
The report also notes that ongoing reforms in India’s higher education sector could gradually shape outbound mobility patterns.
Initiatives such as:
National Education Policy (NEP) 2020
entry of foreign universities into India
expansion of international collaborations and joint degrees
may provide students with greater access to globally oriented education within the country.
Ashwin Fernandes, Chair, QS India and Vice President for Strategic and International Engagement at QS Quacquarelli Symonds, said India remains central to global student mobility.
“What we are witnessing is a rebalancing of global higher education, and India is at the centre of it. Students from India remain among the most globally mobile cohorts, even as new destinations emerge and mobility patterns diversify,” Fernandes said.>
