The number of Indian students studying abroad rapidly increased by 163% between 1999 and 2006 to reach 145,539 as compared to slower growth of 25% between 2006 and 2013 to reach 181,872, according an analysis of UNESCO data. Students of Indian origin are traveling in higher numbers than ever before to pursue higher education abroad. Nearly 85% of internationally mobile Indian students head for five countries—the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and New Zealand —but China and Germany are both emerging destinations for Indian students heading abroad, though the numbers heading for Germany are still relatively small. In 2006, of the 123,000 studying outside India, 76,500 chose the US, followed by the UK; in 2001 India overtook China as the source of the largest number of foreign students in the United States.
The number of students studying in the US rose 94,563 to 103,260 in 2010–11. Most of the students choose either the east coast or the mid-west as their destination. In 2001 India overtook China as the source of the largest number of foreign students in the United States. "In the US alone, nearly 45% of international students are either Chinese or Indians. That's almost half the market. In 2010, the percentage share for China plus India was 30%. In 2014, it was almost 42%", the report noted.. According to the 2017 report, the number of Indian students in the USA was at a record number to over 186,000.. According to OpenDoors Data, the US government estimates over 200,000 F visa Indian students in the United States. The Embassy of India, Washington DC launched the official in collaboration with Indian student leaders as an initiatives that promotes the welfare of Indian students in the US, serves as a forum for them to communicate with the Embassy and Consulates, and builds leadership and skills amongst students. The Embassy facilitates student leaders to run a peer support line, organize live sessions with Embassy officials like the Ambassador of India and noteworthy figures like Sunita Williams and Aparna Kumar, and hosts hackathons, virtual graduation celebrations, and challenges to engage students and foster community. It is the largest community of Indian students abroad in the world with sustained engagement, has received acclaim from international student officers and US representatives, and is a flagship consular initiative of this charge.
Students from India in United Kingdom
The UK has seen a strong increase in Indian student numbers in recent years. There was a drastic increase of 63% in the number of Indian students opting to study in the United Kingdom. As per the Quarter three 2019 statistics release which covers the 12 months between 1 October 2018 and 30 September 2019, and compares with 12 months between 1 October 2017 and 30 September 2018; for India in the year ending September 2019, this showed: 1. Number of Indian students going to the UK for year ending September 2018 – 18,730 2. Number of Indian students going to the UK for year ending September 2019 – 30,550 This was a numerical increase of +11,820 and equated to a percentage increase of +63% which is a huge increase for India. It is almost three times as fast as the increase for China and almost four times as much as the global rate. In a major boost for Indian students aspiring to study in the UK or are already enrolled into an educational course, the UK government in September 2019 announced a new two-year post-study work visa, expanding opportunities for talented international students to build successful careers in the UK. The new ‘Graduate’ route will be open to all international students – including those from India – who have valid UK immigration status as a student and have successfully completed a course of study in any subject at undergraduate level or above at an approved UK Higher Education Provider.
Students from India in Australia
After peaking in 2009, the number of Indian students studying in Australia fell following racial attacks; by 2015 the number had risen to exceed the 2009 number. During 2013-14, 34,100 Australian visas were issued to Indian students, a rise of 38% as compared to the previous year.
Students from India in Germany
As of 2014-15, there are approximately 11000 Indian students studying in Germany, comprising 4.9% of international students in the country. Numbers are rising. German universities have started offering several master's programs in English, attracting Indian students.
Other major destinations
Nearly 85% of internationally mobile Indian students head for five countries: the US, UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand, but in addition to Germany, China, Ukraine, Russia and Georgia are some emerging destination for Indian students heading abroad. Romania and Ukraine has also emerged as a destination for Indian students of medicine as the education system is regulated under the European Union and is of a higher quality than in the countries of the former USSR quality is relatively better compared to Ex-USSR, China, and the Philippines. Many Indian students are also opting for higher education in the Netherlands because of the high quality of education, availability of more than 2,000 courses taught completely in English, and access to the European Union including career opportunities after graduation. In 2017, approximately 2,021 Indian students went to the Netherlands for higher studies. Many Indians have also chosen to study in Denmark and Norway, which offer many professional courses, and about 100 in Poland.
