Indian Students Eyeing Higher Education in Europe Amid Policy Shifts in US, Australia, Canada, UK

Students from the Indian subcontinent aspiring for higher education in a foreign country have conventionally preferred the US, UK, Australia, or Canada. However, Study Abroad Trends Report 3.0, conducted in 2024, showed a dip in students choosing these preferred destinations, whereas European countries saw a spike. While just 9.3 per cent of aspirants opted for Canada, the US was preferred by 27.6%, and only 9.5% per cent students chose the UK. EU countries became the popular choice with more than 48.8% of students opting for them. It is even more interesting to see how policy changes were responsible for the decline in the interest of students. Their loss became European countries’ gain. 

US Records Sharp Decline in Students' Interest Due To Stringent Policy

The United States has long been a favourite among Indian students. It saw this sharp decline in students’ interest due to the stringent policy changes. The complex and time-consuming visa application process complicates matters further. If a visa is denied, no reasons are provided, and there is insufficient clarity about how they make decisions, which could benefit students the next time they apply for a visa. This uncertainty about obtaining a visa has affected the great majority of students, as each application is an expensive affair for the student. 

'Obtaining Work Visa Extremely Difficult in US'

The opportunities for international students to stay in the United States after graduation have also declined. Most people can only work in their field for a year (three years for STEM majors), after which it becomes increasingly difficult to continue. Obtaining a work visa is exceedingly difficult; many must apply for the H1B lottery, where they have just an 18% chance of being selected. Every year, all noncitizens seeking to work in the United States are entitled to enter the lottery. There is no choice for international students seeking a visa; they must enter the lottery and compete with everyone else seeking a work permit in the US. This uncertainty has led many students to look for different options. 

Reduced Work Permits for Students, High Visa Fee in Australia

Australia, once popular amongst students has also reduced the influx of students by changing the application process, increasing the Higher English proficiency exam score for visa applications, and raising the student visa fee. Furthermore, Australia has always been receptive to students working while studying, but they have limited work opportunities by lessening the number of work permits for students. A new visa policy for young professionals has been implemented, in addition to a limit on the length of stay for students on temporary graduate visas. Australia penalises universities for not having tight admission rules, which restrict and scrutinise Indian candidates severely. This has resulted in applications being targeted specifically from states such as Haryana , Punjab , and Gujarat .

Housing & Employment Crisis in Canada

Canada is currently experiencing a housing and employment crisis, as well as a hostile climate. The local community is becoming increasingly hostile as more cases of discrimination and racial tensions are documented. To decrease immigration in the face of significant population growth, the Canadian government is currently reviewing the long-term visas granted to international students. The government has made it a priority to align domestic employment market demand with international student intake. This change in Canadian policy towards international students has resulted in 35% fewer student permits awarded this year. Scrutiny has increased significantly, resulting in tighter work conditions and discouraging Indian pupils.

Most recently, the Canadian government announced some major changes in their student visa and PGWP rules. Students getting their study permit after 1st October 2024 to study in a public college will get a Post Graduate Work Permit only if their studies are linked to a long-term labour shortage in Canada. The students, after the completion of their degree programme, will continue to get a PGWP of up to 3 years. The silver lining, however, is that the students who already have a study permit will not be affected. Additionally, students who want to apply for a Post-Graduate Work Permit after 1st November 2024 will have to show English Language proficiency by taking a language test in Canada. College grads need to achieve min CLB 5 while university grads need to achieve a minimum of CLB 7.

Why Indian Students Are Preferring European Countries

On the other side, European countries such as France, Germany, and Ireland are welcoming a significant number of students from Southeast Asia. While visa processing is easier and less complicated, the students can choose from a number of courses at some of the oldest and most famous institutes. Furthermore, tuition and living costs are lower than in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. Because European countries are more lenient about part-time work and post-study/career search after graduation, students who complete their courses will have plenty of job opportunities. The culturally rich and fulfilling Europe is home to some of the world's safest and happiest countries, making it an excellent choice for students.

The author of this article is Chintan Modi, Managing Director, EduGo Abroad. Views expressed here are personal.