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

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

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

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

'Obtaining Work Visa Extremely Difficult in US'

opportunities for international students to stay in United States after gruation have also declined. Most people can only work in ir 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 H1B lottery, where y have just an 18% chance of being selected. Every year, all noncitizens seeking to work in United States are entitled to enter lottery. re is no choice for international students seeking a visa; y must enter lottery and compete with everyone else seeking a work permit in 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 influx of students by changing application process, increasing Higher English proficiency exam score for visa applications, and raising student visa fee. Furrmore, Australia has always been receptive to students working while studying, but y have limited work opportunities by lessening number of work permits for students. A new visa policy for young professionals has been implemented, in dition to a limit on length of stay for students on temporary gruate visas. Australia penalises universities for not having tight mission 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 Cana

Cana is currently experiencing a housing and employment crisis, as well as a hostile climate. local community is becoming increasingly hostile as more cases of discrimination and racial tensions are documented. To decrease immigration in face of significant population growth, Canian government is currently reviewing long-term visas granted to international students. government has me it a priority to align domestic employment market demand with international student intake. This change in Canian 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, Canian government announced some major changes in ir student visa and PGWP rules. Students getting ir study permit after 1st October 2024 to study in a public college will get a Post Gruate Work Permit only if ir studies are linked to a long-term labour shortage in Cana. students, after completion of ir degree programme, will continue to get a PGWP of up to 3 years. silver lining, however, is that students who alrey have a study permit will not be affected. ditionally, students who want to apply for a Post-Gruate Work Permit after 1st November 2024 will have to show English Language proficiency by taking a language test in Cana. College grs need to achieve min CLB 5 while university grs need to achieve a minimum of CLB 7.

Why Indian Students Are Preferring European Countries

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

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