The recent study conducted by Bengaluru based Redseer Strategy Consultants sheds light on the rapidy growing Indian Study Abroad market.
In its report, it is estimated that by 2024, over 18 lakh students are expected to take the option of studying abroad. Last year, the data shared in Parliament by the government highlighted that there has been a 68 per cent increase in Indian students travelling abroad for higher education as compared to the previous year.
In 2022, approximately 7.5 lakh students went abroad to pursue their academic dreams while in 2021, just over 4.44 lakh students went abroad. There have been many factors behind this growth, but the pandemic has been one major reason as there was increased demand during this period.
IDP Education’s Regional Director for South Asia and Mauritius Piyush Kumar claimed that during the pandemic, the number of Indian students going abroad to study dropped significantly. But, soon after the international borders reopened, many students who had postponed their plans began going abroad for studies. This growth has been going on for many years.
When examining the reasons for this, many things come to light. The fact is that more and more Indian students pass out of the schools every year, but there aren’t enough colleges and universities in India that provide quality education and also accommodate these students.
Additionally, post-graduation work rights in many countries are not only attractive, but easy availability of education loans and scholarships prompt Indian students to go abroad for education. Many countries are eager to welcome international students and are working hard to clear the visa backlog. The US and Canada are taking innovative measures to attract students, hiring new staff and modernizing their services. The availability of scholarships and financial aid has made studying abroad easier.
Many universities offer financial aid to international students, so the tuition and living costs can be reduced.
In some cases, students may receive a full scholarship. Most Indian students prefer to study in English speaking countries like the USA, England, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Ireland. Canada is the preferred choice for students going abroad. However, earlier this year, Canada decided to limit the number of international students, made attestation letters mandatory for obtaining study permits and closed the open work permit given to their spouses.
Despite such restrictions, students have given priority to Canada. Students are eligible to obtain a work permit after completing their studies and can then apply for permanent citizenship. Although Canada has changed its policy and introduced some new restrictions this year, 350,000 students can still apply for study permits.
According to official statistics, as of the end of 2023, more than 3.80 lakh Indians are already in Canada. Regardless of this ratio, there are many opportunities for Indian students to enter Canada. Furthermore, the presence of Indian communities in Canada, often the close relatives, boost the confidence of students. After the imposition of some strict restrictions, many Indians are hoping to immigrate using some alternative options. For many, the Labour Market Impact Assessment Permit has emerged as a preferred option. The LMIA is the mechanism that allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers. It requires employers to post their job requirements on an official Canadian portal and eligible foreign workers can apply through it. According to the Canadian government website, a positive LMIA will show that a foreign worker is needed to fill the job. It also shows that there are no Canadian workers or permanent residents available to do the job.
Indians can apply for these vacancies. If they are selected, they will need a Canadian work permit. To apply for a work permit, a worker needs a job offer letter, contract, and LMIA number. Given the labour shortage in Canada, jobs such as farm workers, dairy workers, cooks, welders, plumbers, carpenters, and caretakers are being recruited on a large scale.
There are also vacancies in the fields of healthcare and technology. In short, many Indian students take advantage of this opportunity and consider moving to Canada where one can study and also get a job. Comparatively, it is not easy to get a job while studying in England and America. However, the increasing number of students going abroad by two lakhs every year, is not at all a matter of pride for India. It is necessary to pay attention to provide facilities of higher and quality education in India, and see to it that maximum job opportunities will be provided to the youth. For this to happen, foreign investment in India must increase.