Jasmine Grover Study Abroad Expert
Study Abroad Expert | Updated On - Jan 15, 2026
Canada has emerged as the most preferred study abroad destination for Indian students in 2024–25, overtaking the United States, according to data from a NITI Aayog report on the internationalisation of higher education, released in December 2025.
The shift marks a significant change in Indian outbound student mobility patterns. While the US has traditionally been the top choice, it has now slipped to second place, with Canada attracting the largest share of Indian students this year.
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Canada leads, US sees decline
As per the report, 427,000 Indian students were enrolled in Canada in 2024, up sharply from 179,000 in 2020 and 94,240 in 2016. This represents a 350% increase over eight years, driven largely by demand for post-study work options, immigration pathways, and comparatively lower tuition costs.
In contrast, Indian student enrolment in the United States declined from around 424,000 in 2016 to about 338,000 in 2024, placing it at number two despite remaining one of the largest destinations globally.
UK overtakes Australia for third place
The United Kingdom has moved up to third position, overtaking Australia. Indian student numbers in the UK rose sharply from just 16,559 in 2016 to 185,000 in 2024, reflecting recovery after pandemic-era declines and renewed interest following post-study work visa reforms.
Australia, which had consistently held the third spot since 2016, slipped to fourth place despite enrolling about 122,000 Indian students in 2024.
New destinations enter the top 10
The report also highlights growing diversification in destination choices. The UAE and Kyrgyzstan entered the top 10 list for the first time in 2024, indicating rising interest in affordable regional hubs, particularly for medical and technology-related programmes.
Germany retained its position among the top five, while Russia, Georgia, and the Philippines continued to attract Indian students at smaller but stable volumes.
Top 10 countries preferred by Indian students (2024)
| Rank | Country | Indian Students |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Canada | 427,000 |
| 2 | United States | 337,630 |
| 3 | United Kingdom | 185,000 |
| 4 | Australia | 122,202 |
| 5 | Germany | 42,997 |
| 6 | UAE | 25,000 |
| 7 | Russia | 24,940 |
| 8 | Kyrgyzstan | 16,500 |
| 9 | Georgia | 16,093 |
| 10 | Philippines | 9,665 |
(Source: NITI Aayog, Internationalisation of Higher Education Report)
Why Indian students are diversifying destinations
Experts attribute the changing rankings to cost sensitivity, visa stability, post-study work rights, and accessibility of programmes, particularly in medicine, engineering, and technology. Countries offering affordable education and clearer employment pathways are seeing stronger growth in Indian enrolments.
For Indian students planning to study abroad, the data signals a broader set of viable options beyond traditional destinations. While the US and UK remain academically strong, Canada’s rise and the entry of newer destinations reflect evolving priorities around affordability, return on investment, and long-term mobility.
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