Douglas Olsen
International students from India are an increasingly common sight in Western universities, particularly in English-speaking countries. As of January 2021, more than 1 million Indian students were enrolled in institutions outside of India, with the most popular destinations being in the Anglosphere, including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. The number of Indian students in Canada, for example, quadrupled between 2015 and 2019, with Indian students even reportedly travelling through multiple countries to circumvent COVID-19 travel bans. While the cost of studying abroad is high, with international students facing limited scholarship opportunities, nearly one in two billionaires in India have invested in overseas education for their children. This has led to a perception of international students as rich kids on vacation. However, this stereotype fails to acknowledge the unique challenges faced by international students, including the emotional and financial struggles of living away from home and the difficulty of studying in a foreign language.
What You'll Learn
International students from India enrolled in Canadian institutions
The rising number of international students from India in Canada reflects a broader trend of Indian students pursuing higher studies abroad. According to the Wealth Report 2017 by Knight Frank, nearly one in two billionaires (47%) in India have invested in overseas education for their children, surpassing the global average of 28% and the Asia average of 38%. This trend has resulted in a significant economic impact, with Indian students contributing $6.5 billion to the US economy in 2016 and $7.6 billion during the 2019-20 period.
While it is true that a significant number of international Indian students come from wealthy backgrounds, it is essential to acknowledge that not all of them are "rich kids on vacation." International students from India often face various challenges, including financial burdens, language barriers, and the emotional toll of being away from their families and support systems. The cost of studying abroad can be substantial, with tuition fees, visa expenses, and living costs adding up quickly. For instance, international students at a community college in California need around $40,000 to begin their academic journey.
Despite these financial challenges, Indian students continue to pursue higher education in Canada and other countries due to the value they place on quality education and the opportunities it can provide. Canada, in particular, has become an attractive destination due to its welcoming policies towards international students, including the ability to apply for a study permit without paying tuition fees upfront. These factors, combined with the strong academic reputation of Canadian institutions, contribute to the growing enrollment of international students from India in Canadian institutions.
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The financial burden of studying abroad
Studying abroad is a dream for many Indian students. The prospect of accessing better facilities, research opportunities, and international exposure makes it a lucrative option. However, it comes with a significant financial burden that can be challenging for aspiring international students.
The financial challenges of studying abroad for Indian students are multifaceted. One of the primary concerns is the currency conversion, where students need to convert Indian Rupees (INR) into foreign currencies such as the US Dollar, British Pound, or Euro. This conversion can be detrimental to India's economy, as Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar pointed out, coining the term "forex drain." The constant outflow of money for tuition fees, housing, and living expenses in stronger global currencies contributes to the depletion of India's foreign exchange reserves, impacting the country's trade imbalance.
The cost of studying abroad varies depending on the chosen country, university, program type, and duration. For instance, the cost of living in Europe for Indian students can be high, affecting their overall budget. Tuition fees in particular can be a burden, with countries like the United States known for their high costs. If the Indian Rupee depreciates against these stronger currencies, the effective cost of education rises, making it even more expensive for Indian students.
Scholarships and financial aid can provide some relief, but they may not always be accessible or sufficient. While countries like France offer the same tuition fees for domestic and international students and actively attract foreign students with scholarships, other popular destinations like the United States have high tuition costs, with limited scholarship opportunities for international students. The competition for scholarships is high, and they may not always cover the full expense. Additionally, the process of applying for and securing financial aid can be lengthy and uncertain.
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The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Indian students
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on Indian students, affecting their studies, mental and physical well-being, and future plans.
During the pandemic, many countries imposed international travel restrictions, which disrupted the plans of Indian students wanting to study abroad. According to a report by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), the pandemic influenced the decisions of over 48% of Indian students who intended to pursue education in a foreign country. The report, titled "Indian Student's Mobility Report 2020: Impact of COVID-19 on Higher Education Choices," highlights the challenges faced by Indian students due to reduced return on investment and decreased employability prospects in a post-COVID-19 world.
Indian students studying in European countries faced challenges due to lockdowns and border closures. They experienced disruptions in their academic programmes, particularly those with international modules that required travel. For example, Ritika Pushkar, an MBA student in Germany, shared that the pandemic prevented her from participating in international components of her programme, impacting her learning experience and future placements.
The pandemic also took a toll on the mental and physical well-being of Indian students abroad. Manav Khanna, a PhD student in Italy, joked about his weight gain during the lockdown, highlighting the impact on his physical health. Pratap Singh Rathore, a finance student in France, faced difficulties in maintaining his physical fitness and experienced social isolation due to cancelled events and limited opportunities to meet friends or make new connections.
Despite these challenges, the resilience and optimism of Indian students, coupled with the support from their universities and host countries, helped them continue their studies. The pandemic also led to a shift in international student enrollment trends, with a surge in Indian students pursuing graduate studies in the US, contributing to the financial lifeline of colleges.
Overall, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the plans and experiences of Indian students studying abroad, impacting their academic pursuits, well-being, and future prospects. However, their determination and the support received from institutions and countries of study played a crucial role in helping them navigate these challenges.
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The number of Indian students in the Anglosphere
The Anglosphere countries are predominantly the top choice for Indian students seeking to study abroad. As of January 2021, over 1 million Indian students were studying in 85 countries outside of India, with more than 50% of these students choosing North America.
Indian Students in the United States
The United States is the top choice for Indian students pursuing higher education abroad. In the academic year 2022-23, there were 268,923 Indian students in the US, an increase of 35% from the previous year. Indian students make up more than 25% of the over 1 million foreign students in the country. The United States has also been the top choice for Indian graduate students, with a 63% increase in the number of Indian graduate students in 2023. The US Embassy and Consulates in India issued a record number of student visas in June-August 2023, with a total of 95,269 visas issued, an 18% increase from 2022.
Indian Students in Canada
Canada is another popular destination for Indian students, with Indian students constituting 49% of all international students in the country in the first half of 2024. However, there has been a recent decline in interest among Indian students due to changing policies and rising anti-immigration sentiment in the country. In 2023, there were 128,928 Indian students in Canada, a significant increase from the 2,181 Indian students in 2000.
Indian Students in Australia
Australia is also a favourite destination for Indian students, with an estimated 118,109 Indian students in the country in 2024. However, stricter student visa rules and potential caps on international student numbers may impact the number of Indian students choosing Australia in the future. In July 2022, there were 96,000 Indian students in Australia, and this number is expected to exceed 101,552 by 2025.
Indian Students in New Zealand
New Zealand has also seen a significant increase in Indian student enrolments, with a 48.9% increase since 2021. The number of Indian students in New Zealand is projected to double by 2030, with the country expected to host 22,225 Indian students by 2025. Streamlined visa processes, work-rights policies, and scholarships for high-achieving Indian students have made New Zealand an attractive alternative to traditional study destinations.
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The challenges of studying in a foreign language
International students from India are often from wealthy backgrounds. In 2017, nearly one in two billionaires (47%) in India invested in overseas education for their children, which is well above the global average of 28%. This has resulted in a significant cash influx for the host countries, with Indian students contributing $6.5 billion to the US economy in 2016.
However, studying in a foreign language comes with its own set of challenges, and international students from India are not exempt from these difficulties. Firstly, there is the obvious language barrier, which can make it difficult for students to understand course material and communicate effectively. This can lead to feelings of frustration and self-consciousness, especially when participating in class discussions or interacting with faculty. Many international students worry about mispronouncing words or not knowing the right vocabulary, which can result in them staying quiet and not engaging fully with the course.
Additionally, the cultural differences and new customs of the host country can be disorienting and add to the challenges of adjusting to a new educational system. International students may struggle with understanding the expected formalities and informalities when interacting with faculty and peers, which can impact their relationships and sense of belonging.
Another challenge is the financial burden of studying abroad, which can be significant even for wealthy students. The cost of tuition, accommodation, and living expenses can be high, and there are limited scholarship opportunities specifically for international students. This can cause anxiety and stress, impacting the student's overall well-being and academic performance.
Lastly, the emotional and psychological toll of studying in a foreign language cannot be overlooked. International students often have to deal with being away from their support systems and may experience feelings of isolation and homesickness. Balancing the demands of academic life with the challenges of adjusting to a new culture and language can take a toll on their mental health.
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Frequently asked questions
No, not all international students from India are rich. While it is true that the number of Indian students pursuing higher studies abroad is increasing year by year, and that nearly one in two billionaires (47%) in India have invested in overseas education for their children, it is important to remember that each international student has a unique experience and story. Some students work hard to save up enough money to cover their tuition and living expenses, and may even take on jobs like being an au pair to make their dream of studying abroad a reality.
International students from India face various challenges when studying abroad. One common challenge is the financial burden of tuition and living expenses, as there are limited scholarship opportunities specifically for international students. Additionally, the process of obtaining a student visa can be lengthy and challenging, with a reported 26% student visa refusal rate for Indian students applying to study in New Zealand between July 2019 and February 2020. Another challenge is adapting to a new culture and language, as international students are taking classes in a language that is not their native tongue.
The most prominent destinations for international students from India are primarily Anglosphere countries, with close to one million Indian students in these regions. North America is a popular choice, with more than 50% of Indian students studying in this region. The United States is a top destination, with 211,930 Indian students recorded in 2022, and Indian students contributing US$7.6 billion to the US economy during the 2019-20 period. Canada is also a preferred destination due to its strong Indian diaspora and the benefits offered by the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). In 2023, there were 319,130 international students from India enrolled in Canadian institutions.
The number of international students from India has been increasing over the years. Between 1999 and 2006, the number of Indian students studying outside India rapidly increased by 163% to reach 145,539. However, between 2006 and 2013, the growth slowed to 25%, reaching 181,872 students. As of January 2021, more than 1 million Indian students were studying in 85 countries outside India. The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent travel bans placed by some countries, such as Canada and New Zealand, may have impacted the choices of Indian students, with some opting for countries like Canada that offer benefits to international students.
International students from India have a significant impact on the host countries. They contribute financially to the economies of these countries, with Indian students in the US, for example, contributing $6.5 billion to the country's economy in 2016. Additionally, the presence of international students can drive demand in other sectors, such as the property market, as families may purchase homes in desirable school districts. Governments in host countries may view international students as a source of revenue, sometimes reducing their investment in higher education as a result.
