Indian Students Shift Preferences to US, New Zealand Amid Visa Restrictions in Canada, UK, and Australia
A growing number of Indian students are redirecting their study abroad plans to the United States and New Zealand, steering away from traditional destinations like Canada, the UK, and Australia.
A growing number of Indian students are redirecting their study abroad plans to the United States and New Zealand, steering away from traditional destinations like Canada, the UK, and Australia. This trend, reported in a recent survey by IDP Education, reflects the impact of recent immigration policy changes that have introduced stricter visa regulations and raised costs in several key study destinations.
Survey Findings on Student Preferences
Conducted in August and September 2024, the IDP survey gathered responses from over 6,000 students across 114 countries, with Indian students comprising the largest group of respondents at 1,346, followed by students from China, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nigeria, and Nepal. The majority (56%) of surveyed students indicated a preference for postgraduate programs, with 27% aiming for undergraduate studies, and others opting for vocational and pathway programs.
Factors Behind the Shift from Canada, UK, and Australia
The survey shows that Canada experienced the largest drop in interest among Indian students, with only 16% selecting it as their study destination—a 9% decrease from last year. This decline is attributed to recent diplomatic tensions between Canada and India, coupled with more restrictive visa policies aimed at managing local demand. Australia and the UK also reported slight decreases, with 24% and 21% of students, respectively, choosing these countries as their study destinations.According to IDP counsellors, the uncertainty surrounding visa policies has led many younger students to delay their study plans or look for more predictable options. “Students want stability,” one IDP counsellor explained. “Unpredictable visa policies add a lot of pressure, and it’s becoming a key factor in decision-making.”
US and New Zealand Gain Favour
With the absence of restrictive policy changes, the US and New Zealand are becoming increasingly attractive study destinations. The survey recorded a 4% increase in Indian students heading to the US, reaching 23%, while New Zealand’s share rose to 5%. Indian students expressed an appreciation for the stability and opportunities for post-study work in the US, with one student remarking, “The opportunities for post-study work and stability make the US attractive. Policy consistency is something we value.”
Key Influences on Destination Choices
Visa policies and post-study work opportunities are crucial factors in determining students’ study destinations. The survey found that 52% of students prioritise post-study work visas, 43% consider pathways to permanent residency, and 42% assess the financial savings needed for visa eligibility. Additional factors influencing student choices include:
Visa fees and associated costs (41%)
Work permissions for dependents (29%)
Government policies and international student quotas (20%)
Rising costs have also deterred many students from studying abroad, with 49% of those reconsidering their plans citing unaffordable tuition, while 35% noted high living costs and visa fees as significant barriers.
Ranking of Study Destinations Based on Student Priorities
According to the IDP survey, the US leads in perceived quality of education, value for money, and graduate employment opportunities. Rankings for education quality, cost-effectiveness, and post-study work visa policies by students are as follows:
Education Quality: USA, UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand
Value for Money: USA, UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand
Graduate Employment Opportunities: USA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK
Post-Study Work Visa Policies: USA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK
In contrast, the UK ranks highest in terms of overall friendliness toward international students, with New Zealand, Canada, Australia, and the USA following.
Conclusion and Key Takeaways
The US is increasingly popular among international students seeking high-quality education and career opportunities.
An increasing number of students (66%) are now considering multiple study destinations, reflecting greater flexibility in their choices.
Post-study work visa policies are crucial, with 62% indicating a willingness to switch destinations for better work permit options.
The survey suggests that institutions in countries with stable immigration policies, particularly the US, may continue to attract more students from India as they adjust to changing global education trends and seek more affordable options.
