Top Foreign Study Destinations Preferred by Indian Students: MEA Data Highlights

More than 18 lakh Indian students are currently pursuing education abroad. According to data presented by the Ministry of External Affairs during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament these students are enrolled from 153 countries. Nearly 18,82,318 Indian students abroad, around 12,54,013 are studying at universities and tertiary institutions. The Ministry has also disclosed for the first time that 6,28,305 Indian students are enrolled in schools outside India. The MEA had reported 13.3 lakh Indian students in higher education last year which suggests a year-on-year drop in university enrolments in 2025. The total number of students increased in 2025 because for the first time, school-level enrolment data was included in the official records.

MEA data shows that the various Indian students pursuing higher education abroad grew steadily from 7.5 lakh in 2022 to 13.3 lakh in 2024. However, in 2025 the figure dropped to 12.54 lakh marking the first decline after three years of continuous growth. Experts believe that changes in policies and diplomatic relations in key destination countries have impacted Indian student mobility. 

Leading Countries Chosen for Study Abroad

For Indian applicants pursuing education abroad this year, the UAE, US and Canada continue to top the list across schools and universities. 

• United Arab Emirates (UAE): 2,53,832

• United States: 2,55,447

• Canada: 4,27,085

Major Country-Wise Trends in Higher Education for Indian Students

Canada became the great choice for Indian aspirants in 2025, followed by the United States and the United Kingdom.

Gulf Countries Remain Key Destinations for Indian School Students

The updated school-level dataset has changed the overall numbers that showing significant Indian school enrolments in the Gulf region, which hosts large migrant communities.