The United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia were big options for students who want to study abroad. These countries continue to attract large numbers of Indian students and remain well-recognised for academic prestige and global exposure.
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But that’s not the same case in 2026.
Current data indicate a notable shift beyond these big four countries.
But why?
Why Indian Students Not Picking Traditional Countries like the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia
Once the most welcoming cultures, they are now creating complex visa acceptance processes. Here are a few points on how national governments create complex policies for international students.
United States
Indians are discouraged by US visa uncertainty, H-1B restrictions, expensive tuition, living expenses, and worries about campus safety; this is important now as ROI risks increase amid a worldwide economic downturn.
United Kingdom
The UK has accomplished an update in its work visa for international students. These include significantly shorter post-study job periods, more stringent dependent regulations, rising costs, and housing shortages. That’s why Indian students don’t want to waste their efforts by gaining admission to UK universities.
Australia
Students are concerned about increased visa fees, stricter English and employment regulations, rising living expenses, and the housing crisis; these issues are important given that affordability is drastically decreasing.
Canada
Appeal is diminished by study visa limitations, a lack of employment opportunities, costly housing, and protracted PR procedures; this is important since graduates are facing uncertainty due to immigration regulations.
According to data from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Indian outbound students mobility has expanded rapidly, with interesting variations across destinations:
Indian Student Mobility Trends (2020–2025)
| Country | 2020 (Est. Students) | 2025 (Projected/Enrolled) | Trend Analysis |
| Canada | 43,624 | 427,085 | Still #1, but new study permits dropped sharply in 2025. |
| United States | 150,000 | 255,247 | Steady growth; now focuses heavily on STEM/Master’s. |
| United Arab Emirates | 4,700 | 253,832 | Massive surge includes branch campus enrollments. |
| United Kingdom | 12,456 | 173,190 | Significant rise, though recent dependent visa rules caused a 2025 dip. |
| Australia | 33,629 | 138,579 | Strong recovery, but high visa rejection rates in late 2025. |
| Germany | 25,000 | 49,483 | More than doubled; popular for low tuition and STEM. |
| New Zealand | 3,000 | 12,000 | Stabilized in 2025 after rapid post-pandemic growth. |
These trends suggest that trends no longer drive Indian students, but they are looking for opportunities with greater value. For that reason, Indian students are not showing greater interest in countries.
Now, the question is why Dubai, New Zealand, and Germany are their preferred choices to seek foreign education.
Why are Indian Students Choosing New Zealand, Germany, and UAE like Dubai?
Every country has its unique traditions and roots that help attract young people from other countries, especially students. Thus, countries like Germany, New Zealand & UAE have no difference from it. Here you can learn about them one by one.
Germany: Affordable Excellence with Strong Career Pathways
Germany’s rise as an education hub with a solid record of industrial economy, thriving technology and an active skill development model. So, it’s a reliable place for students to invest in to pursue a global degree and plan their post-graduation. Here are some key factors driving this momentum:
- Low or no tuition fees at public universities make high-quality education financially accessible.
- A growing number of English-taught programs in STEM and business disciplines.
- An 18-month post-study job search visa that significantly improves employability prospects.
New Zealand: Predictability, Quality, and a Student-First Experience
New Zealand creates student-focused policies that make it easy for students to get a global degree. For example, here are the few policies highlight of New Zealand that are worth checking:
- Streamlined and transparent visa processes with high applicant satisfaction.
- Robust student support systems, including orientation, housing assistance, and cultural integration.
- Clear employment pathways.
Dubai & the UAE: Study, Work, and Career in One Ecosystem
By supporting business dynamics, the UAE, especially Dubai, has rapidly evolved into a global education hub. Indian students already form a significant portion of the international student population in the UAE.
Key advantages include:
- Access to a vibrant business ecosystem spanning finance, technology, logistics, and media.
- Dubai has international branches from four big countries and holds the same value.
- Geographic proximity to India and strong cultural familiarity ease student transition.
The UAE’s strategic location between East and West also opens doors to broader regional and global career opportunities.
Strategic Choices for a Changing World
As trends and global policies are evolving, students are choosing what looks best in the current scenario.
So, if you are planning a study abroad, you need to make informed decisions rather than follow trends. Thus, you will ensure a strategic decision for your international education journey.
However, if you feel any difficulty, getting consultations from professionals is the best step to clear your path towards your dream life in countries like Germany, New Zealand, and Dubai.