India has emerged as the leading country of origin for international students in major higher education destinations such as the United Kingdom, United States, and Canada, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
The country now accounts for a significant portion of total international student flows in these countries, where 40% of all international students are in Canada and more than 25% in both the United States and the United Kingdom.
Since 2019, there has been a noticeable increase in Indian student migration to these nations in search of higher education possibilities. This can be attributed to several factors, including improving access to international education, better scholarship opportunities, and high demand for skilled professionals in sectors like technology, engineering and business.
India led the list of countries, sending students to the three North American and European academic hubs in 2023. Canada attracted 40% of its international student population from the country and maintained its position as a top destination for Indian students. In the United States and the United Kingdom, Indian students accounted for more than 25% of their international student population.
Students from China and India make up a sizeable proportion of all overseas students in OECD nations, at 20% and 12%, respectively. These two countries account for approximately 32% of all international students in OECD countries.
Vietnam, Germany and France are the next largest contributors to international student numbers in OECD countries.
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However, China’s dominance in Australia and Japan is waning, with Chinese students making up about 30% of international student arrivals in Australia in 2023, a decline from previous years. Japan also reported a decrease in the proportion of students from China. Other nations, particularly India, have seen a rise in student numbers in both the nations.
(Edited by : Shoma Bhattacharjee)
