Indian Students Abroad: Shift from US to Germany, Ireland, and UK

Indian students are increasingly exploring new destinations for higher education, and the trend is clear — the United States is losing its long-held dominance. A new report by GyanDhan reveals a 63% drop in Indian students choosing the US, while Germany, Ireland, and the UK have emerged as top study destinations due to better affordability, stability, and work opportunities.

The Fall of the US Dream

According to GyanDhan’s data, the share of students opting for the US dropped dramatically from 54% in 2023 to just 20% in 2025. The primary reasons include visa uncertainties, rising tuition costs, and restricted work visa policies such as changes to H-1B and OPT programs.

“Many students are now deferring or abandoning their US plans altogether,” said Ankit Mehra, Co-founder and CEO of GyanDhan. “They are prioritizing stability and return on investment over prestige.”

Europe’s Steady Rise

European countries have become the new academic hubs. The UK witnessed a 143% rise, Germany saw a 125% increase, and Ireland recorded an impressive 153% growth in Indian student enrollment.

• UK: Offers globally recognized universities and strong job prospects.

• Germany: Attracts STEM students with its tuition-free education and post-study work options.

• Ireland: Draws tech and finance students with two-year post-study visas and the presence of global employers like Google, Apple, and Meta.

Meanwhile, Canada saw a steep fall — from 11% in 2023 to just 2.3% in 2025, largely due to housing shortages and restrictive immigration policies.

What’s Driving the Shift

Modern students are more pragmatic than ever. Affordability, employability, and visa stability are the new decision-makers.
European and Asian countries like Germany, Ireland, Japan, and South Korea are capitalizing on this shift through simplified visa systems and industry-integrated education models.

“The trend is unmistakable,” said Mehra. “Students are no longer chasing a dream abroad — they’re investing in a secure, high-return future.”

The Road Ahead

Experts predict that the US and Canada must introduce major policy reforms if they hope to regain their lost ground. Until then, Europe’s student-friendly ecosystem is expected to continue leading the way for Indian learners seeking global exposure.