banner
Trends in Indian Students
Studying Abroad in 2025:
Destinations, Exams & Shifts
Trends in Indian Students Studying Abroad in 2025: Destinations, Exams & Shifts

Introduction


In 2025, India continues to rank among the top countries sending students overseas for higher education. With over 1.5 million Indian students currently enrolled in international institutions (source: MEA India), the demand for global degrees, particularly in Anglophone countries, is growing steadily. This post explores current trends in destination choices, entrance exam preferences, and emerging mobility patterns.


Top Destinations for Indian Students


According to data from ICEF Monitor and UNESCO:

  • Canada remains a preferred choice due to its post-study work rights and PR opportunities.

  • The UK has seen a sharp rise in student visas post-Brexit, with a 30% increase in Indian student enrollments in 2024–25.

  • Australia rebounded in 2023 and continues to attract Indian students seeking vocational and graduate degrees.

  • Germany and Ireland are gaining traction for their affordability and STEM-focused programs.


πŸ“Œ More than 50% of Indian students are currently studying in North America, aligning with earlier UNESCO trends.




Exam Preparation Trends: IELTS & PTE Lead the Way


In recent years, standardized English proficiency tests have seen massive adoption across India:

  • IELTS coaching demand increased by 27% in Tier-2 cities, especially in Rajasthan, Punjab, and Gujarat.

  • PTE coaching near me and best PTE coaching are now top Google searches among Indian students applying to Australia and the UK.

  • The rise of IELTS online coaching is notable, driven by flexibility and affordability.


At Pacific Educational Consultant, we observed that 70% of 2025 student visa applicants preferred taking IELTS Academic, while 25% opted for PTE for their UK, Canada, and Australia applications.




Shifting Trends in Student Preferences


  • More students are opting for multi-country application strategies to safeguard against visa delays.

  • Courses in AI, Data Science, Business Analytics, and Nursing dominate applications in 2025.

  • Rising visa rejections in Canada led to more interest in Ireland, France, and Germany.


Summary Table: Key Data Points


Metric202320242025 (Est.)
Total Indian students abroad1.2M1.4M1.55M
IELTS takers from India870,000950,0001M+
PTE test takers from India230,000270,000300,000
Top DestinationsCanada, UK, AustraliaUK, Canada, AustraliaUK, Australia, Germany


Sources: MEA India, IDP, Pearson, UNESCO, ICEF Monitor


References


  1. UNESCO – Global Student Mobility Trends

  2. ICEF Monitor – Indian Outbound Trends

  3. Ministry of External Affairs – Student Visa Reports

  4. IDP India IELTS Reports 2024–25

  5. Pearson PTE India Data Insights