Punjab, Telangana, and Maharashtra stand as leading states from which students pursue higher education abroad. The “Beyond Beds and Boundaries: Indian Student Mobility Report, 2023” presented during a Global Education Conclave highlighted the rise in Indian students studying overseas, with significant growth projected in the coming years.

In 2019, about 10.9 lakh Indian students pursued education abroad, increasing by 7 percent in 2022 to approximately 13.24 lakh. The report forecasts a potential surge to 20 lakh students by 2025 with a consistent growth rate of 15 percent.

While the US, Canada, UK, and Australia have been traditional favorites, other countries like Germany, Kyrgyzstan, Ireland, Singapore, Russia, Philippines, France, and New Zealand have emerged as preferred destinations for Indian students.

The report identified top states contributing to student mobility: Punjab (12.5%), Andhra Pradesh/Telangana (12.5%), Maharashtra (12.5%), Gujarat (8%), Delhi/NCR (8%), Tamil Nadu (8%), Karnataka (6%), with the remaining 33% from other states.

It anticipates an exponential rise in spending on overseas education by Indian students, estimating an increase from USD 37 billion in 2019 to USD 47 billion in 2022 and a projected USD 70 billion by 2025 if the current growth rate of 14 percent continues.

Compiled by University Living Accommodations Pvt Ltd and One Step Global, the report highlights the challenges faced by Indian students seeking suitable accommodation in their host countries. It emphasizes the need for streamlined processes and support services to address the complexities of securing appropriate living conditions.

The report also recommends that governments establish comprehensive and coordinated strategies to address student housing problems, setting national goals for housing availability and affordability and providing funding and resources for student housing initiatives worldwide.