The number of Indian students studying abroad has risen by 52.2% over the past five years, with a total of 892,989 students currently pursuing education in foreign countries, according to the Education Ministry’s statement to the Rajya Sabha. Among the top destinations, the United States leads with 234,473 students, followed closely by Canada with 233,532 and the United Kingdom with 136,921 students. This increase highlights a steady upward trend since 2019, except during 2020, when global COVID-19 restrictions temporarily slowed the momentum.

While the United States remains the most popular destination, the United Kingdom has experienced remarkable growth, with Indian student enrollment surging by 273.9%. The number of Indian students in the UK increased from 36,612 in 2019 to 136,921 in 2023. This growth is largely attributed to the UK’s reputation for world-class universities and the introduction of the Graduate Route Visa. The UK is home to some of the world’s leading institutions, including Imperial College London, which ranks 2nd globally in the QS World University Rankings 2025, the University of Oxford at 3rd, and the University of Cambridge at 5th. Additional prestigious universities, such as UCL, ranked 9th globally, further enhance the UK's appeal. Many of these universities consistently rank within the top 50 worldwide, drawing students from around the globe.

The Graduate Route Visa, introduced in July 2021, has been a game-changer for international students, particularly those from India. The visa allows students to remain in the UK for up to two years after completing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees and up to three years for PhD graduates. This policy offers flexibility for students to work, freelance, pursue further education, or transition to a skilled worker visa upon securing employment. Indian students have particularly benefited from this scheme, accounting for 42% of the total Graduate Route Visas issued between 2021 and 2023.

These trends reflect the increasing interest among Indian students in pursuing global education opportunities. The combination of high-quality institutions, immigration-friendly policies, and promising career prospects has cemented the United Kingdom as one of the most sought-after destinations for Indian students.