Enrolment in a study abroad programme is at an all-time high among Indian students. Throughout the pandemic’s duration, the number of Indian students going abroad to study had been declining. However, in the post-pandemic era, the number of students choosing to travel to different countries for international study programmes has increased significantly.
According to the Indian Student Mobility Report 2023, nearly 13 lakh Indian students have participated in or are currently enrolled in a study abroad programme.
There are several factors contributing to this increase. The changing world order has made it easier than ever for students to consider countries like the United States, United Kingdom, and other popular European countries, as well as New Zealand and Australia – as viable options to consider. Among the numerous reasons for the changes are increased post-study employment opportunities, a broader range of academic programmes to choose from, and simplified visa processes.
Here is a list of countries and changes that they have recently introduced to their study visas.
United States of America
The United States, a preferred study destination for Indian students, introduced a new rule in 2023 to enhance the integrity of the student visa application process. According to the updated guidelines, F, M, and J visa applicants must use their correct passport information for profile creation and visa scheduling. Failure to do so will lead to the rejection of appointments at Visa Application Centers, resulting in the loss of the visa fee, as stated by the US Embassy in India.
Canada
In response to recent immigration challenges, particularly impacting Indian students, Canada has implemented measures effective from December 1, 2023. Designated learning institutions (DLIs) must directly verify every applicant’s letter of acceptance with IRCC to combat acceptance letter fraud. This enhanced process aims to protect students from previous issues and ensure the issuance of study permits based on genuine acceptance letters. Canada will also reassess the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program criteria, aligning it with labor market needs, regional goals, and Francophone immigration targets. Additionally, the minimum cost of living requirement for students will increase from 10,000 to 20,635 Canadian dollars starting January 1, 2024.
United Kingdom (UK)
The UK, with over 7.50 lakh annual student arrivals, addressed immigration concerns based on a Migration Advisory Committee analysis. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced measures to reduce immigration, including a ban on overseas students bringing families to the UK (except for postgraduate research degrees). International students can no longer switch from student visas to work routes until completing their studies. The government is reviewing the two-year post-study work visa, previously reinstated by the Boris Johnson government. The UK also raised the visa application fee for students to Rs 51,787.
Australia
Australia, a popular choice for Indian students, witnessed a steady increase in enrollment. The Australian government’s recent changes include higher English proficiency test score requirements for visas. The score for a Temporary Graduate visa will rise from IELTS 6.0 to 6.5, and for a student visa, from IELTS (or equivalent) 5.5 to 6.0. A new Genuine Student test will replace the Genuine Temporary Entrant requirement, acknowledging post-study migration pathways. Financially, international students must show evidence of $24,505 in savings to be eligible for a student visa.
France
France, a popular choice for Indian students pursuing careers in fields like fashion, culinary arts, and business, is enhancing the study abroad experience. New guidelines extend the sponsored two-year Post-Study Work visa to five years for students earning a Master’s degree. Additionally, those who spent a semester studying in France for their master’s or above can now avail a five-year short-stay Schengen visa to explore job opportunities.
Ireland
Ireland, emerging as a study destination for Indian students, allows international graduates with bachelor’s or master’s degrees to stay for two years on the post-study work visa. PhD holders can stay for three years, an increase from the previous one-year timeframe for undergraduates.
Italy
Italy is extending opportunities for Indian students by allowing an additional 12-month stay after degree completion. In 2022, 5,897 Indian students were in Italy on study visas, marking a steady increase from 2019. The country also provides detailed provisions for professional training, extracurricular internships, and curricular internships, enabling students to gain experience aligned with Italian standards.
New Zealand
New Zealand recently announced acceptance of the IELTS One Skill Retake option. This allows test takers to retake any one of the four skills (listening, reading, writing, or speaking) if their initial attempt falls short of the desired score. Immigration New Zealand recognizes this decision as a valid and reliable means of assessing English language proficiency, meeting the strict requirements for international migration to New Zealand.
According to the Indian Student Mobility Report 2023, nearly 13 lakh Indian students have participated in or are currently enrolled in a study abroad programme.
There are several factors contributing to this increase. The changing world order has made it easier than ever for students to consider countries like the United States, United Kingdom, and other popular European countries, as well as New Zealand and Australia – as viable options to consider. Among the numerous reasons for the changes are increased post-study employment opportunities, a broader range of academic programmes to choose from, and simplified visa processes.
Here is a list of countries and changes that they have recently introduced to their study visas.
United States of America
The United States, a preferred study destination for Indian students, introduced a new rule in 2023 to enhance the integrity of the student visa application process. According to the updated guidelines, F, M, and J visa applicants must use their correct passport information for profile creation and visa scheduling. Failure to do so will lead to the rejection of appointments at Visa Application Centers, resulting in the loss of the visa fee, as stated by the US Embassy in India.
Canada
In response to recent immigration challenges, particularly impacting Indian students, Canada has implemented measures effective from December 1, 2023. Designated learning institutions (DLIs) must directly verify every applicant’s letter of acceptance with IRCC to combat acceptance letter fraud. This enhanced process aims to protect students from previous issues and ensure the issuance of study permits based on genuine acceptance letters. Canada will also reassess the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program criteria, aligning it with labor market needs, regional goals, and Francophone immigration targets. Additionally, the minimum cost of living requirement for students will increase from 10,000 to 20,635 Canadian dollars starting January 1, 2024.
United Kingdom (UK)
The UK, with over 7.50 lakh annual student arrivals, addressed immigration concerns based on a Migration Advisory Committee analysis. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced measures to reduce immigration, including a ban on overseas students bringing families to the UK (except for postgraduate research degrees). International students can no longer switch from student visas to work routes until completing their studies. The government is reviewing the two-year post-study work visa, previously reinstated by the Boris Johnson government. The UK also raised the visa application fee for students to Rs 51,787.
Australia
Australia, a popular choice for Indian students, witnessed a steady increase in enrollment. The Australian government’s recent changes include higher English proficiency test score requirements for visas. The score for a Temporary Graduate visa will rise from IELTS 6.0 to 6.5, and for a student visa, from IELTS (or equivalent) 5.5 to 6.0. A new Genuine Student test will replace the Genuine Temporary Entrant requirement, acknowledging post-study migration pathways. Financially, international students must show evidence of $24,505 in savings to be eligible for a student visa.
France
France, a popular choice for Indian students pursuing careers in fields like fashion, culinary arts, and business, is enhancing the study abroad experience. New guidelines extend the sponsored two-year Post-Study Work visa to five years for students earning a Master’s degree. Additionally, those who spent a semester studying in France for their master’s or above can now avail a five-year short-stay Schengen visa to explore job opportunities.
Ireland
Ireland, emerging as a study destination for Indian students, allows international graduates with bachelor’s or master’s degrees to stay for two years on the post-study work visa. PhD holders can stay for three years, an increase from the previous one-year timeframe for undergraduates.
Italy
Italy is extending opportunities for Indian students by allowing an additional 12-month stay after degree completion. In 2022, 5,897 Indian students were in Italy on study visas, marking a steady increase from 2019. The country also provides detailed provisions for professional training, extracurricular internships, and curricular internships, enabling students to gain experience aligned with Italian standards.
New Zealand
New Zealand recently announced acceptance of the IELTS One Skill Retake option. This allows test takers to retake any one of the four skills (listening, reading, writing, or speaking) if their initial attempt falls short of the desired score. Immigration New Zealand recognizes this decision as a valid and reliable means of assessing English language proficiency, meeting the strict requirements for international migration to New Zealand.
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