The goal of higher education should be to champion the airing of all honest viewpoints, nothing less is acceptable has been said by a great personality. The trend of Indian students pursuing higher education in abroad is increasing year by year. Recently Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released a statistics of spending on tuition and hostel fees by Indian students studying in abroad have drastically increased by 44 percent from $1.9 billion in 2013-14 to $2.8 billion in 2017-18
Updated Data for 2018: Number of Indian students going to Top 5 Study destinations:
Though the US has always been the first option for Indian students for higher education, the trend is slowly changing due to multiple constraints such as strict visa requirements, depreciation of the Indian rupee, and growing intolerance towards the foreigners staying in the US. Hence students are now considering the other options such as Australia and Canada.
According to the statistics provided by the deputy high commissioner of Australia in India, by February 2018, approximately 60,062 Indian students moved to Australia in their quest for higher education.
Along with the main cities like Melbourne and Sydney, students are also considering new regions such as Adelaide, Gold Coast, Perth, and Northern Territory.
According to the Canadian High Commissioner in India, approximately 83,540 study permits were issued to Indian nationals in 2017.
The major reasons for Indian students increasingly choosing Australia and Canada as study abroad destinations are:
Availability of a huge range of courses
Both these countries have some of the most reputed educational institutes in the world. These universities offer a huge range of courses which are equipped with world-class infrastructure and research facilities. Along with traditional STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) courses to management programs, students have a number of options to choose from depending upon their expertise and personal interest. Australia has been getting students from non-STEM backgrounds as it accepts 15 years of education which most US universities don’t offer. Many scholarships are available for students, some of which are government funded; some are university-specific, which can be utilized by students. The most interesting aspect of this country for international students is the quality of scientific research. Canadian colleges are comparatively less expensive.
The option of post-study work permit
So the Indian students can also apply for a post-study work permit in Australia and Canada, which is not available in most of the countries. Students who have studied for two years in Australia can apply for a post-study work visa. In Canada, students are eligible for a work permit for three years if they have finished their master’s degree from a Canadian university. With the introduction of SDS (Study Direct Stream) program the number of Indian students applying for a student visa for Canada has tremendously increased. Australian law allows students to work up to 20 hours per week during the course.
Facility of Permanent Residency
Majority of Indian students who enjoy their stay in Australia and Canada decide to apply for permanent residency. The path to permanent residency in these countries is comparatively flexible and easier. In Australia, foreign students require just a few qualifications to apply for the permanent residency program. Most of the engineering students are considering Australia as a great abroad study destination since the route to PR is easier for them. In Canada, the newly reformed Express Entry program is a major determining factor for Indian students to study there. After becoming permanent residents in the country for six years, one can apply for Canadian citizenship. There is a huge attraction among students for two-year diploma courses in Canada which is followed by a work permit.
Safe environment
Australia and Canada are comparatively safe countries when it comes to foreign students. Most of the cities here are cosmopolitan. The residents here are very warm and welcoming to foreigners. The governments of these countries are also open to all nationals and strongly foster cultural diversity.
Affordability
Affordability is also a major reason for Indian students to opt for studying in Australia and Canada. Compared to the US, the tuition fees and cost of living are relatively cheaper.
Projected mix of international enrolment in Australia through 2020 by top ten sending market.
