New data tabled in Parliament reveals a significant footprint of Indian students across the globe, with their numbers exceeding 18 lakhs in 2025. For the first time, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has provided a consolidated picture, including both school-level and higher education enrolments, painting a detailed map of India's academic diaspora.
Breaking Down the 18.82 Lakh Figure
The MEA data, shared during the winter session of Parliament, shows that a total of 18,82,318 Indian students are pursuing education in 153 countries. A deeper look into this number reveals a crucial split: 12,54,013 students are enrolled in universities and tertiary institutions, while a substantial 6,28,305 students are at the school level. This first-time inclusion of school data is pivotal, as it significantly alters the overall profile and understanding of Indian students overseas.
Interestingly, when viewed in isolation, the number of Indian students in higher education has seen a dip. From a peak of 13.3 lakh in 2024, the figure has fallen to 12.54 lakh in 2025, marking a reversal after three consecutive years of growth from 2022 to 2024. The overall tally appears higher than last year's solely because of the newly added school enrolment statistics.
Destination Hotspots: Universities vs. Schools
The top three destinations for Indian students in 2025, combining both education levels, are the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the United States, and Canada. However, the composition of these numbers tells two very different stories.
Canada remains the undisputed leader for higher education, hosting 4,27,085 Indian students in its universities and colleges. It is followed by the United States (2,55,247 students) and the United Kingdom (1,73,190 students). Other major destinations for university education include Australia, Germany, and countries like Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia.
In stark contrast, the story at the school level is dominated by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, reflecting their large Indian expatriate communities. The UAE leads overwhelmingly with 2,47,325 Indian school students. Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman also account for massive numbers, with tens of thousands of Indian children attending schools in these countries.
How School Data Reshapes the Landscape
The inclusion of school data dramatically changes the ranking and perception of certain countries as Indian student hubs. For instance, the UAE's total of 2,53,832 students is primarily driven by its 2.47 lakh school enrolments, with only 6,507 in higher education. Similarly, Qatar's numbers are heavily skewed towards school education. On the other hand, traditional study destinations like Canada, the US, the UK, Australia, and Germany remain almost exclusively higher-education focused, with negligible school-level presence.
Factors Behind the University Enrollment Dip
The decline in university-level enrolments year-on-year is notable and can be attributed to a confluence of geopolitical and policy factors affecting key destination countries over the past two years.
Diplomatic tensions between India and Canada that began in 2023 created an atmosphere of uncertainty for prospective students. Simultaneously, policy uncertainties around US immigration and work visas have made students cautious. The United Kingdom's introduction of stricter rules for study visas and dependent visas, particularly impacting postgraduate candidates, has also played a role. Furthermore, Australia's implementation of tighter financial requirements and increased scrutiny of applications has moderated the previously robust flow of Indian students.
This data from the MEA provides a crucial, holistic snapshot of India's educational outreach. It underscores that the Indian student abroad is not a monolithic entity but includes a vast number of young learners in schools across the Gulf, alongside university-goers in the West, each group driven by distinct socio-economic and geopolitical dynamics.
