Overseas Student Numbers Continue to Fall in January Intake, Consultants Report
Hyderabad: Following a dismal Fall intake, the January cycle has further disappointed education consultants, with overseas student numbers showing a persistent decline. Traditionally, nearly 30% of students depart for the United States and Canada during January and February after the Fall season. This subdued period comes after what many have described as the worst Fall intake in decades, with applications plummeting by nearly 70%.
Sharp Drop in Student Numbers and Visa Trends
Arvind Manduva from I20 Fever highlighted the stark contrast, stating, "We sent only 300 students this time, compared to 1,400 earlier." Unlike the Fall intake, visa slot issues and rejections were not major obstacles this cycle. Manduva noted that nearly 70% of applications successfully secured visas, but the overall applicant pool was significantly smaller. "Slots were limited, but so were applicants," he explained, underscoring the broader trend of reduced interest.
Improved Student Profiles and Shift in Destinations
Despite the decline in numbers, consultants observed an improvement in the quality of student profiles. Ankit Jain of One Window Overseas Education Consultancy pointed out that while Canada saw fewer applications due to changing rules, students heading to the United States secured better colleges and scholarships. "Earlier, most applications were for Tier 2 and Tier 3 institutions. This time, more went to Tier 1. The US seems to be focusing on quality students," he added. His consultancy processed around 230 applications this cycle, down from 400–500 previously.
Several students have withdrawn their plans amid concerns over costs and policy uncertainties. Rohan, a city-based engineering graduate who requested anonymity, shared, "I secured admission to a university in the US for Spring, but decided to defer and reassess next year." This cautious approach reflects broader anxieties among prospective students and their families.
Statistical Decline and Regional Shifts
According to figures from the Ministry of Home Affairs, overseas student numbers have been steadily declining. In 2023, over 9 lakh students went abroad, but this fell to 7.7 lakh in 2024 and 6.2 lakh in 2025, marking a drop of nearly 3 lakh students in just two years.
Consultants are also noting a significant shift towards European destinations. Alisha Budhani from Abbaccy Global Group reported increased enquiries for countries like Germany, France, and Ireland, as well as growing interest in South Korea, the Netherlands, and Japan. "Students perceive these countries as relatively stable in visa policies and post-study work options, so many are exploring alternatives instead of focusing only on North America," she explained.
Cautious Enquiries and Future Outlook
Enquiries remain cautious, with families carefully weighing returns on investment, currency fluctuations, and employment prospects before committing to overseas education plans. This trend suggests a more deliberate and strategic approach to international studies, as students seek stability and value in their educational investments.
