From Anglosphere to Alternatives: How Indian Students Are Reshaping Global Education Trends

Introduction

In recent years, the international higher education landscape has witnessed some very important changes. The big 4 - US, UK, Australia and Canada - which have been favoured destinations for international students have made important revisions to existing student visa and work visa rules. While a lot of the commentary and analysis has focused on the changes being introduced by the Trump administration, other countries in the Anglosphere have been seeking to reduce the intake of international students by imposing several restrictions - logistical related to student visas, post work visas etc. Apart from this, getting work visas is becoming tougher.

These changes have impacted the inflow of international students to these countries, since the primary reason for these countries being favoured destinations was the work opportunities

Indian students within the international community

Within the international student community of Canada, UK, US and Australia, Indian students have been a significant group. 2025 witnessed a drop in the number of Indian students going overseas for studies. As a result of the changes being introduced by countries in the Anglosphere, Indian students are looking at possible alternatives.

Some of the countries which have emerged as popular destinations are Germany, Finland, Ireland, New Zealand, UAE, Japan and Singapore. Some of the countries which have witnessed a significant rise in the enrolment of international students are Germany -- by mid-2025, there were 60,000 Indian students studying in the European nation. Ireland too has witnessed a rise in the enrolment of international students, with Indian students accounting for a significant percentage - 20% -- of the overall international community.

All the above countries are trying to woo students in different ways. While Germany is offering more scholarships and highlighting the fact, that high quality education is available at affordable prices. Apart from this, several German universities are introducing courses in English. All countries are seeking to liberalise work visas. New Zealand which recently signed an FTA with India had provisions pertaining to the mobility of professionals.

UAE is emerging as a favoured destination for Indian students for several reasons. The first is the location of UAE and the connectivity with India, second is the focus of UAE on attracting talented students and providing scholarships. Finally, the Golden Visa - a long term residency visa - introduced by the Gulf nation seeks not just to attract High Networth Individuals (HNI's) but also individuals with specific skills and talent.

It remains to be seen whether Indian students will continue to look at alternatives in 2026 or whether countries will make course corrections. US President, Donald Trump while commenting on international students had said in November 2025.

"You don't want to cut half of the people, half of the students from all over the world that are coming into our country-destroy our entire university and college system-I don't want to do that". Several Indian students will also have more options since several foreign universities are setting up campuses in India. While two overseas campuses of UK Universities are operational in India, two campuses of Australian universities are already functional.

In conclusion, 2026 is likely to witness some important geopolitical developments which will have an impact on the international migration and higher education landscape. While a lot of attention has been focused in recent months on certain countries becoming more inward looking, it is important also to bear in mind that several countries discussed in the article are trying to woo international students.

(Tridivesh Singh Maini is a New Delhi based Policy Analyst associated with The Jindal School of International Affairs, OP Jindal Global University, Sonipat, India.)