In 2025, India has already seen 1.8 million students head abroad for higher studies, but hopefuls for the September intake remain cautious, weighing safety concerns in addition to visa policies, courses, and universities. The socio-political climate in host countries has now become a key factor in decision-making.
“Parents are considering safety measures, such as gun control, as important determinants while choosing study destinations. This has diversified choices, with countries like Dubai, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Japan, and even some universities in Italy and France gaining traction,” said Dhaval Mehta, founder of Globestar Career Counselling Services.
Mehta noted that the UK and Ireland, once strong job hubs, have seen a decline in appeal. “It’s true that immigrants always work harder, so once the turmoil settles, opportunities will return. But right now, parents are worried,” he added.
Concerns have escalated after recent incidents: assaults on Indian students in Ireland and Adelaide, anti-immigrant protests in Australia, and the shooting of a public figure at a US university. Experts say this has chipped away at the allure of once-popular destinations.
“Australia, UAE (Dubai), and Germany are more in demand now, while the USA, Canada, and UK have lost some sheen,” said Joyce Issac, founder of Providence Education Advisory. “Parents are increasingly concerned about safety and long-term prospects. I strongly believe studying abroad may not offer the same benefits it once did.”
Dr Karan Gupta, career consultant, added, “Many parents now avoid Canada due to Khalistan protests. Ireland and Australia are also being skipped over because of visa hurdles, job permit issues, and safety concerns. Such safety concerns are springing up in a first since COVID-19.”
With uncertainty high, students are mapping out Plan B and Plan C options. While the USA remains the top pick, many are also applying to universities in Europe, Singapore, and elsewhere to safeguard against visa or geopolitical troubles.
Still, others argue the concerns are overstated. “These incidents are isolated — only a few in a million. In fact, this year we saw a 10 per cent rise in undergraduate applications to the USA,” said education consultant Viral Doshi. “Families are simply avoiding areas like Texas, rural LA, and parts of Chicago.”
Compounding concerns are visa delays and rejections. Canada, for example, admitted 88,617 fewer new students between January–June 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, government data shows.
Piyush Kumar, regional director at IDP Education, added that despite sporadic incidents, relations between India and study destinations like the UK remain strong. “The UK’s FTA with India and the Prime Minister’s upcoming visit are positive signals. Australia, meanwhile, has announced an increase in international student intake from 2,70,000 in 2025 to 2,95,000 in 2026,” he said.
A Parent speaks
Mansi Sanghvi, parent, Walkeshwar
‘Being a parent, there’s always fear in sending your child so far away. At 18, Indian children are already very sheltered here, so the thought of them abroad is difficult. The cultural unrest around international students makes it worse. But once we visited the university in Illinois and saw the environment, we felt more at ease.’
Students speak
Fala B, London, UK, MSc Business Analytics
‘The news of assaults against Indians in Ireland, the US, and Canada is scary. I’ve been in the UK for over two years and have never faced hate, but the fear lingers. Many worry about jobs, too — corporate roles with visa sponsorship are hard to get, though hospitality and retail jobs are plenty. My experience has been good, but the visa rules changing all the time keeps us on edge.’
Anonymous, Melbourne, Australia, Master’s in Marketing
‘Indians should think twice before coming here. There are stabbings and gunshots almost daily, often targeting brown skin. Locals fear we’ll take their jobs. Even finding casual work is tough. With such high fees and visa uncertainty, the pressure is huge, but in the end, it’s still worth the struggle.’
Alok P, New Zealand, Master’s in Marketing
‘My experience in New Zealand has been wonderful. A local Airbnb couple helped me settle in, professors and classmates are supportive, and I’ve faced no racism. Customers and colleagues at work have all been welcoming.’
2,70,000
No of students moved to Australia in 2025
2,95,000
No of students will move to Australia in 2026
