Content

Highlights: India Sees 7.6 Lakh Students Go Abroad for Higher Studies in 2024

  • 760,073 Indian students went abroad for higher education in 2024, according to data from the Bureau of Immigration.
  • The highest figure was recorded in 2023, when 894,783 students pursued overseas education.
  • Student mobility rose sharply post-pandemic, increasing from 2.6 lakh in 2020 to 7.52 lakh in 2022.
  • The government is boosting international student mobility through Mutual Recognition Agreements and migration partnerships.
  • Chandigarh reported the highest per capita student visa issuance, followed by Punjab, Delhi, and Andhra Pradesh.

*Want to study abroad? Let Y-Axis guide you with the complete steps.
 

Study Abroad Surge Continues as 7.6 Lakh Indians Choose Global Universities in 2024

India continues to lead globally in outbound student mobility, with 760,073 Indian students going abroad for higher education in 2024, as per the Bureau of Immigration (BoI) data. While this represents a slight decline from the 8.94 lakh students in 2023, it still signals a strong post-pandemic trend, with numbers tripling since 2020 when only 2.6 lakh students studied overseas. The number of Indian students pursuing higher education overseas has seen a sharp rise over the last five years, with the post-pandemic years witnessing record growth.
 

The table below has complete details of the total numbers of students who migrated abroad for their studies starting 2020-2024:
 

Year

Number of Students

2020

2,60,363

2021

4,45,582

2022

7,52,111

2023

8,94,783

2024

7,60,073

To support this continued momentum, the Indian government has implemented several measures such as Mutual Recognition of Qualifications (MRQs) and Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreements with various countries. Additionally, Indian students abroad are supported through the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) and are encouraged to register on the MADAD portal for timely assistance.
 

Indian students abroad hit new high with 760,000 in 2024

*Planning on studying abroad? Sign up with Y-Axis for end-to-end assistance with the process.  

 

Indian States Sending the Most Students Abroad in 2024 Revealed

According to official data shared in the Lok Sabha, student mobility varies widely across Indian states. While states like Andhra Pradesh lead in absolute numbers, Chandigarh recorded the highest per capita student migration, with over 10,000 students per 1 lakh residents heading abroad between 2016 and 2021.
 

Here's a quick state-wise breakdown:
 

State/UT

Number of Students (approx.) / Per Lakh Residents

Chandigarh

10,000+ per 1 lakh residents (highest per capita)

Punjab

869 per 1 lakh residents

Delhi

851 per 1 lakh residents

Andhra Pradesh

Highest by absolute numbers

Maharashtra

Among top 3 in total students sent abroad

Gujarat

High in absolute numbers

Kerala

331 per 1 lakh residents

*Are you looking for step-by-step assistance with overseas immigration? Contact Y-Axis, the world’s No. 1 overseas immigration consultancy!
 

For recent immigration updates, check out Y-Axis News Page!

Catogary
Study Abroad
tag
Indian Students Abroad
Study abroad
Indians studying abroad
Student visa
study overseas
Indian students abroad
Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF)
students abroad
apply for a student visa
abroad for higher studies
overseas immigration news
seoFocuskw
Indian Students Abroad
seoMetadesc
The Bureau of Immigration released data that suggests that nearly 7.6 Lakh Indian students went abroad to pursue higher education in 2024.
seoTitle
India Sent Over 7.6 Lakh Students Abroad for Studies in 2024: Official Data
Image File Url
/assets/cms/2025-08/Indian%20Students%20Abroad%20Hit%20New%20High%20With%207-6%20Lakh%20in%202024.webp
Author Id
Simran Singh
Send Web Push Notification
On
Image Alt
Indian Students Abroad