Increase in student enrollment in Canada, Germany and New Zealand

India’s growing middle class is showing less interest in studying in the United Kingdom or United States of America. Figures show that over 1.3 lakh students were studying in 2010, in American Universities. This number has dropped to 96,700 in 2013, as per a report shown by ‘open doors’, an agency in the US.

At present, the United Kingdom has experienced the worst decline over the years. The number of Indian students in the UK decreased from 39,090 to 22,285 between the years 2010 and 2013.

Till 2009, Australia was the 3rd preferred country for most of the Indians; it has to restore its position and reputation further to the ethnic violence on Indians there.

The costs of higher education and living there and the insecure job situation in the US are the main reasons behind the drop in that country. As for the UK, the anti-immigration rules need to be blamed. The closing down of the provision of post-study work visa from the year 2011 and the ‘requirement of a bond’ of £3,000 for Indian students to obtain a visa were major constraints for students. In the year 2013, the requirement for the bond was removed by the conservatives-led government in the UK.

Some of the countries such as New Zealand, Canada, Germany and some Asia Pacific countries have gained from the above mentioned developments. This is because of easier immigration policies there, accessibility of world-class institutions comparable to many of the UK and US colleges and economical living and education costs, along with post-study employment opportunities. These aforesaid are the main reasons for students showing interest in these countries. For example, Canada has become an attractive destination by providing the facility to work for three years after the completion of studies. Apart from these facilities, Canada also offers citizenships additionally and this is also a major attraction for many of the foreign students who want to settle in Canada. There is a 10% increase in the enrollment of students in Canadian universities over the last decade.

New Zealand after gaining an understanding of the requirements has recently announced unlimited work rights to all the foreign Masters (i.e. MS) and PhD students. So far, it has granted almost 3 years for post-study work visa. According to sources, India was the 2nd largest contributor of foreign students in the year 2012, and in 2013 this number increased to 14%. Over a period of five years, there has been a 200% increase in the enrollment of students.