Beyond Big Four: Indian students are dumping default study abroad settings
The shift has gathered pace over the past few months as policy changes across major study destinations have made outcomes less predictable. “Everybody has kind of changed some policies or increased the fees, or there have been restrictions from their front to cut down the immigrations,” said Mayank Maheshwari, Co-Founder & COO, University Living to ET Online.
He added that students are now weighing decisions more carefully as the financial stakes have increased and outcomes remain uncertain.
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A rethink on familiar choices
Across traditional destinations, policy changes and cost pressures are beginning to influence how students and families assess overseas education. Maheshwari said that over the past three to six months, multiple countries have either tightened immigration norms, raised fees or introduced measures to limit inflows, creating a more cautious environment for applicants.
Canada, once a leading choice for Indian students, has seen a sharp fall in interest after immigration caps. “We have seen that more than 70-80% has dropped from the inquiry flow for Canada from India,” he said, indicating how quickly sentiment has shifted.
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In the US, demand remains intact, but decision-making has slowed. He added that many students are holding back and trying to assess if conditions improve before committing to expensive education plans.
In the UK, policy changes are also beginning to influence sentiment. “The overall dynamics for the UK are becoming slightly challenging and questionable in the minds of students and the parents,” Maheshwari said, citing shorter post-study work windows, higher salary thresholds and rising living costs.
Ireland remains a steady choice
Ireland continues to hold its position as a consistent option after the “Big Four”. Maheshwari said the country has traditionally been placed after the US, UK, Canada and Australia in terms of preference among Indian students.
He added that Ireland attracts students due to the presence of global companies, with many headquartered in Dublin. Student numbers, he said, remain steady, ranging between 11,000 and 15,000.
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Maheshwari also stated that while Dublin and Cork remain the primary choices, other cities are beginning to see traction. “Even new places are gaining some traction like Galway, Limerick,” he said, pointing to a gradual spread of student interest beyond the main hubs.
New pathways in New Zealand
As traditional routes become less certain, new options are beginning to stand out. New Zealand’s decision to allow a six-month post-study work window for diploma and vocational students has opened up a pathway that did not exist earlier.
“Earlier it was zero, and now it’s been six months. They can stay and explore the job opportunities,” he said, calling it a step that gives students a defined window to enter the workforce. He also said the move is likely to encourage more students to consider vocational courses aligned with job demand.
The response is already visible. Indian student numbers in New Zealand have nearly doubled over time, rising from around 5,000–6,000 to about 10,000–11,000 annually. For many, especially those unable to secure options in Canada, the country is emerging as a practical alternative.
Europe and alternative destinations gain traction
Europe is also entering the consideration set more actively. Countries such as Germany, France, Spain and Italy are seeing growing interest, supported by lower tuition costs and emerging job opportunities.
Maheshwari said the shift is also being driven by targeted skill demand. He added that sectors such as healthcare and IT are drawing more students, particularly in countries facing ageing populations and workforce shortages.
At the same time, consultants are increasingly introducing students to newer destinations that were not widely considered earlier, expanding the overall decision set beyond traditional geographies.
Uncertainty reshapes decisions
Global developments are also influencing choices in ways that go beyond visas and jobs. Tensions in the Middle East, for instance, have affected student sentiment in certain regions. “We have seen a drastic drop in the Dubai inquiry flow, it is more of a wait and watch situation,” he said.
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This uncertainty is changing how students apply. Instead of focusing on one or two countries, many are now exploring multiple destinations and securing several offer letters before making a final call. He added that universities are also responding by extending deadlines and offering greater flexibility.
A more calculated approach
What is changing more fundamentally is not just where students go, but how they approach the decision. Financial planning and risk assessment are becoming central to the process.
“They should calculate their risk wisely, and not take huge loans,” Maheshwari said, cautioning students against assuming quick returns through overseas employment. He added that students should focus on informed decision-making rather than following popular trends blindly.
The shift is gradual but clear. The “Big Four” are no longer the automatic choice they once were. Instead, Indian students are widening their options, aligning courses with job markets, and making more measured decisions in an environment where certainty is no longer guaranteed.
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