Which courses Indian students prefer to study in US, UK, Canada ? | Education News

Canada: Growing interest in health and STEM fields

Despite recent diplomatic tussles, Canada remains a top destination for Indian students intending to study abroad. In 2024, interest in health-related programmes surged. Searches for health courses from Indian students rose to 17 per cent, up from 13 per cent in the previous year. This trend aligns with Canada’s urgent need for healthcare professionals, as the country is projected to face shortages of 78,000 doctors and 1,17,600 nurses by 2031.

Beyond health programmes, STEM fields continue to be a strong draw. More than 20 per cent of Indian students searched for engineering and technology programmes, a trend mirrored across major international student populations. Interest in Canadian science programmes also grew, following a broader global shift towards STEM education.

With Canada’s favorable post-study work policies and growing demand for skilled workers, Indian students can expect strong career prospects in these fields.

United States: Indian students favor science and health fields

The US remains a leading study-abroad destination for Indian students, and in 2024, science and health programmes saw notable growth. Science-related courses accounted for 21 per cent of all searches from Indian students, reflecting the US’s long-standing reputation as a STEM education powerhouse.

Health fields also gained traction, with 13 per cent of Indian students exploring programmes in this sector. This aligns with a broader trend, as demand for healthcare professionals continues to grow globally. The rise in interest in science and health programmes came at the expense of engineering and technology, which saw a slight decline but remained a popular choice.

With the US offering significantly higher wages for STEM professionals compared to other fields, these programmes continue to be an attractive option for Indian students seeking high-paying and stable career pathways.

United Kingdom: Indian students explore diverse career pathways

Despite a temporary slowdown in international student applications due to policy changes in 2023, the UK is seeing a resurgence in interest. Searches for UK programmes from Indian students increased in 2024, with a particular focus on health, science and engineering-related courses.

Health programme searches saw the biggest rise, aligning with the UK’s expanding healthcare sector, which is expected to add 3,49,000 jobs by 2035. Engineering and technology searches accounted for 17 per cent of total searches, while interest in science courses rose from 13 per cent in 2023 to 16 per cent in 2024.

With the UK actively looking to fill skill shortages in these sectors, Indian students pursuing education in these fields can benefit from strong employment opportunities and post-study work options.

The increasing focus on health, science, and STEM programmes among Indian students in these countries reflects a shift toward career-oriented education choices that align with global job market needs. With Canada, the US and the UK all offering strong employment prospects in these fields, Indian students studying abroad can position themselves for success in high-demand professions.

For universities looking to attract Indian students, highlighting career pathways, research opportunities, and post-study work benefits in these key fields will be crucial in the coming years.