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Over 7.6 lakh Indians went abroad for higher studies in 2024, slightly lower than 2023, according to Bureau of Immigration data shared in the Lok Sabha.
Over 7.6 lakh Indians went abroad for higher education in 2024, government data shows. (Representational/File)
More than 7.6 lakh Indians pursued higher education overseas in 2024, according to data shared by the Bureau of Immigration (BoI). The figures were presented in the Lok Sabha on Monday by Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar while replying to a query raised by MP PC Mohan.
Majumdar clarified that the Ministry of Education does not directly maintain records of students moving abroad for studies. However, the BoI data provides an estimate, showing a marginal decline compared to 2023, when the number of outbound students peaked at nearly 8.95 lakh.
Student Mobility Trends Over The Years
The data reveals a steady rise in the number of Indian students going abroad for higher studies over the past five years. In 2020, around 2.6 lakh students pursued education overseas, which rose to 4.45 lakh in 2021 and 7.52 lakh in 2022. The number reached its highest point in 2023 with 8.94 lakh students before declining slightly to 7.6 lakh in 2024.
Year-wise data of Indian students going abroad for studies:
2020: 2,60,363
2021: 4,45,582
2022: 7,52,111
2023: 8,94,783
2024: 7,60,073
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Govt Steps To Support Students Abroad
Responding to concerns about student mobility, the government said it has taken several measures to ease the process. These include facilitating visa approvals, recognition of academic qualifications, and supporting migration through Mutual Recognition of Qualifications (MRQs) and Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreements with other countries.
To ensure welfare support, the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) has been established in Indian Missions and Posts abroad. The fund provides assistance on a means-tested basis and covers contingency expenses for Indian citizens, including students, in emergency situations.
The government has also urged students studying overseas to register with Indian Missions and use the MADAD portal so that their grievances and concerns can be resolved promptly.

Archit Gupta is a Chief Sub-Editor at News18.com and a seasoned education journalist specialising in reporting on education and employment. He has covered a variety of education-related stories, including high-…Read More
Archit Gupta is a Chief Sub-Editor at News18.com and a seasoned education journalist specialising in reporting on education and employment. He has covered a variety of education-related stories, including high-… Read More
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