Student stats
Karan Lalit, executive director of South Asia for TOEFL & GRE at Educational Testing Service, stated that over the last three to four years following the COVID-19 pandemic, Germany and France are emerging as new student hotspots among the top five choices. In the last three years, we saw a 10%-15% year-on-year increase in student footfall. The US, therefore, remains a highly desirable destination, even as students increasingly keep alternative countries in consideration,” he added.
Lalit said, “The major reason is the cost-effectiveness of studying there. However, he noted that these concerns might be temporary, saying, “While these factors may affect the pipeline of fresh aspirants, they have not yet translated into a decline in the overall Indian student population currently studying in the US. ” Visa processing timelines, policy uncertainty and affordability concerns have influenced the decision-making process for some prospective students. Explaining this trend, Lalit said students are considering a wider range of destinations alongside the US and are preparing for options across multiple countries simultaneously. He said, “In this context, globally recognized assessments such as the TOEFL test can support destination flexibility by enabling students to demonstrate their English-language proficiency to institutions across a wide international network, irrespective of which country they ultimately choose.
If students opt for government institutions, it is almost free of cost. High-quality education at a lower cost is drawing students to these regions. Another effective factor is that post-study job opportunities for students are also quite high. Industry reports also indicate a slowdown in new international enrolments, particularly at the graduate level. “While these factors may affect the pipeline of new students, they have not yet translated into a decline in the overall Indian student population currently studying in the US. Early planning, reliable guidance, and strong academic preparation remain central to making an informed destination decision.”