New Zealand, France, Germany may attract more Indian students in 2024: Study abroad consultants

The landscape of international education may witness a significant shift, with a growing number of Indian students exploring alternative destinations such as Germany, France, and New Zealand.

This shift can be attributed to the tightening of immigration policies in traditional study abroad hotspots such as the UK, the US, Australia, and Canada, which has made Indian students reevaluate their options, various study abroad consultants said.

Changes in immigration policies have made Indian students fret over post-study work opportunities. Many students view countries such as Germany and France, with their more flexible work visa regulations and growing job markets, as attractive alternatives for a career after completing their education.

“In New Zealand, the average annual tuition fees range from NZD 20,000 to NZD 25,000. Similarly, other European countries present tuition expenses averaging between EUR 10,000 and EUR 20,000 annually. This affordability factor makes them highly desirable and practical destinations for studying. Additionally, the overall cost of living in these European countries is reasonable, contributing to students’ inclination to pursue their education there,” Gaurav Batra, Founder and spokesperson of Infinite Group, told Moneycontrol.

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Among the alternatives, he said New Zealand stands out as an increasingly preferred destination for offering pathways to permanent residency for students. “Opting for courses listed on the green list can significantly streamline the pathway to permanent residency in New Zealand,” Batra added.

Lower living cost

The rising costs associated with education and living expenses in traditional study destinations are likely to drive Indian students towards more economically viable options. For instance, in Canada, a single student applicant will need to show he/she has $20,635, representing 75 percent of LICO (Low Income Cut-Off), in addition to his/her first-year tuition and travel costs.

LICO indicates the minimum income necessary to ensure that an individual does not have to spend a greater-than-average portion of income on necessities.

From next spring, the UK government will increase the earnings threshold for overseas workers by nearly 50 percent from the current £26,200 to £38,700.

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Study abroad consultants anticipate an increased interest in Germany and France, where comparatively lower tuition fees and a reasonable cost of living make them attractive alternatives.

“Many public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees, even for international students. While living expenses might be comparable to other Western European countries, the absence of tuition fees makes it attractive. Additionally, there are numerous scholarships available for international students,” said Vibha Kagzi, Founder and CEO of ReachIvy.com.

Besides, Germany has eased its immigration and citizenship rules and has shortened the period of mandatory residence (5 years from the previous 8 years) before obtaining citizenship. To be sure, the country is already popular among Indian students, making the largest population of international students, and this may increase even further.

Meanwhile, France aims to welcome 20,000 Indian students by 2025 and reach 30,000 by 2030.

Kagzi said France offers “relatively affordable” tuition fees for its world-renowned universities, including Université PSL (Paris Sciences & Lettres), Sorbonne University and Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon. With the option to study in English or French, students have a wide range of programmes to choose from.

Early planning is essential

Study-abroad consultants said they have adapted their guidance to cater to this evolving trend, emphasizing a broader range of destination options to meet the diverse needs and aspirations of their clients.

Consultants are informing students of alternatives based on their focus areas.

For instance, the duration of an initial Temporary Graduate Visa (TGV) will be shorter in Australia. The extension of post-study work rights will no longer be available. Only applicants who studied in a regional area will be eligible for an extension.

However, experts are pitching for Germany. “As per the comparisons made with the popular countries, Germany topped the list. Here, the PR Visa Processing Time ranges between 2-3 weeks, which is comparatively less than in other destinations,” said Mamta Shekhawat, Founder of Gradding.com.

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Experts emphasise the importance of early planning and thorough research. For those considering the summer intake, initiating the application process well in advance is crucial. Similarly, individuals contemplating a college transfer should begin researching potential institutions and their admission requirements early to make informed decisions.

“Students intending to pursue studies abroad during the summer intake should begin applying to their preferred universities as early as January. On average, the transition period for changing colleges and countries for overseas studies typically falls within the range of one to two months,” Infinite Group’s Batra said.

Students are advised to clearly articulate their academic and career goals, as well as personal preferences, before initiating the application process. This clarity helps in identifying suitable programmes and institutions that align with an individual’s aspirations, ensuring he’she can submit a more targeted and successful application.