India’s international student population is projected to grow by around 8 per cent annually through 2030, positioning the country as one of the fastest-growing study destinations globally, according to the Global Student Flows: India 2026 report published by QS Quacquarelli Symonds.

The report, now in its eighth year, analyses international student mobility trends related to India using QS flow-mapping technology, data from the QS International Student Survey 2025 and insights from the QS World University Rankings.

India hosted an estimated 58,000 international students in 2025, with numbers expected to expand steadily through the end of the decade. The growth contrasts with tightening immigration policies and rising costs across traditional English-speaking destinations, which are redirecting students to alternative study locations.

Regional demand driving growth

South Asia accounts for nearly half of India’s international student population. Nepal and Bangladesh together represent more than 30 per cent of arrivals, with enrolments from Nepal forecast to grow by around 11 per cent annually.

Student flows from Sub-Saharan Africa are expected to rise by about 6 per cent each year, supported by limited higher education capacity in several countries and India’s relatively lower study costs. Zimbabwe is projected to record annual growth of roughly 11 per cent among African source markets.

The Middle East and North Africa region is also expected to contribute to inbound demand, with students from the United Arab Emirates forecast to make up about 5 per cent of India’s international cohort by 2030.

Policy reforms supporting inbound mobility

Government policy changes have contributed to India’s growing appeal as a study destination. The Study in India Programme has simplified admissions and reduced financial barriers for international applicants.

Reforms under the National Education Policy 2020 have also enabled foreign universities to establish campuses in India and allowed institutions to create additional seats for international students. The University Grants Commission permits universities to reserve up to 25 per cent extra seats for overseas applicants.

India has also outlined a long-term goal of hosting 500,000 international students by 2047.

Outbound mobility diversifying

India remains the world’s second-largest source of international students, with more than 800,000 Indians studying abroad in 2024. However, enrolments in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia — the traditional “Big Four” destinations — are projected to decline slightly through 2030.

Indian students are increasingly choosing Germany, France and the United Arab Emirates as alternative destinations, reflecting a shift towards more accessible and lower-cost study options.

Challenges for institutions

The report identifies reputation, graduate employability and infrastructure as key issues for Indian institutions. While employer reputation indicators have improved in recent years, academic reputation rankings have remained relatively stable.

Graduate employability is another concern. A 2025 study by Mercer-Mettl found that 42.6 per cent of Indian graduates are considered employable.

The report also warns that rapid growth in international enrolments without investment in housing, campus facilities and student support could affect the student experience.

Ashwin Fernandes, Chair QS India and Vice President for Strategic and International Engagement at QS, said India’s position in global student mobility is strengthening but institutions must improve graduate outcomes and academic reputation to sustain growth.

Scenarios for 2030

The report outlines three possible scenarios for the future of international education involving India: regional student mobility driven by geopolitical fragmentation; technology-enabled blended learning networks connecting institutions globally; and intensified competition among countries to attract international talent.

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