The education sector in 2024 has seen significant changes, impacting student mobility, skill development, and global educational opportunities. Indian students navigating these changes have faced challenges and new prospects, as countries adapted to meet the demands of a dynamic workforce. As 2024 draws to a close, experts agree that the future of global education for Indian students is promising, with more opportunities to align academic choices with career prospects in high-growth sectors. The evolving landscape, driven by technological advancements, policy changes, and shifting student priorities, is paving the way for a dynamic and interconnected world of education in 2025 and beyond.
Expanding Global Opportunities
Sachin Jain, Country Manager at ETS India & South Asia, highlights the increasing accessibility for Indian students to study abroad, with countries like Canada, Australia, and the UK refining post-study work visa options, and emerging destinations like Germany, Italy, and Singapore easing visa regulations. "These shifts, alongside India's focus on internationalization through pathways and dual degrees, are making studying at international universities more accessible and lucrative," Jain notes. Looking to 2025, he emphasizes the growing demand for skilled workers in sectors like STEM, Healthcare, and IT, which will create more avenues for Indian students.
A Shifting Global Landscape
Abhijit Zaveri, Founder and Director of Career Mosaic, underscores the impact of geopolitical tensions, visa delays, and housing shortages, which affected student mobility, particularly to the U.S. Despite these challenges, European countries like France, Germany, and Ireland have become increasingly attractive to Indian students. "As students prioritize long-term career prospects and global mobility, Europe is becoming the preferred choice," Zaveri explains. Emerging hubs like Georgia and the Czech Republic, especially for medical education, have seen rising interest.
Technological Integration and Skill Development
2024 also marked a significant shift towards technology and skill-based learning. Anish Srikrishna, CEO of TimesPro, notes that the adoption of the National Education Policy (NEP) has led to a surge in demand for employability-focused, skill-based programs, particularly in AI, Machine Learning, and Data Science. "Our commitment remains unwavering in bridging gaps in accessibility and industry-academia collaboration to create meaningful employability pathways," Srikrishna shares, anticipating a greater focus on experiential learning in 2025.
Exploring New Destinations
The growing interest in alternative study destinations is echoed by Aritra Ghosal, Founder & Director of OneStep Global, who points to the rise of countries like Ireland, Finland, and New Zealand as attractive options. "Students are exploring destinations that offer favourable post-study work opportunities and support for international students," Ghosal says. With stricter visa regulations in traditional destinations, students are adapting by seeking out emerging alternatives that align with global career trends.
Short-Term Programmes Gaining Popularity
In the US, PK Agarwal, Dean at UC Santa Cruz Silicon Valley Professional Education, notes that Indian students are increasingly choosing short-term, career-oriented programs, particularly in data science, AI, and project management. "The trend towards short-term professional programs that offer quicker returns on investment, such as the OPT, will continue in 2025," Agarwal predicts. He encourages students to align their choices with industry trends and build strong professional networks to enhance employability.
Evolving European Landscape
Saurabh Arora, Founder & CEO of University Living, highlights the evolving European landscape, with countries like Germany, France, and Spain offering affordable tuition fees and growing international student support. The shift in Canada's visa policies has spurred Indian students to explore these emerging destinations. "With more accessible options and promising post-study work opportunities, Europe is becoming a viable alternative to traditional destinations," Arora concludes.
Technology-Driven Education
Amit Baveja, MD of Burlington English India, reflects on the transformative role of technology in Indian education, emphasizing the rapid adoption of competency-based learning and AI-driven tools. "As India invests heavily in skill development, we are well-positioned to become a leader in the global skill economy," Baveja states, anticipating further technological integration and inclusive delivery models in 2025.
Certifications like CFP to build future-ready careers
Krishan Mishra, CEO, Financial Planning Standards Board India, said, "Indian students are embracing global education shifts with remarkable agility, leveraging technology and diverse learning platforms to access international opportunities. At FPSB India, we see a growing trend of students pursuing globally recognised certifications like CFP to build future-ready careers. This adaptability underscores their determination to align with global standards while contributing to India's position as a knowledge-driven economy. 2025 will witness Indian students leading the way in redefining global education benchmarks."
