As tensions between Iran and Israel continue to escalate, the presence of Indian students in Iran has become a growing concern. Over the last five years, nearly 5,000 Indian students have gone to Iran to study, with the number rising sharply from just 186 in 2020 to 1,977 in 2024 alone.
According to an answer to a query in Lok Sabha, the growth has been steady, with the number of students increasing from 600 in 2021 to 1,063 in 2022, 1,325 in 2023, and finally 1,977 in 2024. This marks a more than ninefold increase, making Iran one of the fastest-growing education destinations for Indian students in West Asia.
According to Piyush Kumar, Regional Director, South Asia, Canada and Latin America (LATAM), IDP Education, the appeal of Iran lies in its accessible academic pathways. “Indian students seek opportunities in Iran primarily for studies in medical sciences and engineering disciplines. This can be attributed to affordable tuition fees and accessible admission pathways,” he said.
Meanwhile, the number of Indian students going to Israel has declined, from 1,288 in 2023 to 862 in 2024, probably due to the escalating tension between Israel and Palestine. Other countries in the Gulf region have seen relatively stable or slower growth. The United Arab Emirates hosted 6,017 Indian students in 2024, followed by Saudi Arabia with 852, Qatar with 249 and Kuwait with 166.
Experts noted that the UAE continues to attract Indian students owing to its geographical closeness, cultural diversity, and the presence of international university campuses. However, they pointed out that destinations like the UAE and Iran still occupy a relatively niche space when compared to more established education hubs such as Canada, Australia, the UK and the US.
However, the rise comes at a time when the security situation in the region has deteriorated. The ongoing Iran-Israel conflict has raised concerns among students and families alike.
“Safety is a key consideration for students and their families when choosing a study destination. While affordability and research collaborations have historically drawn Indian students towards destinations like Iran and Israel, the current climate, particularly the conflict between the two nations, has introduced a degree of hesitation,” Kumar added.
In terms of the broader diaspora, Iran’s Indian population remains small. As of 2025, Iran is home to 10,765 Overseas Indians, including 10,320 Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and 445 Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs). This is modest compared to the UAE’s 35.7 lakh and Saudi Arabia’s 24.6 lakh Indian population.
With Indian students in Iran amid rising conflict, the Indian government may need to consider diplomatic safeguards or evacuation plans, as educational ambition now overlaps with geopolitical uncertainty.