Like every year, it is again that time of the year when Indian students will be trying their luck in foreign universities.

However, this year, Canada is witnessing an increase in the number of students interested in pursuing higher education. According to industry experts, in 2017, around 75,000 visas were granted to Indian students, and this year, it is expected to go up to 1,25,000.

“Lot of students are opting for Canada as it offers various two-year diploma courses. Not only are these courses more specialised and career-oriented, but after completion of the course, the students get a work permit for three years. Thus Canada is one of the most sought-after hub for higher education,” said Gurinder Bhatti, Chairman, ESS Global, a study-abroad consultant.

While there has been a decline in the number of students going to the United States, the country continues to top the charts when it comes to the most-preferred destination for higher education, followed by Canada, Australia and UK. In 2017, the outbound student mobility statistics from India was: USA (1,86,264), Canada (76, 530), Australia (44,775) and UK (18,015).

“Due to immigration and post-study work issue, there has been a decrease in interest for US and it has shifted to Canada, Australia, Ireland. Outflow of the students is same, it’s just that the destinations have changed,” said Naveen Chopra, founder, The Chopras, an overseas education consultant.

New in the line

Ireland, Netherlands and Spain are also among the countries that are attracting students because of their promotion and organised marketing. They also provide work opportunity, he said.

Management, science and technology, engineering and hospitality continue to remain the most-preferred courses among Indian students due to the job opportunities they offer. Experts also suggest that there has been an increase in the students opting for psychology and literature when going abroad for higher studies. The latest trend also suggests that some new countries such as China and Russia are gaining attraction.