Indian students have always viewed the US as a top study destination. However, with the ongoing visa challenges in the US, delays in visa processing, growing concerns about job opportunities after graduation, rising costs, and shifting immigration policies are causing anxiety among applicants and parents. Therefore, with this looming fear of “what’s next”, let’s explore destinations beyond the US that students can explore today – best study abroad destinations for Indian students in 2025.

Canada – Evergreen One of the Top Study Abroad Destinations

While Canada has also been a popular destination among Indian students, the past two years have seen a significant drop in the number of students owing to the diplomatic relations between both countries primarily. However, Canada seems to want to lure Indian students back and is making efforts to do so.

Pros of studying in Canada

Appointment of new Indian Foreign Minister, Anita Anand, and three other Indian-origin leaders: Maninder Sidhu as Minister of International Trade, and Ruby Sahota and Randeep Sarai as Secretaries of State.

Recent improvements in India-Canada diplomatic relations promise to boost the number of Indian students by 20-30% this year.

Canada offers a postgraduate work permit for up to 3 years post graduation. The pathway to permanent residence in Canada is far easier than most other countries. There is even an express entry route.

Canadian universities offer diversity, inclusion, and a supportive environment for Indian students.

Cons of studying in Canada

Increased financial documentation requirements and tighter visa rules. Since January’24, there has been a significant increase in the required proof of funds amount to be shown for the Canadian study permit and this is further expected to rise in September’25.

Due to policy fluctuations over the last two years, there’s been an increase in the number of visa application rejections for Canada. However, this may change now with the improvement in the two countries’ diplomatic relations, provided all the visa documentation is correct.

Rising living costs and competition in large cities. Vancouver, in particular, has very high housing prices and can sometimes become very expensive and unaffordable for students.

Europe – Germany, Netherlands, Ireland

At present, some of the European countries are excellent choices for Indian students. Countries like Germany, Netherlands, and Ireland are well-known for their strong academic programs, international student-friendly environments, and post-study work opportunities.

Germany

There has been a major increase in interest in Germany lately. A few contributing factors are minimal fees and a clear residency pathway.

Pros

There are lots of programs in English, approximately 2300 English-taught programs.

Public universities in Germany are tuition-free.

You get up to 18 months post-study visa to stay and look for a job.

Germany is geographically at the center of Europe and well connected to all other parts.

Germany also has a strong economy and job market compared to other countries. However, please be advised that undergraduate admissions in Germany are not too straightforward. Nevertheless, Germany is still one of the best destinations for Master’s abroad.

Cons

Studienkolleg requirement: Indian high school qualifications (Class 12) are not directly eligible for most public bachelor’s programs. Students must complete a 1-year Studienkolleg foundation program and pass the Feststellungsprüfung (FSP) before they can begin undergraduate studies.

Some Studienkollegs accept B1 for entry, but this is rare and usually for private institutions.

Public Studienkollegs often require B2 German.

At the Master’s level- No German language proficiency is required for admission.

While courses are taught in English, German has to be learned for daily life and work opportunities. Coursework in Germany is known to be demanding.

Netherlands

As of 2024, there are now 115,000 international students in the Netherlands. There are more than 30 universities and colleges in the Netherlands. The majority of them are located in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Groningen, and Delft. In the 2026 QS World University Rankings, there are two Dutch universities ranked within the top 100 – Delft University of Technology and the University of Amsterdam.

Pros

Many English programs are available in top universities in the Netherlands.

Acceptance rates are higher in the Netherlands as compared to other countries

A one-year post-study work visa is offered to look for a job.

High quality of life.

Cons

Coursework is demanding

High living costs in Amsterdam, particularly

To apply for citizenship, you need to demonstrate A2 level of Dutch, and it’s beneficial to even demonstrate a higher level than that.

Ireland

Post-Brexit, Ireland has outpaced traditional destinations like the UK and US, becoming a top choice for Indian students thanks to EU access, work opportunities, and a student-friendly visa system.

Pros

Only English-speaking country in the European Union (post-Brexit)

Several major international companies have their European or EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) headquarters in Dublin, Ireland. These include Google, Facebook (Meta), Microsoft, LinkedIn, Apple, Amazon, Airbnb, PayPal, Indeed, and Twitter. Other significant companies with a large presence in Dublin include Accenture, Pfizer, IBM, and Salesforce – Leading to many post-study work employment opportunities.

Supportive Multi-Cultural Environment in Dublin

Cons

Dublin is increasingly becoming an expensive city to live in.

Weather in Ireland can be rainy and dark, and very cold in the winter, and it can be tough for Indian students not to see the sun for days.

Food can also be tough for Indians in Dublin, though more options keep opening up.

New Zealand

Indian students choosing to study abroad in New Zealand benefit from its supportive policies, scholarship options, and, in general, overall student benefits.

Pros

New Zealand offers a safe, student-friendly, supportive environment for students.

New Zealand, being English-speaking, makes the adjustment easier for Indian students.

There are many pathway program options that allow you to study your dream subject even if you don’t initially meet the entry criteria.

Cons

Far from India and a bit disconnected from the rest of the world.

Can be deemed slightly “boring” as a place to live in, as the cities are smaller and quieter.

Dubai

Indian students now form around 40% of the student body in Dubai Universities. There are a lot of comfort factors for Indians in Dubai – it’s close to home, language is not an issue, plenty of Indians around, as well as ease of admissions and stayback options.

Pros

Dubai offers globally recognized Indian universities ( like BITS Pilani Dubai, Symbiosis Dubai) and globally recognized International Universities (like Middlesex University Dubai, University of Birmingham Dubai, Istituto Marangoni Dubai)

There is easy Work permit availability for internships/part-time roles

Dubai is very safe and multicultural with a strong Indian presence

Cons

Weather in Dubai can be very harsh with intense heat in the summer

As modern as Dubai portrays itself to be, there are still restrictions around free speech and modest culture expectations. Some institutions in Dubai lack strong global rankings or focus on research, which can be a solid hindrance to top-performing students looking for a challenging environment.

Japan

While you may be surprised to find Japan in this list, there is a lot of interest from students about wanting to study in Japan and being completely fascinated by Japanese culture.

Pros

Japan offers high-quality education (not surprising), strong global ranking (49 universities in QS Top 2025), and a growing Indian student population.

Japanese universities are offering scholarships, English-taught programs (e.g., Akita International University), and favorable part-time work policies

Japan is a very safe, low-crime country with a strong sense of respect and care for those around them.

Japan offers a very unique cultural immersion, with their food, history, anime, alongside technological advancement.

There has also been a recent growth in English-medium liberal arts programs (e.g., AIU Tokyo & Akita)

Cons

Major Language barrier in Japan- even in a huge city like Tokyo, getting by without Japanese can be an issue.

Cultural norms may feel restrictive—strict rules, social conformity, and the culture is not accepting of foreigners.

Cold winters and high-pressure academic environment.

Living costs, especially in Tokyo, can be high in areas like rent and transport.

While there are plenty of options available to students beyond the US, it’s important to factor in finances, language barriers, and post-study work visa options to make the best choice for you.

The writer is Founder and CEO, Inomi Learning, a Gurugram-based career and college guidance firm. info@inomi.in

The original article was first published in ‘The Hindu’, on July 20th, 2025.

With inputs from Kritika Malhotra, Lead Counsellor at Inomi Learning.

Richa

Richa Dwivedi Saklani is a certified coach from UCLA and is an accredited MBTI trainer who has worked with over 10,000 people across career planning and as a behavioral trainer in companies. She is the CEO & Founder of Inomi Learning and author of “The Ultimate Guide to 21st Century Careers”.