Why Are Indians Moving Abroad? The Role of Overseas Education in Migration Trends

In recent years, the trend of Indians migrating abroad has surged significantly. According to data from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)—a group of 38 wealthy countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and Germany—Indians are leading global migration and citizenship acquisition.

One of the biggest reasons behind this mass migration is higher education. More than ever before, Indian students are choosing to study abroad for better academic opportunities, global exposure, and long-term career prospects. Many of them eventually settle in foreign countries, contributing to the rising number of Indians acquiring foreign citizenship.

Overseas Education: A Gateway to Migration

The link between studying abroad and migration is undeniable. Many Indian students initially move for education but later transition to permanent residency and citizenship in their host countries.

Why Are Indians Choosing to Study Abroad?

1. Access to World-Class Education

The United States, Canada, Australia, and the UK are home to some of the best universities in the world, offering:

• High-quality education and research facilities

• Modern infrastructure and global faculty

• Courses aligned with international job markets

For many Indian students, studying at these institutions provides a competitive edge over domestic degrees.

2. Post-Study Work and PR Pathways

Many foreign countries offer post-study work opportunities that allow students to stay and work after graduation. These often serve as a stepping stone to permanent residency (PR).

• Canada: Offers a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) of up to 3 years, leading to PR through programs like Express Entry.

• Australia: Allows international students to work for 2-4 years after completing their degree, depending on their qualification and location.

• United States: Provides Optional Practical Training (OPT), allowing students to work for 1-3 years after graduation, with further opportunities via the H-1B visa.

• United Kingdom: Grants a Graduate Route visa, letting students stay for 2 years (or 3 years for PhD holders) to find work.

Since many students secure jobs and settle in these countries, their initial decision to study abroad often translates into long-term migration.

3. Better Employment and Salary Prospects

Graduates from foreign universities often earn higher salaries and have better job opportunities than their counterparts in India. Multinational companies (MNCs) prefer hiring candidates with international experience, making overseas education a strong career investment.

For instance, a software engineer in the US can earn 3-5 times more than in India. Similarly, doctors, finance professionals, and data scientists find more lucrative career options abroad.

4. Higher Standard of Living

For many students, studying abroad is also about experiencing a better quality of life. Developed nations offer:

• Cleaner environments (especially compared to India’s pollution levels)

• Efficient public services (healthcare, transport, safety)

• A diverse and inclusive culture

This enhanced lifestyle often influences students to settle abroad permanently.

5. Stronger Passport and Global Mobility

An Indian passport ranks 80th globally, limiting visa-free travel options. In contrast, a US, Canadian, or Australian passport offers greater freedom of movement, allowing easy access to multiple countries. Many Indian students seek foreign citizenship to enjoy global mobility and travel benefits.

How Big Is This Trend?

The numbers reflect this growing study-migration pattern:

• Over 1.3 million Indian students are currently pursuing education abroad.

• India is the second-largest source of international students worldwide, after China.

• Many Indian students eventually acquire foreign citizenship, contributing to India’s record-high migration numbers.

Indians Leading in Citizenship Acquisition

Recent OECD data shows that Indians are not just migrating abroad for studies but also becoming permanent residents and citizens in large numbers:

• In 2021, 133,000 Indians acquired citizenship in OECD nations.

• The United States (56,000), Australia (24,000), and Canada (21,000) were top destinations.

• In 2022, 60,000 Indians acquired Canadian citizenship, a 174% increase from 2021.

This shows that overseas education often leads to permanent migration, making it a significant factor in India’s brain drain.

What Does This Mean for India?

While India is witnessing a large-scale migration of skilled professionals and students, the country remains one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. However, the loss of talent and wealth raises concerns.

To retain its brightest minds, India must:

• Improve its education system to match global standards.

• Enhance job opportunities and salary structures.

• Address pollution, infrastructure, and quality of life issues.

The surge in Indians moving abroad for education and eventually settling there reflects a desire for better academic, professional, and personal opportunities. With OECD nations offering education-linked migration pathways, this trend is only expected to grow.

The question remains: Can India make itself attractive enough for its talented youth to stay? Only time will tell. But for now, studying overseas remains one of the most popular routes for Indians seeking a better future abroad.