Study Abroad 2025: What’s Changing and Where Should You Go?

2024 was quite an eventful year and 2025 is seeing a lot of changes in the study abroad space and if you are thinking of studying abroad this year I will discuss key trends and everything one should keep in mind to plan their journey to the country of their choice this year.

Trend # 1: Costs are going up!

This includes tuition, living, and other costs one incurs to study at a university abroad. Many countries such as Finland which historically used to offer free education to international students have now introduced a tuition fee. Many institutions in Canada have increased the tuition fee, so have institutions in Australia, US, UK, and other countries. Talking about living, Canada increased the GIC amount and Australia followed the trend. Similarly, the immigration health surcharge and student visa fee in the UK also increased. And then you add in the current inflation rates and increased cost of living anywhere in the world. In a nutshell, this means that the cost of studying abroad can go up 10 to 30% depending on which country you choose. 

Trend # 2: Canada loses its charm 

Yes, the Justin Trudeau episode did a lot of harm to Canada’s reputation amongst Indian students but there are a lot of policy changes that happened in the last year and due to housing crises in the country that have led to a slight negative sentiment amongst a lot of students. Also increasing tuition fees and housing costs means Canada is no more the most popular country.

Trend # 3: Tough Times for the UK ahead

The UK banned dependent visas and increased the skilled worker visa salary threshold that impacted the country negatively in 2024. Also, with visa fees increased and IHS costs increasing, many students may find the UK unfavourable moving forward. But that doesn’t mean the UK's popularity is dying. In 2023 and 2024, the UK remained one of the most popular countries for Indians to study abroad, but will this continue in 2025? Let’s wait and watch. 

Trend # 4: Germany’s increasing popularity

Yes, Germany is quite literally challenging Canada’s dominance in India. Why? Next to zero tuition fees in public universities, good employment opportunities, post-study work visas, and resident permits are on offer. To give you an idea, the number of Indian students in Germany has increased by 107% in just 4 years! However, many students reported delayed processing of APS certificates which is mandatory for Indian students to study in the country in the last year. But in 2025, major reforms were made accelerating processing times and making it easier for applicants to apply to a greater number of German universities. Germany is bound to grow in 2025 and beyond. 

BONUS: Top 5 countries to watch out for in 2025

One, South Korea. It is on top of the country’s plan to attract 3 lac international students by 2027. More and more students are now flocking to South Korea primarily because of it’s world class universities, ample scholarship options, and prospects to stay back and get valuable international experience. 

Next up, is South Korea’s neighbour, Japan. Japan and India share very close ties and with more and more students eyeing Japanese universities, the student numbers are growing year on year. 

Three, Ireland. Ireland welcomed 7,000 Indian students in 2023. This is ten times the figure a decade ago means that in 2013, just 700 Indian students went to Ireland. This figure is going to touch at least 10000 this year. 

..and four, UAE. This may sound unusual but India and UAE signed an MoU which includes student and faculty mobility, exchange of information, and academic collaboration between institutions in both countries. Also with the presence of many foreign universities in the country and proximity to India, UAE has been attracting a lot of Indian students on its shores. 

So what are your thoughts on all this? Which country will you choose for your higher education?