Study Abroad from India — Complete Guide 2026
India sends more students abroad than almost any other country — over 1 million annually. But the landscape has shifted dramatically. Canada slashed study permits by 48%. Australia tightened requirements. The UK Graduate Route is under review. This guide covers what Indian students need to know for 2026, including emerging alternatives.
The big shift: diversification away from Canada
For years, Canada was the default. In 2024-2025, that changed. Study permit approvals for Indian students dropped sharply, driven by the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) requirement, tighter GIC rules, and political scrutiny of the international student programme.
The result: Indian students are diversifying. Germany, Australia, Ireland, and newer destinations like South Korea and Japan are seeing significant increases in Indian applicants.
Best destinations for Indian students in 2026
| Country | Why it works | Tuition/yr | Post-study visa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | Free tuition, IT job market, clear PR path | €0–350 | 18 months |
| Canada | Still strong but harder to get in | CAD 15,000–35,000 | Up to 3 years |
| Australia | Quality, PR pathway, strong Indian community | AUD 20,000–38,000 | 2–4 years |
| UK | 1-year master's, Graduate Route | £12,000–25,000 | 2 years |
| Ireland | English-taught, tech hub, Stay Back visa | €10,000–20,000 | 2 years |
| South Korea | KGSP scholarship, tech sector, affordable | €3,000–5,000 | Up to 3 years |
| France | €243 tuition, growing Indian enrollment | €243 | 2 years |
Germany — the emerging favourite
Germany has become the fastest-growing destination for Indian students. Free tuition, 1,800+ English-taught master's programmes, and a desperate IT job market (150K+ unfilled positions) make it compelling. The 18-month post-study visa and 2-year PR path are more predictable than Canada's points lottery.
Key consideration: You need €11,208 in a blocked account. Living costs in Munich/Stuttgart are higher than in Berlin/Leipzig.
Scholarship strategies for Indian students
- DAAD (Germany) — Multiple programmes for Indian students, including DAAD-WISE (research internships) and EPOS (development-related master's).
- Chevening (UK) — Fully funded master's. Indian applicants have strong success rates historically.
- Erasmus Mundus — Joint EU programmes with generous scholarships. India is a priority partner country.
- Fulbright-Nehru — For master's and PhD in the USA. Fully funded including travel.
- MEXT (Japan) — Full scholarship: tuition + stipend + flights. Growing Indian enrollment in Japanese STEM programmes.
Canada in 2026 — still worth it?
Yes, but with caveats. The PGWP remains excellent, and Express Entry still favours Canadian-educated applicants. However, getting a study permit is significantly harder. You need a PAL from your institution, stronger financial proof, and a more convincing study plan. Diploma mills and low-quality institutions have been cut from eligibility.
If you get into a reputable programme (DLI with high approval rates), Canada remains a strong choice. If you are applying to marginal institutions, look at Germany or Ireland instead.
Beyond the usual suspects
Ireland is gaining traction — English-taught, EU access, 2-year Stay Back visa, and a strong tech sector (Google, Meta, Apple all have European HQs in Dublin). Tuition is moderate at €10,000–20,000/year.
South Korea offers the KGSP fully funded scholarship and a growing Indian student community. The 3-year post-study visa is among the longest in Asia.
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