Where Are Indian Students Studying Abroad? Surprising Numbers Revealed!

A recent report reveals that over 1.88 million Indian students are studying in various countries, with significant populations in the UAE, Canada, and the US. The Ministry of External Affairs has shared insights on deportations and entry denials, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding students' interests abroad. With ongoing support mechanisms and recent evacuation operations, the ministry is committed to ensuring the safety of Indian nationals during international crises. Read on to learn more about the challenges faced by these students and the measures in place to assist them.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 4, 2025, 17:50 IST

Current Statistics on Indian Students Overseas

New Delhi: Currently, there are approximately 1.88 million Indian students pursuing their education in various countries. The largest populations are found in the UAE (253,000), Canada (427,000), the US (255,000), Australia (196,000), and the UK (173,000), as reported to Parliament on Thursday.

The information was shared in a written response by Kirti Vardhan Singh, the Minister of State for External Affairs, indicating that these students are distributed across 153 nations, ranging from prominent educational centers to lesser-known locations like Armenia, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, and Cyprus, which collectively host numerous Indian medical students.

The ministry also provided statistics on students who faced deportation or entry denial over the past five years.

In the UK, 170 students were deported, while the US deported 45 and denied entry to 62. Australia recorded 114 deportations.

Other nations that deported Indian students include Russia (82), Ukraine (13), Georgia (17), Finland (5), and Egypt (2). Kyrgyzstan denied entry to 11 students, with no deportations reported from there.

The minister explained that deportations often stem from breaches of visa regulations, such as engaging in unauthorized employment, participating in unapproved business activities, failing to maintain required financial balances, not paying university fees, poor attendance, or withdrawing from courses.

Many students were denied entry due to incomplete admission documents, not meeting university enrollment criteria, or being unable to respond to basic questions about their selected programs.

The minister emphasized that the Ministry of External Affairs prioritizes the protection of Indian students overseas.

Embassies maintain ongoing communication with students, conduct university interactions, and issue warnings against fraudulent or unaccredited educational programs.

The response also highlighted advisories issued by the Ministry to protect Indian students from misleading foreign educational offerings in countries such as Tajikistan, Suriname, Finland, Latvia, Egypt, Canada, China, Malta, Ireland, Uzbekistan, and others.

The ministry mentioned various support mechanisms, including registration on the MADAD portal, 24/7 helplines, open houses, email and social media outreach, and the use of the Indian Community Welfare Fund to assist students in distress.

Additionally, the ministry referenced recent evacuation operations, including Operation Ganga (Ukraine), Operation Kaveri (Sudan), Operation Ajay (Israel), Operation Devi Shakti (Afghanistan), and Operation Sindhu (Israel and Iran), to demonstrate its commitment to the safety of Indian nationals, particularly students, during international crises.