How Indian Students Can Adapt To Changing Overseas Job Markets

However, the broader question remains—can India itself create a thriving ecosystem that retains its talent? Strengthening domestic opportunities, particularly in high-employment sectors like agriculture and technology, is critical

Indian students have found themselves caught in the crosshairs of shifting immigration policies across major study destinations like Canada, the UK, and Australia. Sudden policy changes have led to widespread uncertainty and anxiety among students hoping to build a future in these countries. Challenges faced by Indian students are multi-faceted stemming from tightened visa regulations, increased scrutiny, and broader socio-political shifts in their chosen destinations.

The surge in Indian students pursuing higher education abroad has become a noticeable trend in recent years, positioning India as the second-largest source country for international students globally. This phenomenon reflects the shifting landscape of global education and underscores India’s burgeoning economic influence and its citizens’ aspirations for academic excellence.

Based on recent data shared with the Rajya Sabha by the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian students are now pursuing higher education in more than 240 countries worldwide. While traditional destinations like the UK, US, Australia, and Canada remain favoured, emerging destinations such as Uzbekistan, Philippines, Russia, Ireland, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan are gaining increasing attention.

As the trend of studying abroad continues to grow, it is essential to understand the evolving preferences and aspirations of Indian students to further enhance opportunities for global education collaboration. According to the UN World Migration Report 2024, India boasts the largest diaspora globally, nearly 18 million.

According to India’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as of May 2024, the total number of overseas Indians worldwide is approximately 35.42 million, which includes about 15.85 million non-resident Indians (NRIs) and nearly 19.57 million individuals of Indian origin (PIOs).

The United States is home to the largest Indian population in the world (totalling 5.4 million people), followed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Indian immigrants have made significant contributions across various sectors, with over 20 CEOs of Indian origin leading Fortune 500 companies as of 2024.

In 2025, the trend is shifting from traditional degrees to skill-based education. Universities are introducing specialized programs that emphasize practical skills, project-based learning, and industry experience over mere academic credentials. With employers increasingly seeking job-ready graduates, many courses now include mandatory internships, hands-on projects, and skill development modules.

Fields like data science, artificial intelligence, digital marketing, cybersecurity, and green technology are gaining popularity due to their high employability potential. Indian students are showing a growing interest in pursuing these skill-based programs abroad, which can provide a competitive edge in the global job market.

Countries with thriving economies, like the USA, with a GDP of $29.35 trillion, the UK, with $3.34 trillion, and Germany, with $4.7 trillion, are actively seeking skilled professionals in critical areas. This is your opportunity to step into roles where your expertise can drive impact and growth.

The World Economic Forum (WEF) report highlights a need to address and bridge the skills gap in India's workforce. It shows out of the 13 million people who join the workforce per year, only one-fourth of the management professionals, one-fifth of engineers, and one-tenth of graduates are employable.

In addition, the Global Skills Gaps Measurement and Monitoring Report of ILO 2023 indicates that 47 per cent of Indian workers, especially 62 per cent of females are underqualified for their jobs. There is an urgent need to address this disparity between industry-demanded skills and the existing educational and training frameworks.

India, with one of the highest young populations, has a strategic advantage in addressing the evolving needs of the workforce globally. The current unemployment crisis is driving Indian youth to migrate to other countries, risking deportation and other legal challenges. He said the lack of employment within India was the root cause of this issue.

Highlighting the potential of the agricultural sector, Dallewal argued that it is the most capable sector for generating employment. He stated, “If the agricultural sector in our country were strong and profitable, our youth wouldn’t need to go abroad in search of jobs.”

For Indian students, the dream of studying abroad now comes with significant uncertainty. As governments in Canada, the UK, and Australia continue to recalibrate their immigration policies, students are left in a precarious position, forced to navigate a complex and rapidly changing environment. The once-clear pathways to education and career success abroad are now fraught with challenges, leaving many to wonder if the dream is still worth pursuing.

By focusing on acquiring the skills and qualifications that are in demand, Indian students can still find success in these countries, despite the tightening of immigration policies. With careful planning and perseverance, the dream of building a future abroad is still within reach.