The United Arab Emirates is fast emerging as a preferred overseas education destination for Indian students, signalling a wider shift away from traditional English-speaking countries such as the US and the UK. Driven by affordability, proximity and better post-study opportunities, Indian students are increasingly choosing value-focused destinations such as the UAE.
According to the Leap Scholar Year-End Report 2024–25, interest among Indian students in studying in the UAE has surged 55 times in recent years. By setting up education-focused free zones and hosting branch campuses of leading international universities, the UAE has positioned itself as a global education hub, particularly attractive to Indian students aiming for careers in the Middle East.
The short travel time of three to four hours, cultural familiarity and growing job opportunities make the UAE a comfortable choice for Indian families. For students looking to work in the region after graduation, studying in the UAE is increasingly seen as a strategic entry point.
Germany has emerged as a major destination, with Indians now forming the largest group of international students in the country. The report estimates that nearly 59,000 Indian students are currently enrolled in German institutions.
Most public universities in Germany remain tuition-free, a major advantage at a time when education costs are rising elsewhere. Students typically pay around $1,500 in administrative charges for a full two-year programme. The overall cost of a degree is estimated at Rs 10 lakh to Rs 20 lakh, a fraction of what students spend in the US or the UK.
A Financial Express report quoted Arnav Kumar, co-founder of Leap, as saying that Germany’s appeal goes beyond affordability. Graduates receive an 18-month post-study job-seeking visa and have a clear pathway to permanent residency. With Europe’s largest economy facing a shortage of skilled workers, especially in technology and engineering, Indian students are finding it easier to transition from classrooms to careers.
New Zealand has also seen rising interest, with demand from Indian students increasing 30 times. The country’s ‘Green List’ identifies critical skill areas such as engineering and healthcare, offering faster residency pathways.
Graduates can work in New Zealand for up to three years under post-study work visas. While tuition fees range between $20,000 and $30,000 a year, they remain lower than comparable courses in the US or the UK.
Kumar said the data reflects a clear change in mindset. More than 85 percent of Indian applicants now prioritise post-study career opportunities over university rankings, while 68 percent cite affordability as their biggest concern.
As visa rules tighten and costs rise in traditional destinations, Indian students are becoming more practical and return-focused. Whether it is the expanding campuses of the UAE, Germany’s technology-driven economy or New Zealand’s skill-linked migration pathways, Indian students are making carefully calculated choices about where to study next.