New Delhi: The United Kingdom is turning out to be a bright spot for Indian students especially after the Indian-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), and also with the US stiffening its stance on immigration, visa policy and now doubling of tariffs.
Study abroad consultants told ET that in the coming months the number of Indian students heading to the UK that had dropped significantly in 2024 vs 2023 is likely to go up. "The India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed last month is a significant development and is likely to have a long-term impact on Indian students' interest in the UK as a destination of choice," said Ravi Lochan Singh, managing director, Global Reach.
One positive change under the FTA is the exemption from paying UK social security contributions for three years for 75,000 Indian workers. "This makes the UK more attractive for students looking to work and stay after graduation," said Piyush Kumar - Regional Director, South Asia, Canada and Latin America (LATAM), IDP Education.
Additionally, social security benefits and qualification recognition create better career prospects in the UK than what the US currently offers, say experts. "The UK offers predictability while the US offers uncertainty. The graduate route provides clear post-study work pathways," said Nikhil Jain, founder, ForeignAdmits.
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The number of Indian students outflow to the UK had decreased to 98,000 in 2024 from 1.36 lakh in the previous year. The UK admissions process typically starts in the autumn about September with a smaller intake in the spring.
Indian students are feeling more at the UK institutions, colleges and employers with the FTA in place, the experts said.
"The FTA is very likely to motivate more Indian students to opt for UK colleges in the coming years," said Kumar.
The FTA will also encourage more UK institutions to set up campuses or form partnerships in India.
Study abroad consultants told ET that in the coming months the number of Indian students heading to the UK that had dropped significantly in 2024 vs 2023 is likely to go up. "The India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed last month is a significant development and is likely to have a long-term impact on Indian students' interest in the UK as a destination of choice," said Ravi Lochan Singh, managing director, Global Reach.
One positive change under the FTA is the exemption from paying UK social security contributions for three years for 75,000 Indian workers. "This makes the UK more attractive for students looking to work and stay after graduation," said Piyush Kumar - Regional Director, South Asia, Canada and Latin America (LATAM), IDP Education.
Additionally, social security benefits and qualification recognition create better career prospects in the UK than what the US currently offers, say experts. "The UK offers predictability while the US offers uncertainty. The graduate route provides clear post-study work pathways," said Nikhil Jain, founder, ForeignAdmits.
(Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates)
The number of Indian students outflow to the UK had decreased to 98,000 in 2024 from 1.36 lakh in the previous year. The UK admissions process typically starts in the autumn about September with a smaller intake in the spring.
Indian students are feeling more at the UK institutions, colleges and employers with the FTA in place, the experts said.
"The FTA is very likely to motivate more Indian students to opt for UK colleges in the coming years," said Kumar.
The FTA will also encourage more UK institutions to set up campuses or form partnerships in India.
