According to data cited by NITI Aayog, India continues to see a strong surge in students opting for higher education abroad, driven by aspirations for global exposure, quality education, and better career opportunities.
Among all regions in the country, five states consistently lead in sending the highest number of students overseas.
Andhra Pradesh tops the list, emerging as the biggest contributor to India’s outbound student population. The state has a long-standing culture of overseas education, particularly to the United States, Canada, the UK, and Australia.
Strong family networks abroad, a focus on engineering and technology courses, and well-established coaching ecosystems have made foreign education a preferred path for students from Andhra Pradesh.
Punjab stands second, with a large number of students choosing to study abroad, especially in Canada, the UK, and Australia.
Migration-driven aspirations, community influence, and the popularity of diploma and vocational programs have played a significant role in Punjab’s strong presence in international student mobility.
Maharashtra ranks third, driven by students from major urban centers like Mumbai and Pune.
With access to quality schooling, international exposure, and higher disposable incomes, students from the state often pursue degrees in management, engineering, finance, and emerging fields such as data science and artificial intelligence.
Gujarat occupies the fourth position, known for its entrepreneurial mindset and strong inclination toward overseas education.
Students from the state frequently opt for business, management, and STEM-related courses abroad, particularly in countries that offer post-study work opportunities and pathways to long-term settlement.
Delhi rounds out the top five, contributing a significant number of students seeking global education.
As the national capital with access to premier schools, universities, and counseling services, Delhi produces students who aim for top-ranked international institutions, especially in fields such as public policy, law, management, and science.
Together, these five states account for a substantial share of India’s students studying overseas, reflecting regional trends shaped by economic capacity, educational infrastructure, and global career ambitions.