Over 7.5 lakh Indian students studying abroad in 240 countries

The number of Indian students studying abroad has been on a steady rise in recent years, as students look to broaden their horizons and gain international experience. As per available data, there are currently over 7.5 lakh Indian students studying abroad in over 240 countries, with UK, US, Australia, and Canada remain the top choices, there is growing interest in other destinations such as Uzbekistan, the Philippines, Russia, Ireland, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan. In the US, the number of Indian students enrolled increased by 20% to almost 200,000 in the 2021-2022 academic year, surpassing the number of Chinese international students. 

The data indicates that the number of Indian students studying abroad has increased significantly following the pandemic. In 2022, around 750,000 Indian students pursued higher education overseas, which is a notable rise from 450,000 in 2017 and 260,000 in 2020. In 2022, India surpassed China as the leading source of international students in the US. The top choices for Indian students still include the UK, US, Australia, and Canada.

The USA has always been a popular destination for Indian students seeking higher education. According to the data available, there were 211,930 Indian students studying in the USA in 2022. The number of Indian students in the USA has seen a consistent increase over the years, with a surge of nearly 20% in the number of Indian students studying in the USA for the academic year 2021-2022 alone. This can be attributed to various factors, such as the quality of education, diverse course options, and the post-study work visa options available in the USA. The total number of enrolled students was 1,99,182.

Canada is another country that has seen a steady rise in the influx of Indian students. The number of Indian students in Canada was over 2.2 lakhs in 2019, constituting 34% of Canada’s foreign student population. Currently, there are more than 3 lakh Indian students studying in Canada. The country’s high standard of living, welcoming culture, and quality education options are some of the reasons why Indian students are choosing Canada as their study destination.

 UK has also been a popular choice for Indian students seeking higher education. The announcement of the Graduate Route visa by the British government in 2019 has further increased the number of Indian students joining UK universities. In 2022, Britain granted 1.4 lakh sponsored study visas to Indians, a significant increase from 34,261 visas in 2019. The UK’s high-quality education system, diverse course options, and the opportunity to gain work experience after graduation are some of the reasons why Indian students are attracted to studying in the UK.

Australia is also a popular destination for Indian students seeking higher education. According to the data available, there were 92,383 Indian students studying in Australia in 2022. Australia’s welcoming culture, high standard of living, and quality education options are some of the reasons why Indian students are choosing Australia as their study destination. Moreover, the post-study work visa options available in Australia make it an attractive option for Indian students seeking to gain work experience after graduation.

Germany has also seen a significant increase in the number of Indian students studying in the country. In 2022, there were 20,810 Indian students studying in Germany. The country’s high-quality education system, diverse course options, and the opportunity to gain work experience after graduation are some of the reasons why Indian students are attracted to studying in Germany. Moreover, the tuition fees and living expenses in Germany are relatively lower compared to other popular study destinations, making it an attractive option for Indian students.

Among students pursuing medical studies, Ukraine and China have traditionally been popular destinations. However, the current crisis in Ukraine has raised concerns about the future of approximately 18,000 Indian medical students studying there. Meanwhile, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, about 23,000 medical students who were studying in China have been unable to return. China resumed issuing student visas in August last year, and approximately 6,200 Indian students were able to obtain them.

While some countries have seen a surge in the number of Indian students, others have remained a popular choice over the years. For instance, countries like France and  Greece have continued to attract a significant number of Indian students. France has 10,000 Indian students pursuing higher education. France is aiming to attract 20,000 Indian students by 2025, while Greece plans to increase its outreach to Indian academic institutions through the “Study in Greece” platform. 

Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and Malaysia have also emerged as popular destinations for Indian students. The United Arab Emirates has the highest number of Indian students studying abroad, with a staggering 2.19 lakh students currently enrolled in various courses across the country. The country’s strategic location, coupled with its welcoming policies towards international students, has made it a preferred choice for many Indian students.

Apart from these popular destinations, Indian students are also exploring other study destinations such as Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Moldova, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, and Venezuela.

The trend of Indian students opting to study abroad has been on the rise in recent years. While some countries have seen a surge in the number of Indian students, others have remained a popular choice over the years. The reasons for this trend vary from the high-quality education system and diverse cultural experiences to the welcoming immigration policies and robust job markets. As Indian students continue to explore options abroad, it is evident that the trend is here to stay.

In the table Below you can find the data of the Indian students studying abroad

Parents may soon have to pay more for their children’s international studies. Tax collection at source (TCS) for international transfers made under the liberalised remittance scheme (LRS) was suggested to increase from 5% to 20% in the Union Budget 2023. This will apply to international travel, international investments, international money transfers, and other remittances—with the exception of those for health and education. Yet, there are numerous costs that parents must pay for the upkeep of their children who reside abroad that would not qualify as an education expense for tax purposes and may therefore result in a larger TCS.

Remittances made using student loans for international education

Currently, under LRS, remittances made for international schooling through a loan paid abroad are subject to a TCS of 0.5% for amounts sent beyond Rs 7 lakh. Future events won’t alter this either. If an education loan is not the source of funding, money sent abroad even for educational purposes is liable to TCS at a rate of 5% if it exceeds Rs 7 lakh.

20% TCS on financing additional costs for studying abroad

Currently, a TCS of 5% is applied to remittances for studying abroad that exceed Rs 7 lakh (other expenses not covered by a student loan). On transfers worth less than Rs 7 lakh, there is no TCS. Budget 2023 eliminated the Rs. 7 lakh ceiling for all expenses other than higher learning and health care, according to Maneet Pal Singh, Partner at Delhi-based chartered accounting firm I.P. Pasricha & Co.

According to the current plan, any remittances made to help students who are studying abroad with living expenses that are not directly related to their education will now be subject to a 20% TCS if the parents cannot prove that the funds were sent for educational purposes.

For reduced TCS at 5%, parents must submit documentation of their children’s educational costs.

Parents frequently send money to their children who are studying or working overseas to cover living costs and other luxuries. Whenever the sum surpasses Rs 7 lakh, a TCS of 5% would be applied unless they can show that the money is being delivered for educational purposes.

It is simple to demonstrate the funds moved for dorm bills or tuition costs. “If your child remains in the university’s residence hall, you can prove that it is for academic reasons. Afterward, a TCS of 5% will be applied if the remittances are greater than Rs 7 lakh “according to Tax Link Advisory’s Vivek Jalan. Nevertheless, Jalan warned, it might be difficult for people who live in apartments, shared homes, or rented housing to prove their connection to education.

One must visit the bank, complete Form A-2, state the reason for the remittance, and sign the declaration form in order to send money abroad via LRS. The bank then debits the account and sends the money overseas. According to Jalan, if a parent cannot prove that the money is going towards their child’s abroad education, it would be transferred for “other purposes” and a high TCS of 20% will be charged.

According to Rajiv Chugh, Leader – Policy Advice & Specialty Services, EY India, transactions between two bank accounts, made through debit and forex cards, also fall under the LRS programme. But, according to experts, we need further clarification on how TCS will apply to money sent outside using currency cards.

TCS raise to temporarily increase cash flow burden

On July 1st, 2023, this proposition will go into effect. “TCS is not a tax in and of itself, and the person who has paid the amount of TCS on any transaction is available to adjust against her tax liability for the financial year,” stated Sanjeev Sachdeva, Partner, Luthra and Luthra Law Offices India.

Let’s say a taxpayer remitted Rs 10,000 in total. A TCS of Rs 2,000 will be applied on the sum at a 20% rate. If he owes Rs 5,000 in taxes on his entire income, he just has to pay Rs 3,000 because the remaining Rs 2000 will be deducted from his TCS amount. So, while filing an income tax return, a taxpayer may offset the amount deducted as TCS against other tax liabilities.

“Even if the amount of TCS will be available for adjustment against the tax due, the rise in the rate of TCS from 5% to 20% will greatly raise the burden on any person remitting funds under the LRS programme,” Sachdeva continued.

The increase in TCS from 5% to 20% will significantly increase the burden on anyone sending money under the LRS programme, Sachdeva stated. “Even though the amount of TCS will be available for adjustment against the tax owing.

Although taxpayers would be able to deduct or receive a refund of this money when filing their ITR, Maneet Pal Singh warned that this decision will have an adverse effect on cash flow and may discourage people from using the LRS. To assist prevent high TCS before the new law takes effect on July 1, 2023, parents can transfer some money in advance, according to experts.

The International Medical Admission Test (IMAT)

is an exam designed to assess the knowledge and skills of international students who wish to study medicine and surgery in English at Italian universities. The test is organised by the Italian Ministry of Education, University, and Research (MIUR) and administered by Cambridge Assessment Admissions Testing, a division of the University of Cambridge.

The IMAT is a multiple-choice test that covers a range of topics in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and critical thinking skills. The test is held once a year, usually in September, and is open to students from all over the world who meet the eligibility criteria. The exam is a highly competitive one, with only a limited number of seats available for international students.

Those who pass the IMAT and meet the university admission requirements will be eligible to enroll in the six-year medicine and surgery program offered in English at one of the participating Italian universities. These programs are fully funded by the Italian government, which means that successful candidates will not have to pay tuition fees.

Studying medicine and surgery in Italy is an excellent opportunity for international students to receive a high-quality education, gain valuable clinical experience, and learn a new language and culture. The IMAT is a challenging test, but for those who are well-prepared and have a strong academic background, it can be a stepping stone to a rewarding career in medicine.

Below are the details about  the exam and how the scores are calculated

 Cambridge Assessment Admissions Testing is working in conjunction with the Italian Ministry of Education, Universities, and Research (MIUR) to develop and deliver the International Medical Admissions Test (IMAT). IMAT is a 100-minute subject-specific admissions test in English for applicants to medicine, surgery, and dentistry courses. These courses are taught in English, with places open to both domestic and international students.

 16 public Italian universities that offer English-taught MD degrees, require the IMAT. You can take IMAT at authorised centres all over the world. Each test centre has its own set of 20 specifications, including what time you are required to be present. So please be aware of that and check your centre’s specifications. A candidate’s total score is calculated using the following formula: 1.5 points for each correct answer;

 -0.4 points for each wrong answer; and 0 points for each question not answered. An overall total score will be reported, along with a score for each section. The minimum score for the ranks is 20 points. 

IMAT 2022 TEST CENTERS IN INDIA 

New Delhi: BC Education India Private Limited Reporting time 3:30p.m

IMAT EXAM REGISTRATION usually opens in early July and ends in late July. The registration period is usually only open for 3 weeks! 

IMAT TEST FORMAT 

IMAT is a pen-and-paper test, and it is divided into four sections: 

1. General Knowledge and Logical Reasoning and
2. Biology
3. Chemistry 
4. Physics and Mathematics 

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE & LOGICAL REASONING 

The General Knowledge and Logical Reasoning section consists of 22 multiple-choice questions [General Knowledge: 12 questions, Logical Reasoning: 10 questions] and tests: generic skills in problem-solving, understanding arguments, data analysis, and inference; general knowledge. 

SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE: BIOLOGY

The biology section consists of 18 multiple-choice questions and tests the ability to apply scientific knowledge from school science, Biology 

SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE: CHEMISTRY

The Chemistry section consists of 12 multiple-choice questions and tests the ability to apply scientific knowledge from school science, namely, chemistry.

 SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE: MATHEMATICS & PHYSICS 

The Mathematics and Physics section consists of eight multiple-choice questions and tests the ability to apply scientific knowledge from school science, mathematics, and  . 

These colleges consist of two kinds of seats: one is a European Union student seat, and the other is a non-European Union seat. Indian student cum sunder non-european union seeds so these 14 universities was having 356 seats in 2022and the cut-off was as follows;

In conclusion, the International Medical Admission Test (IMAT) is a great opportunity for international students who aspire to study medicine and surgery in English at Italian universities. The benefits are significant, and it will provide them with high-quality education, valuable clinical experience, and exposure to a new language and culture.

Studying in Italy also offers international students the chance to explore the country’s rich history, culture, and cuisine, as well as its world-renowned healthcare system. Moreover, an MBBS degree from an Italian university can open doors to a wide range of career opportunities in the global healthcare industry.

Overall, the IMAT provides a unique and exciting opportunity for international students to pursue their dreams of becoming doctors while experiencing the best that Italy has to offer.

Any foreigner wishing to apply to an Indian higher education institution (HEI) beginning with the academic year 2023–2024 would be required to use the new portal.

The Education India Portal [1], developed by the Department of Higher Education (DoHE) in collaboration with the Ministry of Home (MHA), will be made mandatory for all international students who will be taking admission to Indian higher education institutions (HEIs) beginning with the academic session 2023–24. According to the official announcement, this procedure will henceforth be followed for all students who want a student visa, regardless of the length of the course. International students must register on the portal and get a special ID in order to secure a student visa (UID).

Also, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has published rules for the issuance of a NOC for foreigners to participate in electives or observerships in India. According to the rules, no foreign national may participate in electives or observerships in any capacity at any university or medical institute in India without the permission of NMC, and the duration may be at most 90 days. The NMC has further indicated that the number of foreign nationals participating in electives or observerships in the UG category during a given academic year shall be at most 5% of the medical college’s authorized yearly intake. The maximum number of foreign medical professionals allowed to observe or serve as electives for PG students in any one year is two doctors in that specialty.