As 2024 draws to a conclusion, the educational scene has changed due to global trends, regulatory changes, and redefined technical breakthroughs that have reshaped prospects for students worldwide. The year has been crucial for Indian students wishing to map out their overseas education paths, from the changing visa policies in conventional study-abroad locations to the opening of new markets in Europe. However, giving students information about these worldwide job patterns, together with advancements in skill-based learning and the use of technology in Indian classrooms, has given them even more influence. These reflections by the industry leaders themselves offer a great deal of insight into challenges, innovations, and opportunities building up the future of education beyond 2025.

Here’s what leaders have to say about the year 2024.

Sachin Jain, Country Manager at ETS India & South Asia: “As 2024 draws to a close, the global education landscape continues to evolve, offering Indian students a wider array of opportunities than ever before. Countries like Canada, Australia, and the U.K. are refining post-study work visa options focusing on priority skills and occupations, while newer destinations such as Germany, Italy, and Singapore are introducing easier visa regulations to attract global talent. These shifts, coupled with India’s increased focus on internationalization of higher education through pathways, dual degrees, articulation agreements besides branch campuses of foreign universities in India such as Deakin, Wollongong and Southampton under the National Education Policy (NEP), is making studying at international universities more accessible and lucrative. Looking ahead to 2025, with nations in Americas, Europe and Australia prioritizing skilled migration, students will find more avenues to build careers in high-demand fields like STEM, Healthcare, Education and IT. This makes choosing the right program at a foreign university linked to the priority occupation in the destination country, extremely critical. Further, nations will be more than welcoming to genuine international students who intend to pursue a good program at a good university in their country. Assessments like TOEFL and GRE not only demonstrates the competencies needed by an international student to pursue a program in a good foreign university but also the intent as a genuine international student thereby improving the chances of receiving the study visa. Moreover, these assessments are continually evolving to meet students’ diverse needs. The shorter test duration or streamlined registration process for the TOEFL, for instance, makes it quicker and easier for students to pursue their dreams. These developments, alongside government and institutional efforts, are empowering students to access opportunities in high-growth sectors and prepare for success in an interconnected world.”

Dr. Yajulu Medury, Vice Chancellor, Mahindra University: “The Indian education sector in 2024 witnessed a significant evolution, characterized by technological integration, an emphasis on inclusivity, and the fostering of global partnerships. The implementation of hybrid learning models has facilitated enhanced connectivity between students and educators, thereby expanding access to quality educational resources across diverse geographical locations. AI-powered tools and data analytics have personalized learning pathways, helping students achieve their full potential while bridging learning gaps. Moreover, the growing emphasis on skill-based education has aligned academic curricula with industry demands, fostering employability and entrepreneurship. As we move toward 2025, the outlook for education in India is promising. We anticipate a stronger integration of emerging technologies such as AR, VR, among others for creating immersive and secure learning experiences. Sustainability and social impact will increasingly influence curriculum design, reflecting the global call for responsible innovation. Collaboration between academia and industry will deepen, fostering research, internships, and real-world exposure for students. Furthermore, initiatives to internationalize Indian education will gain momentum, attracting global talent and building world-class institutions. Mahindra University is embracing these trends, ensuring our students are equipped to excel in a dynamic, interconnected world. Our focus remains on nurturing a culture of innovation, inclusivity, and lifelong learning to drive India’s progress in education and beyond.”

Aritra Ghosal, Founder & Director of OneStep Global: “The year 2024 brought significant changes to study-abroad policies across major destinations like Canada, the UK, Australia, and the US, with stricter visa regulations, enrollment caps, and higher financial requirements posing new challenges for students. These shifts have encouraged many Indian students to explore emerging destinations such as Ireland, Finland, New Zealand, and Germany, which offer streamlined processes, growing international student support, and favorable post-study work opportunities. We expect these destinations to see even more interest in 2025 as students seek out promising pathways. Looking ahead, it’s important for students to stay proactive—keep themselves informed, plan ahead, and choose programs that align with global career trends. Exploring alternative destinations, securing scholarships, and understanding visa and work policies will help them adapt to these changes smoothly and keep their study-abroad dreams on track.”

Sanamdeep Chadha, Education Reformist and Director of Genesis Global School, Noida: “As we look ahead to 2024, the education sector stands at the crossroads of transformative change. The integration of Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing the way students learn, creating personalized and dynamic educational experiences. Hybrid and blended learning models are further enhancing accessibility, allowing students to engage in flexible, efficient ways. With advancements in EdTech, from immersive VR classrooms to cutting-edge platforms, we’re empowering both educators and learners.

Equally important, sustainability initiatives are becoming an integral part of curricula, fostering future leaders who are environmentally conscious. We are also recognizing the critical need to focus on mental health and well-being, ensuring that students are supported holistically.

Looking towards 2025, AI will continue to drive educational personalization to new heights, while the globalization of learning will allow for deeper cultural and academic exchanges. The emphasis on lifelong learning and skills development will be pivotal in equipping individuals for an ever-evolving workforce. Additionally, blockchain technology promises to revolutionize credentialing, offering a secure and transparent way to manage and verify academic achievements. The future of education is not only innovative but also inclusive, sustainable, and geared toward the lifelong success of every learner.”

PK Agarwal, Dean, UC Santa Cruz Silicon Valley Professional Education: “In 2024, we saw a significant shift in how Indian students approach their study-abroad plans. Indian students, now the largest international student cohort in the United States, according to the recent Open Doors® Report on International Educational Exchange, are focusing increasingly on short-term, career-oriented programs, and practical skill-building courses. At UCSC Silicon Valley Professional Education, we’ve seen heightened interest in high-demand fields such as data science, artificial intelligence, and project management, reflecting a growing interest in non-degree programs under the U.S. F-1 visa program. We’ve been teaching AI courses for years at UCSC Silicon Valley and continue to expand our offerings to meet demand with courses such as “Generative AI for Marketers” in the Marketing program and “Machine Learning with Python.” We anticipate this trend to continue in 2025, as students prioritize programs that offer faster returns on investment such as the Optional Practical Training (OPT) which supports hands-on experience in U.S. companies. In this era dominated by artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and sustainable technologies, global companies are adapting by valuing skills over degrees, as reported by The World Economic Forum. Students and young professionals are naturally drawn to short-term professional programs that enable them to upskill quickly while leveraging Silicon Valley’s unique tech-driven ecosystem. The integration of AI-focused programs across fields, from marketing to data science, will further empower students to stay ahead in an evolving job market. For students planning to study abroad, I encourage a pragmatic approach: (1) align your academic choices with industry trends, (2) build a strong professional network, and (3) make the most of opportunities like OPT to gain valuable work experience and enhance employability.”

Abhijit Zaveri, Founder and Director, Career Mosaic: “The year 2024 was crucial for Indian students navigating global education, marked by both opportunities and challenges. The U.S. further solidified its position as the top destination for Indian students, as highlighted in the Open Doors Report. However, several factors, such as geopolitical tensions, visa delays, housing shortages, and caps on international students, impacted mobility to certain countries. Meanwhile, Europe emerged as a preferred destination, with countries like France, Germany, Ireland, and New Zealand taking proactive measures to attract international talent and promote workforce diversity. Looking ahead to 2025, the global education landscape offers a promising outlook for Indian students. While the U.S. remains a dominant destination, especially for STEM graduates, with expected growth in OPT and H1B opportunities, Europe is increasingly becoming the preferred choice for a broader spectrum of learners. Germany and France are leading the way, while countries like Georgia and the Czech Republic are gaining traction as promising hubs for medical education. Canada’s loss is Europe’s gain, as policy shifts and increased competition drive students to explore opportunities across the continent. These evolving dynamics reflect a deeper shift, as students are no longer just seeking high-quality education but also prioritizing pathways that align with long-term career prospects, global mobility, and their aspirations for a meaningful future. The rise of these alternative destinations signifies a more informed and deliberate approach by Indian students in charting their global education journeys.”

Anish Srikrishna, CEO, TimesPro: “2024 marked a transformative year for higher and early career education. The growing adoption of technology, coupled with the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP), has unlocked new learning opportunities for students and professionals alike. At TimesPro, we have observed a significant increase in demand for employability-focused, skill-based programmes within the Early Career segment. Additionally, we are addressing growing interest from professionals by introducing specialised executive education programmes incorporating emerging technologies such as AI, Machine Learning and Data Science, fostering a future-ready mindset. As we look ahead to 2025, we anticipate a heightened focus on experiential learning, strengthened industry partnerships and expanded job prospects driven by targeted upskilling initiatives through online and blended learning. Our commitment remains unwavering in bridging gaps in accessibility, affordability, and industry-academia collaboration to create meaningful employability pathways. We are dedicated to supporting India’s vision of becoming a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by equipping learners with skills aligned with evolving global industry standards.”

Saurabh Arora, Founder & CEO, University Living: “The global education landscape in 2024 has been marked by significant policy changes in traditional study-abroad destinations and a rising interest in emerging European countries. Canada’s decision to discontinue the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program, which previously facilitated streamlined visa processes for 34% of international students, has shifted focus to attracting serious applicants through the regular visa route. Although the new process has different financial requirements, it remains accessible to students with strong academic profiles, ensuring Canada’s appeal to genuine learners. Australia has further solidified its position as a desirable destination by extending post-study work rights for graduates in priority sectors to up to six years. This move has resulted in a 17% increase in international student numbers, now exceeding 570,000. The extended work opportunities are particularly attractive to those pursuing careers in healthcare, engineering, and technology. Similarly, the USA continues to lead with over 1 million international students, nearly half of whom are enrolled in STEM fields. Expanded Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM pathways have bolstered the country’s focus on science and technology education, reinforcing its reputation as a hub for innovation-driven learning. The UK, while still a top choice for international students with over 605,000 enrollments in 2023, has experienced a 6.2% decline in study visa issuance due to recent policy shifts. Despite this, the Graduate Route, which offers post-study work opportunities, remains a significant draw for students seeking world-class education and career prospects. Meanwhile, Europe’s emerging destinations, including Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Austria, and Malta, are becoming increasingly popular due to their combination of affordability and quality education. According to University Living’s European Student Landscape: Beyond Beds and Benches, these countries offer tuition fees as low as €1,000 to €4,000 annually in Spain and Italy, along with lower living costs compared to traditional destinations. Beyond affordability, European countries are investing in modern infrastructure and support services to cater to the growing influx of international students, resulting in a 15–20% increase in interest over the past two years. Looking ahead to 2025, the global education sector is poised for dynamic growth. The Indian Student Mobility Report 2024 predicts that over 1.5 million Indian students will study abroad by 2025, highlighting the sustained demand for international education. With a broader spectrum of opportunities available, students are increasingly aligning their academic goals with financial considerations. The rise of Europe as a viable alternative to traditional destinations reflects a more diverse and accessible future for international education, driven by affordability, quality, and promising post-study prospects.”

Amit Baveja, MD, India & Southeast Asia at Burlington English India: “2024 has been a transformative year for education in India, marked by the rapid adoption of technology and a growing emphasis on competency-based learning. This focus on technology and skills is reflected in the 2024 Union Budget which allocated a massive ?148,000 crore to education, employment, and skill building. There is a growing realisation that sector-specific soft skills are essential for a globally competitive workforce. This is particularly important in key sectors such as healthcare, logistics, and IT in both the domestic and international job markets. The demand for skill-development in tier 3 and tier 4 cities is higher than ever. This rising demand has been recognised by the National Skill Development Corporation through its Skill on Wheels and Centres of Excellence initiatives and its promotion of MOOCs to make skill development accessible to all. Technology has a crucial role to play in building a highly skilled workforce. Hybrid learning materials for example, provide the flexibility and accessibility necessary to cater to a diverse range of learners. Artificial Intelligence also has a major role to play. Here at Burlington English, we pride ourselves on integrating cutting edge technology into all of our products and services. Looking ahead to 2025, I see technology playing a much larger role in Indian classrooms. I also see delivery models becoming more inclusive, and classroom teaching more competency focussed. As these changes become institutionalised, India will be well placed to become a world leader in the global skill economy in years to come.”

Share on Facebook

Post on X

Follow us

Save