Study abroad in 2025
Study abroad in 2025

Popular Courses Indian Students Prefer to Study in the US, UK, and Canada in 2024

In 2024, a noticeable shift has occurred in the education preferences of Indian students planning to study abroad. With an increasing focus on health, science, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programmers, Indian students are aligning their education choices with global job market trends. Countries like Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom have seen a significant rise in applications for these courses, which offer promising career prospects.

Rising Demand for Health and STEM Courses Among Indian Students

In this article, we explore the top courses that Indian students are pursuing in Canada, the US, and the UK, shedding light on the growing interest in health and STEM-related fields.


Canada: Health and STEM Courses Lead the Way for Indian Students

Canada has remained a popular destination for Indian students, despite recent diplomatic tensions. In 2024, there was a remarkable surge in interest in health-related programmes, with searches for these courses increasing by 17%, up from 13% in 2023. This shift aligns with Canada’s pressing need for healthcare professionals, especially considering the projected shortages of 78,000 doctors and 117,600 nurses by 2031.

Top Courses in Demand Among Indian Students in Canada:

CourseInterest IncreaseKey Fields
Health and Medicine17%Healthcare, Nursing, Medicine
Engineering & Technology20%Software Engineering, Data Science
ScienceGrowingEnvironmental Science, Physics, Biology

Beyond health, STEM fields, particularly engineering and technology courses, continue to attract a large number of students. Canadian universities offer strong post-study work policies, making these fields even more appealing to students planning their careers abroad.


United States: A Focus on Science and Health-Related Fields

The United States has long been a leading destination for Indian students seeking higher education. In 2024, there was a significant increase in searches for science and health courses, reflecting the global demand for healthcare professionals and scientists.

Top Courses Indian Students Are Pursuing in the US:

CourseInterest IncreaseKey Fields
Health and Medicine13%Nursing, Healthcare Management
Science21%Physics, Chemistry, Biotech
Engineering & TechnologyDeclineComputer Science, AI, Robotics

Though the interest in engineering and technology remains high, these fields saw a slight decline in searches compared to previous years. However, with higher salaries and significant career opportunities for STEM professionals, students continue to favor these subjects for high-paying, stable careers.


United Kingdom: Indian Students Explore Diverse Fields

The United Kingdom experienced a brief slowdown in international student applications in 2023 due to changes in immigration policies. However, by 2024, interest in UK-based courses from Indian students had rebounded, with significant increases in searches for health, science, and engineering programmer.

Top Courses in Demand Among Indian Students in the UK:

CourseInterest IncreaseKey Fields
Health and MedicineSignificantHealthcare, Clinical Research
Science16%Biological Sciences, Chemistry
Engineering & Technology17%Civil Engineering, Data Science

The UK’s expanding healthcare sector, expected to add 349,000 jobs by 2035, makes health-related courses highly attractive. Similarly, the growing demand for engineers and scientists in the UK aligns with the increasing interest among Indian students in engineering and STEM fields.


Why Health and STEM Fields Are Gaining Popularity

The growing demand for health and STEM professionals globally is shaping the education choices of Indian students. Below are key reasons why these courses have seen such a significant increase in popularity among Indian students:

  1. Global Career Opportunities:
    Healthcare and STEM fields are in high demand worldwide, ensuring a wide range of job opportunities in various countries, including Canada, the US, and the UK.
  2. High Earning Potential:
    Graduates from STEM fields often secure high-paying roles, especially in countries like the US, where STEM professionals are compensated generously.
  3. Addressing Global Shortages:
    Many countries, including Canada and the UK, are facing shortages of healthcare professionals. This makes health-related programmers especially appealing, as they directly contribute to meeting the global workforce demand.
  4. Innovation and Technological Advancement:
    STEM courses are pivotal in driving innovation and addressing global challenges, making these fields not only lucrative but also impactful.

Post-Study Work Opportunities for Indian Students in Health and STEM Fields

One of the major reasons why Indian students are flocking to Canada, the US, and the UK to study health and STEM courses is the strong post-study work options available in these countries. With growing demand for skilled professionals, all three countries have introduced favorable policies for international students to stay and work after graduation.

  • Canada offers a post-graduation work permit (PGWP), allowing students to gain work experience in their field for up to three years after completing their studies.
  • The US provides Optional Practical Training (OPT) for STEM students, enabling them to stay for an additional 24 months after their studies to work in the country.
  • The UK has recently introduced the Graduate Route, which allows international students to stay and work for up to two years after completing a degree in the UK.

These policies ensure that Indian students pursuing health and STEM courses have strong prospects for securing high-paying jobs in their fields after graduation.


Shifting Preferences of Indian Students in Higher Education Abroad

The preference for health, science, and STEM courses among Indian students is a reflection of a global trend toward career-focused education. With Canada, the US, and the UK offering ample opportunities for graduates in these fields, Indian students are positioning themselves for successful careers in high-demand sectors.

By choosing courses that align with workforce needs and taking advantage of post-study work opportunities, Indian students are setting themselves up for long-term career success and making significant contributions to the global economy.


By offering education in fields like healthcare, science, and technology, Canada, the US, and the UK continue to attract talented international students, providing them with the skills and opportunities needed to excel in the global job market.

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