While Class 12 passouts and undergraduates have increasingly started to opt for studying abroad in different countries such as the US, UK, Germany, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and more, Karnataka seems to lag behind in the number of students travelling from the state to study abroad, compared to its neighbouring states.
As per data collected by the Bureau of Immigration, an increase in the number of Indian students going abroad to study jumped from 3,71,506 (2016) to 5,88,931 (2019). However, with the onset of COVID-19 and the world-wide travel restrictions, these numbers had fallen in 2020. The data collected were based on the number of passports issued in each state.
Experts have highlighted Andhra as being consistent in sending out students to study abroad, meanwhile, students from Karnataka opt for opportunities within the state and then look for job opportunities abroad. The vast variety of education, job and business opportunities within the state have encouraged more students to stay in Karnataka and complete their studies.
A consultancy expert in Bengaluru, revealed that half of the students seeking guidance or services regarding study abroad hailed from Andhra, while 20% hailed from Karnataka and 30% from the other three states. The expert consultant added that the students from Karnataka aspire to join start-ups or seek transfer abroad as they work for an international company.
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The pandemic had certainly stunted the number of students opting to study abroad, mostly as a result of the lack of information regarding travel restrictions, vaccination requirements, quarantine requirements and more, imposed by different governments around the world. As many countries continue to keep their borders closed, a year and a half in to the pandemic, students still remain unsure of travelling and studying abroad.
However, Ramesh Hariharan, Head of Career and College Placements at Inventure Academy, reported to TOI that the number of students aspiring to study abroad hadnt declined. While the class strength had gone up, as it does each year, the number of students who wished to study abroad also went up.
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While Karnataka may be lagging behind in terms of the number of students travelling abroad to study, the overall percentage of students has been increasing slightly over the past few years. The low percentage of students can also be a sign of a rich and growing employment ecosystem in the state, leading to more and more students opting to stay back and grow professionally within the state, commented an education expert.
