Indian students are reconsidering China as a study destination due to easing tensions and limited options elsewhere. Kapoor and Gupta highlight China's appeal for its advanced infrastructure and specialized programs. Despite a decline in Indian student enrollment post-2020, China's educational strengths in fields like Computer Science offer promise. With diplomatic stability, China could regain popularity among Indian students seeking affordable education, potentially fostering increased educational exchanges between the two nations.
In recent years, a shift has been observed in the preferences of Indian students regarding overseas education, particularly in China. While once a popular destination for affordable medical and tech degrees, the trends changed around 2020 due to various disruptions, including the pandemic. However, with recent signs of easing border tensions and tightening visa policies in other popular study destinations like Canada, experts are optimistic about the potential resurgence of interest among Indian students in Chinese universities.
Rohin Kapoor, a partner at BDO India, highlights how political tensions have influenced students' perceptions of the Chinese market, leading many to feel unwelcome and stay away. He points out that with visa restrictions tightening in countries like Australia and Canada, Indian students are facing diminishing options, potentially shifting their focus back towards China. The upcoming political landscape, especially in the US, could further complicate matters.
Karan Gupta from Karan Gupta Consulting emphasizes China's universities' strengths in advanced infrastructure, affordable tuition, and specialized programs. Given the ongoing uncertainties in countries like Canada, Indian students, particularly those interested in fields like business, might consider exploring alternative options, including China.
Historically, China attracted middle-class Indian students, especially from states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, seeking affordable medical education. Nikhil Jain, founder of ForeignAdmits, notes that the quality of education and reasonable fees, averaging ₹15-20 lakh, made China an attractive choice for MBBS aspirants from families with incomes of ₹5-12 lakh. Before the pandemic, over 20,000 Indian students studied in China annually.
However, the events of 2020, including border tensions and strict COVID-19 measures in China, led to a significant drop in the number of Indian students studying in the country. Despite efforts to attract students back, only around 8,580 Indian students returned to China in 2023, well below pre-pandemic levels.
While China faces competition from emerging study destinations like Georgia, the Philippines, and Central Asia, its educational strengths in fields like Computer Science and AI are notable. Piyush Kumar, Regional Director for South Asia at IDP Education, believes that China could become a viable alternative to the US for some students, given its prowess in these areas.
Looking ahead, if diplomatic stability is maintained, China could once again become a preferred choice for Indian students seeking affordable education abroad. With Western options becoming more expensive post-pandemic, China's cost advantage may attract a renewed interest from students.
Both Kapoor and Kumar anticipate a potential increase in student interest within the next six to 12 months if the relationship between India and China continues to improve, signaling a positive outlook for future educational exchanges between the two countries.
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