A Year in Review: 2024 Round-up for Indian Higher Education Aspirants Abroad

As the year 2023 draws to a close, it's time to reflect on the major events that have shaped the education landscape, particularly for Indian higher education aspirants seeking opportunities abroad. This year has witnessed significant developments that have impacted the aspirations, intent, and experiences of these students. As most developed countries are in need of skilled professionals, they have been proactively working on lucrative policy changes and visa reforms that further push to attract more international students. Here is a look at some of the major events of the year.

PGWP Extension in Canada

Canada announced in March 2023 that it would extend post-graduate work permits (PGWPs) for up to 18 months for eligible international graduates. This measure was implemented to help retain skilled talent in Canada as the country faces a labor shortage. The extended PGWP provided eligible graduates with an opportunity to gain valuable Canadian work experience and enhance their employability in the country. 

Tech Talent Strategy Unveiled by Canada

 Announced in July 2023, the strategy will incorporate a new innovation stream that will be exempted from the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process, which is a document that an employer in Canada must obtain before they can hire a foreign worker. The exemption will help employers and workers smoothen Canada’s priorities for the tech industry.

UK Allows Int’l Students to Enter Job Market Before Graduation

The UK government announced in October 2023 that it would allow international students to enter the job market under the Skilled Worker visa even before they graduate. This change will allow them to start working in the UK sooner and gain valuable work experience.

Australia Increased Skilled Workers Quota to Address Labour Shortage

In a move to address the country's labor shortage, the Australian government has increased its permanent migration quota. It increased the quota from  160,000 to 195,000 for 2023 and later revised it further to 220,000 for fiscal year 2024. This increase is primarily focused on skilled worker visas, with the number of places available for this category rising from 109,900 to 128,150. The list of eligible occupations for skilled worker visas is extensive and includes a wide range of occupations in a variety of industries, including software engineers, data scientists, cyber security professionals, nurses, teachers, accountants, tradespeople, among others.

France’s 5-Year Schengen Visa for Indian Alumni

The French government will now offer a 5-year short-stay Schengen visa to Indian students who have completed at least one semester of study in France. With this initiative, the country plans to welcome approximately 30,000 Indian students. This followed closely on the heels of the French government’s announcement of an extended 5-year post-study work visa for Indian students completing their master’s. Earlier, only a 2-year stay was allowed. 

Visa Processing Delays and Streamlining Efforts

The year was, however, not without its challenges. Visa processing delays have been a major concern for Indian students seeking to study abroad in 2023. The backlog in visa applications has caused anxiety and uncertainty among students, potentially disrupting their academic plans. However, governments of various countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, have taken steps to streamline visa processing procedures and reduce waiting times.

UK Restricts Dependant Visa

Also, in May 2023, the UK announced restrictions on international students bringing dependants with them as of January 2024 (unless students are in postgraduate programs with a research focus). This move may hinder some aspirants looking to seek admission to UK universities.

Canada-India Conflict

Another event this year that left students in jitters was the diplomatic row following Canada’s allegations linking Indian government agents to the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. While aspirants were understandably anxious, it did not dampen the study abroad sentiment as student visa work continued as usual. 

Conclusion

2023 has been a year of transformation and opportunity for higher education aspirants from India. Policy changes, visa reforms, and emerging trends in education and technology have created a dynamic landscape that is shaping the aspirations and choices of Indian students. As the world of education continues to evolve, Indian students are well-positioned to take advantage of the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.