Top States Sending Students Abroad 2026: Where India’s Global Learners Are Coming From
- Jan 29
- 4 min read
India continues to be one of the world’s largest contributors to international student mobility. As global universities expand intake and countries compete for skilled talent, 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for Indian students studying abroad. But this outbound movement is not evenly spread across the country.
Some regions consistently produce more international students due to education culture, income levels, exposure, coaching infrastructure, and migration trends. This blog explores the top states sending students abroad 2026, backed by realistic trends, destination preferences, popular courses, and emerging patterns.
If you are a student, parent, or education consultant, understanding these state-wise trends helps in better planning, targeting, and decision-making.
Why State-Wise Study Abroad Trends Matter in 2026
In 2026, study abroad decisions are influenced by more than just aspiration:
Rising tuition and living costs
Stronger focus on ROI and employability
Increased awareness of scholarships and post-study work
Early exposure to international education pathways
Certain states have built ecosystems that naturally support overseas education, making them consistent leaders year after year.
Overall India Study Abroad Snapshot (2026)
Indian students abroad (estimated): 1.55–1.6 million
Growth compared to 2024: +12–15%
Most preferred destinations: Canada, USA, UK, Australia, Ireland, Germany
Fastest-growing demand: Ireland, Germany, Australia (regional cities)
Top States Sending Students Abroad 2026 (India)
1. Maharashtra – India’s Study Abroad Capital
Maharashtra continues to top the list in 2026.
Why Maharashtra leads:
Strong urban education hubs (Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur)
High number of English-medium institutions
Strong IT, engineering, and business background
Easy access to global exams and counseling
Popular Destinations:Canada, USA, UK, Australia, Germany
Top Courses Chosen:
Engineering & IT
Data Science
Business & Finance
AI & Analytics
2. Punjab – Consistently High Outbound Mobility
Punjab remains one of the most study-abroad-focused states.
Key Reasons:
Long-standing migration culture
Strong community networks abroad
Preference for work-linked education pathways
Top Destinations:Canada, Australia, UK
Course Preferences:
Business & Management
Hospitality
IT & Computing
Diploma + PG pathways
Punjab students often prioritize PR-friendly countries.
3. Gujarat – Rapid Growth in 2026
Gujarat shows one of the fastest growth rates in outbound students.
Why Gujarat is rising:
Entrepreneurial mindset
Growing awareness of global education ROI
Strong interest in STEM and management
Preferred Countries:USA, Canada, UK, Australia
Popular Programs:
Engineering
Computer Science
MBA & Management
Supply Chain & Logistics
4. Telangana – Tech-Driven International Aspirations
Telangana, especially Hyderabad, is a major contributor in 2026.
Key Drivers:
Strong IT ecosystem
Early exposure to global tech trends
High demand for US and Canada education
Top Destinations:USA, Canada, Ireland
Top Courses:
Computer Science
AI & Machine Learning
Data Analytics
Cybersecurity
5. Andhra Pradesh – Strong US & Canada Focus
Andhra Pradesh continues to send a large number of students abroad.
Why AP stands out:
Strong engineering education base
Family networks in the US
Early exam preparation culture
Preferred Countries:USA, Canada
Courses in Demand:
Engineering
Information Systems
Data Science
Business Analytics
6. Tamil Nadu – Academically Driven Overseas Education
Tamil Nadu maintains steady growth in 2026.
Strengths:
Strong academic culture
Research-oriented students
Interest in Europe alongside traditional destinations
Popular Destinations:Germany, USA, UK, Ireland
Top Fields:
Mechanical & Electrical Engineering
Research & PhD programs
Management
Healthcare-related programs
7. Kerala – High Literacy, High Global Exposure
Kerala continues to send students abroad, especially in healthcare and nursing.
Why Kerala matters:
High literacy rate
Strong healthcare background
Preference for regulated professions
Top Destinations:UK, Ireland, Australia, Germany
Popular Courses:
Nursing
Public Health
Healthcare Management
Engineering
8. Karnataka – Startup & Innovation Influence
Bengaluru’s global exposure drives Karnataka’s outbound numbers.
Key Factors:
Startup and tech ecosystem
International work exposure
Interest in innovation-driven courses
Preferred Countries:USA, Canada, Germany
Courses Chosen:
AI & Data Science
Product Management
Engineering
Business Analytics
Table: Top States Sending Students Abroad 2026 (Estimated Share)
State | Share of Indian Students Abroad |
Maharashtra | 18–20% |
Punjab | 14–15% |
Gujarat | 12–13% |
Telangana | 10–11% |
Andhra Pradesh | 9–10% |
Tamil Nadu | 8–9% |
Kerala | 6–7% |
Karnataka | 6–7% |
Figures are indicative and based on multi-year trends.
Emerging States to Watch in 2026
Some states are growing rapidly due to awareness and digital access:
Rajasthan
Haryana
Madhya Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh (urban centers)
These states may enter the top tier by 2027–28.
Key Factors Influencing State-Wise Trends
Access to quality education
Coaching and counseling availability
Family income levels
Migration history
Awareness of scholarships
English proficiency
States with early exposure perform better globally.
How Universities and Consultants Use These Trends
Targeted outreach and events
State-specific scholarships
Local language counseling
Customized visa guidance
Understanding the top states sending students abroad 2026 helps improve success rates.
FAQs – Top States Sending Students Abroad 2026
Q1. Which are the top states sending students abroad 2026?
The top states sending students abroad 2026 include Maharashtra, Punjab, Gujarat, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka.
Q2. Why do some states send more students abroad than others?
Factors include education quality, income levels, exposure to global education, migration culture, and access to coaching and counseling.
Q3. Are smaller states catching up in study abroad numbers?
Yes. States like Rajasthan, Haryana, and parts of Uttar Pradesh are showing strong growth in 2026.
Q4. Does the state matter in visa or admission decisions?
While admissions are merit-based, state-wise trends help universities and consultants design better outreach and support.
Final Thoughts
India’s study abroad story in 2026 is not just growing—it’s becoming more regionally diverse and strategically driven. While traditional leaders like Maharashtra and Punjab remain strong, emerging states are closing the gap fast.
Understanding the top states sending students abroad 2026 offers valuable insight into where global education demand is heading next.
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