A growing number of Indian women are pursuing higher education abroad, making up over a third of all Indian students studying overseas. This marks a significant shift in both gender representation and the broader demographic of students choosing to study internationally. According to a recent report by Leap Scholar, this trend signals that Indian women are breaking traditional stereotypes and embracing global educational opportunities.
Shattering Stereotypes: Women and International Education
The Leap Scholar report highlights that women now account for 34% of Indian students studying abroad. This shift is seen as an indication of increasing inclusivity and diversity in the population of Indian students pursuing education overseas. The report notes that women’s participation in global education challenges long-standing gender norms in Indian society.
“This points towards the inclusion of a broader and more diverse demographic, with aspirations for international study extending beyond conventional backgrounds and ethnicities,” said a statement from Leap Scholar.
The report emphasizes that Indian women are not just joining the ranks of international students but are leading the way in breaking stereotypes. Their increasing presence in global education is reshaping perceptions about gender roles in India, where higher education abroad was once predominantly associated with men.
A Growing Demand for Education Loans Among Women
The rise in female students studying abroad is also reflected in the growing number of women accessing education loans. According to a report by the Economic Times, consultants have noted a sharp increase in the number of female students applying for such loans. This figure has risen from 30% in fiscal year 2021 to 45% in fiscal year 2024.
This shift is seen as a positive trend, as more women are now seeking financial resources to pursue their dreams of studying abroad. The increasing number of female applicants for education loans suggests that more families are willing to support women in their educational endeavors, further breaking down barriers to gender equality in education.
Women Dominating STEM: The US as a Preferred Destination
Another notable trend is the growing number of Indian women choosing to study in the United States, particularly in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). While male students continue to outnumber female students in these fields, women’s presence is steadily increasing. This shift is particularly significant in STEM disciplines, where women have traditionally been underrepresented both in India and abroad.
The PIE News previously reported that female Indian students are increasingly opting for STEM courses in the US, though they remain fewer in number compared to their male counterparts. Despite the gap, the steady rise of women in STEM fields highlights a critical change in educational preferences and opportunities for Indian women.
The Role of State Boards in Expanding Access to Global Education
In addition to the rise in female students studying abroad, there has been a notable shift in the type of students pursuing international education. According to the Leap Scholar report, 57% of Indian students who choose to study abroad received their pre-university education from schools run by state boards.
State boards are administered by regional governments in India, and they set the standard for education and examinations within their respective states. Historically, students from private schools or those affiliated with national boards like the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE), and the International Baccalaureate (IB) were more likely to study abroad.
The recent data challenges this long-held assumption. The increasing number of state board students opting for overseas education is a reflection of the rapid expansion of digital access across India, as well as greater availability of educational resources and growing awareness of global study opportunities.
“We feel inspired by the growing aspirations of Indian students, particularly those from state boards, who are now considering and embracing studying abroad like never before,” said Arnav Kumar, co-founder of Leap, in an interview with The PIE.
The report underscores how digital platforms and information access have made studying abroad more feasible for students from various socioeconomic backgrounds, leveling the playing field between private and state school students.
Changing Mindsets and Expanding Horizons
The growing presence of female students and those from state boards reflects a broader shift in the mindset of Indian students. In the past, the decision to study abroad was often limited to students from privileged backgrounds. Now, with easier access to information and financial resources, more students are willing to explore unconventional pathways to learning.
“We also feel very good to see female students leading the charge. This shift not only reflects the increasing accessibility of studying abroad but also the changing mindset of Indian students, who are now more open to exploring unconventional ways of learning,” Kumar added.
The changing attitude towards international education is not limited to gender and schooling background but also extends to academic disciplines and destination countries. More students are venturing beyond traditional study destinations and exploring emerging opportunities.
Diversifying Study Destinations and Disciplines
While countries like the US, Canada, and the UK remain the most popular destinations for Indian students, a growing number of students are exploring other options. The report points to rising interest in countries such as Japan and the Netherlands, which are becoming attractive alternatives due to their quality of education and unique cultural experiences.
In addition to the growing popularity of non-traditional study destinations, students are also expanding their academic interests beyond the typically sought-after fields of STEM. Although STEM courses continue to attract a large number of Indian students, other disciplines like Psychology, Law, Sport Sciences, Architecture, Performing Arts, and Social Sciences are also gaining traction.
The broadening of academic interests indicates a shift in how Indian students view higher education. Rather than limiting themselves to traditional fields of study, many students are now seeking opportunities in diverse areas, reflecting their evolving career aspirations and the expanding global job market.
Conclusion: A New Era for Indian Students
The growing number of Indian women and state board students studying abroad is a powerful indicator of the changes taking place in Indian society. As more women access education loans, enroll in STEM courses, and pursue international degrees, they are redefining what it means to be a student in India. Meanwhile, the increased presence of state board students abroad signals greater inclusivity and diversity in global education.
With students exploring new destinations and disciplines, and the rise of digital access and financial support, studying abroad is no longer a distant dream reserved for the elite. It is an attainable goal for many, and Indian students—particularly women—are leading this transformation.
As the global education landscape continues to evolve, Indian students will play a crucial role in shaping its future, breaking stereotypes, and pushing boundaries, one step at a time.
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