March 25, 2025: India is experiencing a surge in interest for studying and working abroad, as evidenced by a 10% increase in related searches on Justdial, India’s leading local search engine, from March 2024 to February 2025. This marks a significant rise compared to the previous year, with non-metro cities showing particularly strong growth.
Growing Demand Across India
While metro cities saw a moderate increase of 5%, non-metro cities recorded a striking 14% rise in search activity. This indicates a broadening of aspirations beyond India’s urban centers, with smaller cities becoming increasingly involved in the trend toward overseas education and employment.
Among metro cities, Hyderabad saw the largest growth with an 18% increase in searches, followed by Delhi (14%), Bangalore (7%), Kolkata (4%), and Mumbai (1%). In contrast, non-metro cities such as Nagpur experienced an impressive 145% surge in interest, followed by Chandigarh (31%), Lucknow (15%), and Jaipur (4%).
German Language Courses Lead the Surge
A standout trend is the growing demand for German language courses, underscoring Germany’s rising popularity as a destination for education and work. Searches for ‘German Language Classes for Corporate’ jumped by 147%, and ‘Language Classes for German Conversation’ saw a 121% rise. Overall, there was a 31% increase in searches for German language classes across India.
Hyderabad registered the most significant growth in this area, with a remarkable 136% rise in interest, followed by Chandigarh (69%), Delhi (56%), Ahmedabad (38%), Chennai (34%), Mumbai (26%), and Pune (21%).
Rising Interest in Other Foreign Languages
Other foreign languages also saw a notable uptick in searches, reflecting India’s growing global aspirations. Overall, searches for “Language Classes for Foreign Language” increased by 48%, with Delhi (81%) and Mumbai (34%) leading the demand.
The Chinese language gained traction with a 40% rise in interest, especially in Delhi (42%). Japanese language classes grew by 21%, with Mumbai (34%), Chennai (33%), and Delhi (16%) showing the most notable increases. Meanwhile, French language courses saw an 8% increase, with Chandigarh (28%) and Delhi (6%) driving the demand.
Increased Interest in Visa Assistance Services
The demand for visa assistance services also surged, with searches for “Student Visa Assistance for Canada” rising by 20%. Overall, searches for student visa assistance grew by 13%, with Chandigarh recording a 38% increase. This suggests a strong inclination toward pursuing educational and career opportunities abroad, with Canada emerging as a top choice for students.
A Shift in Aspirations: Non-Metro Cities at the Forefront
The data reveals a clear shift, with non-metro cities playing a larger role in driving the demand for international education and career prospects. The significant rise in interest in the German language further emphasizes Germany’s position as a preferred destination for higher education and employment opportunities.
