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Highlights: Indian Students Drive 37% Surge in Overseas Education Interest in 2025

• Reports suggest that study-abroad enquiries from India rose by 37% in 2025, continuing a steady upward trend.
• A record 1.33 million Indians were studying abroad in 2024, compared to 1.31 million in 2023.
• The United States remains the top destination with 331,602 students, followed by the United Kingdom with 111,329.
• Countries such as France, Germany, Italy, Australia, and South Korea are emerging as strong alternatives.
• Demand for future-focused courses in AI, Data Science, Bioengineering, and Climate Sciences has surged, with enrolments rising by up to 41%.

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Beyond the US and UK: Why Indian Students Are Turning to Europe and Asia

Indian students are no longer restricting their ambitions to just the US and UK. A growing number are exploring affordable, future-ready destinations that combine quality education with strong career opportunities.

Here’s how the study-abroad landscape is shifting in 2025:

• Germany, France, Italy, Australia, and South Korea are fast-emerging choices, offering lower tuition costs and more English-taught programs.
• Students are prioritizing return on investment, post-study work rights, and long-term career growth over prestige alone.
• Enrolments in AI, Machine Learning, and Data Science have grown by 41% in 2024, while Bioengineering and Climate Sciences courses recorded a 32% rise.
• Hybrid programs blending technology with business, design, and sustainability are gaining popularity.
• Canada’s appeal has slowed due to visa caps and housing shortages, while standardized testing (SAT, ACT, AP) is back in focus, with test-prep demand tripling since pre-pandemic times.

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From Affordability to Employability: What’s Influencing Indian Students’ Study Abroad Decisions

Indian students are carefully weighing not just prestige, but the overall value of studying abroad. The choice of destination now reflects a balance between affordability, opportunities, and long-term career prospects.

Here are the key reasons driving this shift:

• Affordable tuition and living costs in countries like Germany, France, and Italy make higher education accessible to a wider group of students.
• English-taught programs are increasing across Europe and Asia, removing language barriers for Indian applicants.
• Stronger post-study work rights in countries such as Australia and South Korea allow students to gain valuable international experience.
• High-growth career fields like AI, Data Science, Bioengineering, and Climate Sciences are being prioritized in university programs worldwide.
• Global employability and return on investment have become top priorities, with students and families focusing on long-term career outcomes rather than prestige alone.
   

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Highlights: Saudi Arabia’s Green Card is Opening New Doors for Global Talent

• Saudi Arabia offers seven residency categories designed for entrepreneurs, investors, professionals, and property owners.
• Most residency options are available for just SAR 4,000 (₹88,000), while the permanent residency requires SAR 800,000 (₹1.75 crore).
• The Investor Residency pathway requires a SAR 7 million (₹15.3 crore) investment along with the creation of 10 jobs within 2 years.
• Premium Residency holders can live, work, and invest in Saudi Arabia without the need for a local sponsor.
• Family members, including spouses, children under 25, and dependent parents, can also be sponsored under the program.
   

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Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency Program Opens Doors to Professionals, Families, and Investors

Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency, also known as the Saudi Green Card, was launched in 2019 under the Vision 2030 plan to diversify the economy and attract global expertise. Unlike traditional visas tied to local sponsorship, this program offers independence to live, work, and invest freely in the kingdom. Holders gain access to benefits such as property ownership, visa-free travel, and the ability to manage businesses without restrictions.
 

The scheme is also designed with families in mind. Residents can sponsor their spouses, unmarried children under 25, and dependent parents, ensuring stability for the whole family. With opportunities across seven residency categories—including investor, entrepreneur, and professional tracks—the program provides long-term growth, career advancement, and financial security for Indians looking to establish themselves in the Gulf.
 

Also, read…

Saudi Arabia to launch a pension and savings programme for foreign workers
 

Understanding the Seven Pathways to Saudi Premium Residency

Saudi Arabia has created seven unique Premium Residency options, each designed to welcome people with different skills, talents, and investment goals. Whether you’re a professional looking to grow your career, an entrepreneur with big ideas, or an investor seeking long-term opportunities, there’s a residency pathway made for you.
 

Here’s a simple guide to help you explore the Saudi Arabia Premium Residency options.

Residency Type	Duration	Fees	Eligibility
Special Talent Residency	5 years, renewable	SAR 4,000	For healthcare, research, science professionals, and executives earning SAR 14,000–80,000 per month with a bachelor’s degree and experience.
Gifted Residency	5 years, renewable once	SAR 4,000	For cultural and sports professionals with ministry recommendation or exceptional award.
Investor Residency	5 years / renewable / permanent	SAR 4,000	Requires a minimum SAR 7 million investment and creation of 10 jobs within 2 years.
Entrepreneur Residency	5 years (First Category) or pathway to permanent (Second Category)	SAR 4,000	Requires a start-up license with investment between SAR 400,000–15 million, plus job creation.
Real Estate Owner Residency	Linked to property ownership	SAR 4,000	Ownership of real estate worth at least SAR 4 million; property must be free of mortgages and fully developed.
Limited Duration Residency	1–5 years	SAR 100,000 per year (2% discount annually)	For short-term projects, assignments, or investments.
Unlimited Duration Residency	Permanent	SAR 800,000	Requires meeting contribution or investment criteria set by Saudi authorities.

 

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Highlights: Canada Hikes Proof of Funds for Student Visa

• From September 1, 2025, all new study permit applications must meet the revised proof of funds requirement.
• Single applicants will now need to show CAD 22,895, an increase of CAD 2,260 from the earlier requirement.
• For families, the financial bar is higher—a family of four must show CAD 42,543, which is CAD 4,197 more than before.
• Each additional family member adds CAD 6,170 to the required funds, making careful planning essential.
• Students applying to Quebec must meet both IRCC and MIFI requirements, with separate living expense thresholds.

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Canada increases financial thresholds for student visa applicants

From September 1, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has raised the minimum proof of funds for study permit applicants. A single applicant must now show CAD 22,895, up by CAD 2,260 from the previous requirement. The increase applies across all family sizes, ensuring students and their dependents have adequate financial resources while studying in Canada.
 

Family members	Required funds (CAD)	Increase from previous
1 (applicant)	22,895	2,260
2	28,502	2,812
3	35,040	3,457
4	42,543	4,197
5	48,252	4,760
6	54,420	5,369
7	60,589	5,978
Each additional member	6,170	611

 

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Key takeaways from Canada’s revised proof of funds requirement

The updated proof of funds is more than just a financial adjustment—it directly impacts how students and their families prepare for studying in Canada. Here are the key details:

• Rising costs for families: Two members now require CAD 28,502, while three members must show CAD 35,040.
• Larger families face bigger jumps: For five members, the amount is CAD 48,252, and for seven members, it is CAD 60,589.
• Extra family members: Beyond seven, each person adds CAD 6,170.
• Quebec requirements: Students heading to Quebec must also satisfy separate living expense benchmarks set by MIFI, in addition to IRCC.
• Proof of funds options: Acceptable formats include bank statements, GICs, tuition receipts, student loans, or scholarship confirmation.
   

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Highlights: US Tightens Visa Rules: Drop Box and Age Exemptions Removed

• From September 2, 2025, nearly all non-immigrant visa applicants must attend in-person interviews.
• Age-based exemptions and “drop box” renewals for visas like H-1B, L-1, F-1, O-1, and B-1/B-2 are mostly removed.
• Exceptions remain for diplomatic, official, and certain international organization visas, as well as specific B-1/B-2 renewals.
• For 57 countries (including Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Iran), the new rules apply immediately with no exemptions.
• India not included in this list, but applicants should prepare for longer wait times at US consulates.

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Big Changes Ahead: No More Easy Waivers for US Visas

The new US visa policy marks one of the biggest shifts in recent years. From September 2, 2025, almost every non-immigrant visa applicant, whether applying for the first time or renewing, will now need to attend an in-person interview. Here’s what’s different:

• End of Exemptions: Waivers for children under 14, seniors over 79, and many visa renewals (H-1B, L-1, F-1, O-1, and B-1/B-2) are mostly discontinued.
• Limited Exceptions: Diplomatic, official, and certain international organization visas, plus specific B-1/B-2 renewals, still qualify for waivers.
• Stricter Rules for Some Nations: Applicants from 57 countries—including Afghanistan, Nigeria, Iran, and Cuba—will have no exemptions at all.
• Impact on Indians: India is not on this stricter list, but Indian applicants should still expect longer queues and extended wait times at consulates.

Also, read…

 US to cap F, J, and I visa stay periods
 

US Visa Interviews Now Mandatory—Here’s How You Can Stay Ready

With interviews now compulsory for most visa categories, Indian applicants need to plan their travel, study, and work timelines more carefully. The change could lead to longer queues at US consulates in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata, making early preparation critical.

Here’s what you should do:

• Apply Early: Begin the visa application process months before your intended travel.
• Track Wait Times: Use the US State Department’s Global Visa Wait Times portal for real-time updates.
• Prepare Documents Carefully: Always carry the correct DS-160 confirmation page and supporting papers. If you make corrections, bring both versions to the interview.
• Remember Reschedule Rules: From January 1, 2025, only one free reschedule is allowed—further changes mean paying a new fee.
• Stay Updated: Keep an eye on official announcements to avoid last-minute surprises.

Note: For Indian students heading for new academic sessions, IT professionals traveling on work assignments, or families visiting relatives, these new rules could mean added stress. But with the right planning, delays can be minimized.
 

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Highlights: Asia’s Safest Country Revealed: Singapore Ranks 6th Globally in 2025

• Singapore ranks 6th worldwide, maintaining its position as Asia’s safest country with a score of 1.357.
• The nation dropped one spot from 2024, yet showed improvement in its peace score (from 1.339 to 1.357).
• India remains at 115th place, recording a score of 2.229, with no movement from last year.
• Iceland tops the global list, followed by Ireland and New Zealand as the world’s most peaceful nations.
• Japan and Malaysia follow Singapore as Asia’s next safest countries, with scores of 1.440 and 1.469 respectively.
   

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Asia’s Safest Nations Revealed in 2025 Rankings

The Global Peace Index 2025 places Singapore at the top in Asia, followed by Japan and Malaysia.

Here’s a look at the region’s top 10 most peaceful countries:

Rank	Country	Score
1	Singapore	1.357
2	Japan	1.44
3	Malaysia	1.469
4	Bhutan	1.536
5	Mongolia	1.719
6	Vietnam	1.721
7	Taiwan	1.73
8	South Korea	1.736
9	Timor-Leste	1.758
10	Laos	1.783

 

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Global Peace Index 2025: The World’s Most Peaceful Nations Ranked

The Global Peace Index 2025 crowns Iceland as the world’s most peaceful nation, with Ireland and New Zealand close behind. Singapore proudly features in the global top 10, securing its position as the safest country in Asia.

Rank	Country	Score
1	Iceland	1.095
2	Ireland	1.26
3	New Zealand	1.282
4	Austria	1.294
5	Switzerland	1.294
6	Singapore	1.357
7	Portugal	1.371
8	Denmark	1.393
9	Slovenia	1.409
10	Finland	1.42

 

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