By: The Trek News Desk
As the Russia-Ukraine war enters its fourth year, a new academic migration pattern has emerged. Indian students, particularly those pursuing medical degrees, are increasingly turning toward Georgia as a safer and more affordable alternative to Ukraine.
According to data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) under its Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), Indians spent $50.25 million on education in Georgia in 2024–25, a nearly fivefold jump from $10.33 million in 2018–19.
The sharp rise in remittances to Georgia has largely come at Ukraine’s expense, where Indian spending on education fell dramatically from $14.80 million in 2018–19 to just $2.40 million in 2024–25.
From Ukraine to Georgia: A Shift in Academic Destinations
Before the war, Ukraine was one of the top choices for Indian medical aspirants. During 2020–21 and 2021–22, it ranked among India’s top 10 education destinations abroad, with remittances peaking at $39.12 million.
However, after Russia’s invasion in February 2022, that number plunged to $10.6 million in 2022–23.
That same year, Georgia made its debut among the top 15 destinations for Indian students, moving up from 21st place in 2018–19 to 14th in 2022–23, and further climbing to 12th in 2024–25.
Parliamentary data shows that the number of Indians declaring “education” as their travel purpose to Georgia rose from 4,148 in 2019 to 10,470 in 2023, a staggering 150% increase in just four years.
Why Georgia is Gaining Ground Among Medical Students
Education consultants note that Georgia was already known for medical and paramedical programs such as MBBS, physiotherapy, and nursing. The war only accelerated this trend, as new students and even those previously enrolled in Ukrainian universities began transferring to institutions in Georgia.
Pratibha Jain, CEO of Eduabroad Consulting, explains: “Georgia offers cost-effective, high-quality medical education with simpler visa and residency rules. Its proximity to Europe adds to its appeal. Many graduates even choose to stay and work there after completing their studies.”
She added that while Russia remains popular for medical education, students now prefer avoiding areas near the conflict zones.
Russia Also Sees a Surge in Education Spending
Interestingly, Indian spending on education in Russia has also seen a steep rise. As per RBI’s LRS data, remittances reached $69.94 million in 2024–25, a 200% increase from $22.48 million in 2023–24.
Barring 2022–23, when spending briefly dipped, the flow of Indian education funds to Russia has been on a steady upward trajectory since 2018–19 ($14.82 million). Russia’s global rank as a destination for Indian students improved from 23rd position in 2018–19 to 11th in 2024–25.
How Other Destinations Performed in 2024–25
According to government data tabled in Parliament, Canada, the USA, the UK, Australia, and Germany remain the top five destinations for Indian students abroad.
- USA: Education remittances fell by 10% compared to 2023–24.
- Canada: Registered the sharpest decline — around 43%.
- Australia: Witnessed a 5% drop.
- UK: Recorded a 12% increase.
- Germany: Saw a dramatic 70% surge in Indian student spending.
Under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme, Indian residents can remit up to $250,000 per financial year for purposes including overseas education.
The Bigger Picture
The prolonged Russia-Ukraine conflict has reshaped the global education map for Indian students. With affordable tuition, safety, and European connectivity, Georgia is positioning itself as the next major hub for Indian medical education.
Experts believe the trend will continue in the coming years, especially among students seeking European-standard education at a fraction of the cost and in a politically stable environment.
Source: News Agencies
