In an emerging trend that marks a significant turnaround for domestic higher education, local colleges have experienced a noticeable increase in student interest as the new academic year looms. With overseas education prospects clouded by tightening immigration policies and evolving global circumstances, many students and parents are opting for quality education closer to home.
Changing Global Dynamics Affecting Study Abroad
Recent international developments have dramatically reshaped the traditional appeal of studying abroad. Canada’s new cap on international student permits and Australia’s stricter visa requirements—including elevated English proficiency standards—have made the prospect of overseas education increasingly uncertain. In the United States, a rise in deportations of Indian students over visa compliance issues has added to the concerns. Moreover, the lingering impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict—highlighted by the harrowing experiences of hundreds of Indian students stranded in Ukraine during the crisis—has left many families reassessing the risks associated with studying abroad.
These developments have spurred a shift in parental attitudes, with a growing number now advocating for domestic educational opportunities. “The parents are showing a clear shift in the mindset. They want quality education without risking the uncertainties of foreign systems,” commented RS Deol, Director of Lyallpur Khalsa College Technical Campus. His institution, known for its extensive range of professional and technical programs, has already seen a significant uptick in inquiries even as Class 12 results remain pending.
A Boon for Local Institutions
Educational institutions across the region report a surge in student engagement, as inquiries flood in regarding admissions, seat availability, course offerings, and fee structures. The interest is not merely anecdotal; several institutions have noted substantial increases in admissions even before the academic year has officially begun.
At Lyallpur Khalsa College Technical Campus, for instance, the institution is on track to increase its student body from 3,000 to 3,500 this year. “With a focus on practical training, corporate interaction, and alignment with national education policies, we’re experiencing steady annual growth,” Deol explained. Such proactive planning is mirrored across numerous campuses, which are simultaneously expanding their infrastructure, adding new hostels, and enhancing campus safety to meet the rising demand.
Manbir Singh, Managing Director of the CT Group of Institutions, confirmed that the recent cycle has seen over 700 additional admissions compared to the previous year at campuses in Jalandhar and Ludhiana. “The visa restrictions imposed by countries like Canada have redirected attention to local institutions,” Singh stated. “We have responded by proactively expanding our facilities and improving overall campus experience. The numbers clearly indicate growing confidence in domestic higher education.”
Broadening Course Offerings to Meet Diverse Needs
The surge in admissions is not limited to technical and engineering streams. Institutions are broadening their academic horizons, with increasing demand in sectors such as paramedical, pharmacy, law, IT, and hotel management. Professor Manhar Arora, Managing Director of St Soldier Group of Institutions, noted that over the past two academic sessions, admissions have grown by more than 15 percent. “Post-Covid and amid diminishing opportunities for permanent settlement abroad, students are increasingly choosing India-based options,” he observed. Arora also highlighted a growing interest in vocational courses that provide early certifications and job readiness, catering to students seeking a quicker transition into the workforce.
Kanya Maha Vidyalaya (KMV) Principal Atima Sharma Dwivedi echoed these observations, adding that her institution has witnessed a pronounced shift in migration patterns. “There’s been a remarkable surge in admissions, particularly in our honours and skill development programs,” Dwivedi said. “As immigration pathways continue to tighten and global uncertainties persist, local colleges are proving to be reliable and future-ready alternatives that emphasize quality education.”
Looking Ahead
As the new academic session prepares to take off, the surge in local admissions signals a broader transformation in the higher education landscape. The combination of global uncertainties and improved domestic educational offerings has created an environment where quality education is no longer synonymous with studying abroad. Instead, students and parents are increasingly viewing homegrown institutions as competitive alternatives that provide robust academic experiences with fewer risks.
The trend, while nascent, is indicative of a long-term shift. With institutions adapting to meet the evolving needs of students and parents, the focus on domestic education is set to redefine the future of higher learning in the region. In a rapidly changing world, the decision to stay local not only offers a sense of security but also a commitment to nurturing homegrown talent in a competitive global arena.
