Indian Medical Students Flock To Georgia Amid Russia-Ukraine Conflict: RBI

Study Abroad: Amid the ongoing war in Ukraine for the past four years, Indian students are now opting for safer countries for their studies. Consequently, Georgia is rapidly emerging as a new and popular choice for Indian medical students.

According to data released by the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), Indians spent approximately $50.25 million on education in Georgia in the financial year 2024-25, nearly five times the $10.33 million spent in 2018-19.

This increase has come largely at the expense of Ukraine, as remittances sent by Indians for studies there have fallen sharply, from $14.80 million in 2018-19 to just $2.40 million in 2024-25.

Before the war, Ukraine was a major destination for Indian students.

In 2020-21 and 2021-22, Ukraine was among the top 10 countries with steadily increasing numbers of Indian students. However, after the war began in 2022, this number declined sharply, and students began to seek other options.

In 2022-23, Georgia was ranked among the top 15 countries for the highest remittances for Indian students for education for the first time. The country was ranked 14th then, and has now risen to 12th. According to data presented in Parliament, 4,148 Indian students went to Georgia in 2019, while this number increased to 10,470 in 2023.

Russia too remains a major choice for Indian students. Indian educational spending in Russia reached $69.94 million in 2024-25, an increase of nearly 200% from $22.48 million in the previous year. Russia’s ranking has also improved, rising from 23rd in 2018-19 to 11th now.

According to data presented in Parliament, Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Germany remain the top choices for Indian students. Indian’s spending on education in the United States declined by 10% in 2024-25 compared to the previous year, while in Canada, the decline was 43%. Furthermore, Australia saw a 5% decrease, while the United Kingdom saw a 12% increase, and Germany saw a 70% increase. Under the RBI’s LRS scheme, Indian citizens can send up to $250,000 annually for studies abroad.