Justdial reports 10% spike in study & work abroad searches across India

– 10% overall growth in searches for studying and working abroad

– German language demand soars – 147% spike in corporate German classes

– Non-metro cities lead with a 14% surge, outpacing metros at 5%

– Nagpur sees a massive 145% jump, followed by Chandigarh (31%) and Lucknow (15%)

– Delhi leads in foreign language learning, with an 81% rise in overall foreign language class searches

– Visa assistance searches up – Canada student visas see a 20% increase.

– Germany emerges as a top choice for studying and working abroad

Chandigarh, March 24, 2025: India is witnessing a growing interest in studying and working abroad, as reflected in a 10% surge in related searches on Justdial, India’s No. 1 local search engine, between March 2024 and February 2025 compared to the previous year. While metro cities saw a moderate 5% rise, the demand in non-metro cities grew significantly by 14%, indicating a broader shift in aspirations beyond urban centres.

Among metro cities, Hyderabad led with an 18% increase, followed by Delhi (14%), Bangalore (7%), Kolkata (4%), and Mumbai (1%). However, it was the non-metro cities that recorded the most striking growth, with Nagpur surging by 145%, Chandigarh by 31%, Lucknow by 15%, and Jaipur by 4%. This highlights how smaller cities are becoming key drivers of the overseas education and employment trend.

One of the most notable findings is the soaring demand for German language courses, reinforcing Germany’s growing appeal as a preferred destination. Searches for ‘German Language Classes for Corporate” skyrocketed by 147%, while “Language Classes for German Conversation” rose by 121%. Overall, German language classes saw a 31% spike, with Hyderabad registering an astounding 136% increase, followed by Chandigarh (69%), Delhi (56%), Ahmedabad (38%), Chennai (34%), Mumbai (26%), and Pune (21%).

Other foreign languages also gained traction, reflecting diverse global aspirations. Searches for “Language Classes for Foreign Language” rose by 48%, with Delhi (81%) and Mumbai (34%) leading the demand. Chinese language classes saw a 40% increase, particularly in Delhi (42%), while classes for American English, Arabic, Japanese, and French witnessed steady growth. Japanese language classes spiked by 21%, with Mumbai (34%), Chennai (33%), and Delhi (16%) showing notable interest. French classes grew by 8%, led by Chandigarh (28%) and Delhi (6%).

Interest in visa assistance services also saw an uptick, with “Student Visa Assistance for Canada” increasing by 20%, while overall student visa assistance searches rose by 13%, with Chandigarh recording a 38% spike. This suggests a strong inclination towards pursuing educational and career opportunities abroad, with Canada being a preferred choice.

The data clearly indicates a paradigm shift, with non-metro cities increasingly driving demand for international opportunities. Additionally, the overwhelming interest in the German language suggests that Germany is emerging as a top destination for higher education and employment.

Annexure

Comparison period: Mar’23-Feb’24 vs. Mar’24-Feb’25

1. Overall Growth

A 10% increase in searches related to studying and working abroad across India.
2. Metro vs. Non-Metro Growth

Metro cities recorded a 5% rise in searches.
– Hyderabad: 18%

– Delhi: 14%

– Bangalore: 7%

– Kolkata: 4%

– Mumbai: 1%

Non-metro cities saw a 14% spike, with notable growth in:
– Nagpur: 145%

– Chandigarh: 31%

– Lucknow: 15%

– Jaipur: 4%

3. Category-Wise Growth in Language Learning & Visa Assistance

Foreign Language Learning in Demand:
– German Language Classes for Corporate: 147%

– Language Classes for German Conversation: 121%

– Language Classes for Foreign Languages: 48% (Delhi: 81%, Mumbai: 34%)

– Language Classes for Chinese: 40% (Delhi: 42%)

– Language Classes for American English: 31%

– Language Classes for German: 31%

§ Hyderabad: 136%, Chandigarh: 69%, Delhi: 56%, Ahmedabad: 38%, Chennai: 34%, Mumbai: 26%, Pune: 21%

– Language Classes for Arabic: 26% (Mumbai: 11%, Delhi: 9%)

– Language Classes for Japanese: 21% (Mumbai: 34%, Chennai: 33%, Delhi: 16%, Pune: 3%)

– Language Classes for French: 8% (Chandigarh: 28%, Delhi: 6%)

– Language Classes for English Conversation: 5% (Delhi: 9%, Hyderabad: 8%, Chandigarh: 17%)

– Language Classes for Spanish: 4% (Delhi: 3%)

Visa Assistance on the Rise:
– Student Visa Assistance for Canada: 20%

– Overall Student Visa Assistance: 13% (Chandigarh: 38%)