{Georgia New ‘Hub’ for Indian Medical Students}
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Indian Students Shift Focus: Georgia Emerges as Top Education Destination Amid Ukraine War
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new Delhi – As the Russia-Ukraine war continues, Georgia has seen a dramatic surge in Indian students seeking medical education, becoming a new hub for Indian students. Remittances to Georgia for education have increased fivefold as 2018-19, while those to Ukraine have plummeted.
The Shift in Remittances: Ukraine to Georgia
According to data from the Reserve Bank of India’s Liberalized Remittance Scheme (LRS) obtained through a Right to Information (RTI) Act request, Indian spending on education in Georgia reached $50.25 million in the financial year 2024-25. This represents a significant increase from the $10.33 million spent in 2018-19. Conversely, remittances to Ukraine for education have drastically decreased, falling from $14.80 million in 2018-19 to just $2.40 million in 2024-25.
Ukraine’s Decline: Pre-War Popularity and Post-Invasion Impact
Prior to the conflict, Ukraine was a popular destination for Indian medical students. Remittances for education in Ukraine were steadily increasing, ranking it among the top 10 destinations for Indian students in both 2020-21 and 2021-22, with a total of $39.12 million in remittances. However, the Russian invasion in February 2022 triggered a sharp decline, with remittances falling to approximately $10.6 million in 2022-23.
Global Trends in Remittances
Data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) also reveals trends in other major countries. Canada experienced a significant decrease of nearly 43% in remittances compared to the previous year (2023-24), while Australia saw a 5% decline. The United Kingdom, however, witnessed a 12% increase, and Germany experienced a substantial 70% increase.The RBI’s LRS allows Indian residents to remit up to $250,000 abroad annually.
| Country | Remittance Change (2023-24 to 2024-25) |
|---|---|
| Canada | -43% |
| Australia | -5% |
| United Kingdom | +12% |
| Germany | +70% |
Factors Driving the Shift
the shift towards Georgia is likely driven by several factors, including concerns about safety and security in Ukraine, the availability of affordable medical education in Georgia, and potentially, easier admission processes. Georgia has actively promoted itself as an choice destination for international students, notably those previously considering Ukraine. The increased remittances to Germany and the UK may reflect broader trends in international student