Hyderabad students forgo ivy dreams for offbeat courses
Students from Hyderabad are increasingly ditching the conventional route of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) programmes in the US or UK, opting instead for offbeat courses in less expensive, non-traditional study destinations.
There has been a 20–30% spike in applications, according to study abroad consultants.
'We're seeing a growing number of Indian students explore courses beyond the traditional STEM and business paths, fields like culinary arts, fashion, architecture, fine arts, and interior design. While STEM continues to attract the majority, this shift signals a broader mindset where more students are choosing what they genuinely enjoy, not just what feels safe or conventional," said Saurabh Arora, founder of University Living, a global student accommodation service provider.
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He added, 'The number of Indian students in Germany rose from 46,000 in 2024 to an estimated 54,000 in 2025 and could cross 1.14 lakh by 2030. France already hosts over 7,600 Indian students, with that number expected to more than double by the end of the decade.'
Italy, though often overlooked, is a global hub for design, arts, and culinary education and is gaining momentum, with around 10,000 Indian students currently enrolled and projections suggesting over 25,000 by 2030.
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'The US remains popular for tech and STEM courses, but students are beginning to weigh their options. Countries like France and Germany are offering a wide variety of affordable programmes that aren't just STEM-focused,' said Chirandeep Patnaik, founder of Lemma One Consulting.
'France, for instance, has seen a spike in demand for programmes in fashion, history, event management, and social sciences, especially after it extended its poststudy work visa for master's students from two years to five.
The prioritynow is employability and exposure. And that's pushing both students and their families to think outside the US-UK box.'
Low cost of education
Students are also driven by the low cost of education. 'Public universities in France offer programmes in the Rs 7 lakh to Rs 10 lakh range, which is far more affordable compared to the Rs 25 lakh or more needed for a year in the US,' added Patnaik. 'You're looking at quality education and global exposure at a fraction of the cost,' he said.
Germany, too, continues todraw students interested in engineering, but now also in urban planning and industrial design.
Niche programmes
'Most German public universities don't charge tuition fees, and the cost of living is manageable. That's a huge draw,' said Sahas Yuvaraj from Way2 Abroad Consultancy, a consultancy based in Hyderabad.
New Zealand and the Netherlands are also seeing an uptick, especially for niche programmes in creative arts and digital media.
'Indian students are realising that they can get globally relevant skills in newer destinations that are less saturated and more welcoming,' said Yuvaraj.
Even Southeast Asia is emerging as an alternative. Countries like the Philippines are seeing enrolments in fields such as medicine and healthcare, particularly due to the English-speaking environment and easier admission processes.
'Earlier, the question was 'which Ivy League or top US school should I go to?' Now it's 'where can I study what I love without breaking the bank and still get work experience?'' said Rajni Mankotiya, an educational consultant. 'That change is quite refreshing.'
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