Hyderabad students trade ivy ambitions for unusual courses

Hyderabad students are increasingly abandoning the traditional path of US or UK STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) programmes in favour of unusual courses in cheaper, non-traditional study destinations. Applications have seen a 20–30% boost, say study abroad consultants.

 

People are witnessing an increase in the number of Indian students looking at courses outside of the customary STEM and business streams, disciplines such as culinary arts, fashion, architecture, fine arts, and interior design. Although STEM remains popular, this is an indication of a greater mindset wherein more students are opting for what they like rather than what is safe or traditional," said Saurabh Arora, founder of University Living, an international student accommodation services provider.

 

STEM coursesHe further stated, "The Indian student population in Germany increased from 46,000 in 2024 to an estimated 54,000 in 2025 and may exceed 1.14 lakh by 2030. France already has more than 7,600 Indian students, and that number is likely to surpass double the present figure by the end of the decade."

 

Italy, while frequently underrated, is a world center for design, arts, and culinary education and is gathering pace, with nearly 10,000 Indian students already enrolled and estimates indicating more than 25,000 by 2030. "The US is still a favorite for technology and STEM courses, but the students are now considering their options.". France and Germany, for example, are providing a plethora of affordable programs that aren't purely STEM," explained Chirandeep Patnaik, Lemma One Consulting founder. "France, for one, has experienced a surge in demand for fashion, history, event management, and social sciences courses particularly after it extended its poststudy work visa for master's students from two years to five. Employability and exposure are the priority now.". And that's encouraging students and their families to think beyond the US-UK box.

 

Low cost of education

 

They are also motivated by the low cost of education. "French public universities provide courses in the Rs 7 lakh to Rs 10 lakh bracket, which is much more affordable than the Rs 25 lakh or more required for a year in the US," added Patnaik. "You are seeing quality education and international exposure at a fraction of the cost," he added. Germany, also, keeps on attracting students who are interested in engineering, but also in urban planning and industrial design nowadays.

 

Niche programmes

 

"Most of the German public universities do not have tuition fees, and the cost of living is reasonable. That's a big attraction," said Sahas Yuvaraj of Way2 Abroad Consultancy, a Hyderabad-based consultancy.

 

New Zealand and the Netherlands are also reporting an increase, particularly for specialized programs in creative arts and digital media. "Indian students are now realising that they are able to acquire skills that are relevant on a global platform in newer locations that are less crowded and more friendly," said Yuvaraj.

 

Even Southeast Asia is becoming an alternative option. Nations such as the Philippines are finding enrolments in disciplines such as healthcare and medicine increasing, mainly because of the English-speaking culture and simpler admission requirements.

 

"Previously, the question was 'which Ivy League or premier US university should I attend?' Today, it's 'where can I study what I'm passionate about without taking a financial hit and also gain work experience?'" said educational consultant Rajni Mankotiya. "That transformation is really welcome."