UG Admission Trends in 2025

Admissions trends for undergraduate programs outside India continues its upward trend. More and more students are applying to UG programs in foreign climates because of factors like wider choice of program majors, more access to hands-on learning experiences (including undergraduate research), and a desire for global exposure. Moreover, with increasing access to financial aid, this trend is gaining further momentum. However, with the current global political shifts and tightening of visa policies from the US, countries in UK and Europe are now seeing a surge. Ireland, Germany, France, Netherlands, Sweden and Spain are some of the countries that have become popular among UG aspirants from India.

In this blog, we shall explore UG admission trends in 2025 to get a clear picture of what students are aspiring for this year.

UG Admission Trends in the US

United States, which had always been the most preferred destination for students seeking an international education, has seen a dip this year because of the recent policy shifts. However, it continues to attract foreign students because of the academic excellence of its universities, the flexibility to explore different subjects before deciding on the major, the freedom to take up interdisciplinary courses as wide apart as Literature and Mathematics, the cultural diversity and the global exposure in the US Students even at the UG level are encouraged to pursue research work. There is a wide range of student clubs, volunteer opportunities, cultural events and sports for them to participate in. In this sense, the US attracts the best of minds from around the world, offering not just a degree but a transformative experience.

Home to some of the world’s top ranked universities like Harvard, Stanford and MIT, the more popular programs are Computer Science, Engineering (particularly Mechanical, Civil and Electrical), Business Administration, Biological Sciences, Mathematics, Psychology and Economics.

UG Admission Trends in the UK

After Brexit, the UK saw a decline in applicants from EU. However, students from India and rest of the world were largely unaffected. In fact, the number of Indian students in UK gained momentum. Recent data release based on UCAS applications shows an overall 2.7% increase in international undergraduate applicants. Some data even suggest a 31% increase in firm acceptances for international students in January 2025 as compared to the previous year.

Compared to the US, UG programs in the UK are of shorter duration. In England, Northern Ireland and Wales, UG programs are typically for 3 years. This naturally reduces cost and time, which is a major attraction for students/parents. While UG degrees in Scotland are for 4 years, they offer more flexibility in subject choices, validating the extra year of study. UK has a centralized application process (UCAS) that allows students to apply to up to 5 courses in one application.

Another reason why students opt for UK is the early specialization offered. To explain further, if you wish to specialize in Mechanical Engineering, you will be focusing on Mechanical Engineering right from the first year, rather than studying broad fundamentals of engineering, as is required in other countries like the US. This is of great significance to students who have a clear interest or career goal early on in their life, and are seeking an academic-intensive experience. Also, these programs align closely with industry requirements and practical exposure rather than just theory.

UK universities provide a research-intensive education even at the UG level. Institutions like the University of Edinburgh and University College London have integrated academic writing, research projects and critical thinking into their UG curriculum. Emphasis is high on independent study and problem-solving and students are trained to engage in scholarly debates, analyze case studies and pursue interdisciplinary interests early on.

With a Quality Assurance Agency monitoring academic standards throughout the country, teaching quality is consistent across institutions. This means that all universities in the UK have the same academic standards to maintain. In most other countries, the academic standards are monitored region-wise or district-wise, but could differ across the entire country. This is particularly appealing for international students as they need not worry about where in the UK they are studying.

Also, UK’s UG curriculum is designed to be a gateway for Master’s and PhD programs and incorporates topics that are taught at the next immediate higher level. Students will not have to do a bridge course or take up additional coursework to catch up with the master’s or PhD curricula.

The specific academic disciplines that spearhead the UG admissions trend these days are Law, Medicine, Business and Management, Engineering, Economics, Politics and Philosophy (PPE), International Relations, and Computer Science.

Apart from these factors, undergraduate students from across the world flock to the UK for its student-friendly, and vibrant multi-cultural environment. The old and beautiful campuses, and the prestige that comes with attending the many heritage universities in the UK, make this country a preferred destination for UG students.

UG Admission Trends in Ireland (Republic of Ireland)

A little note before you read on: ‘The Republic of Ireland’ is different from ‘Northern Ireland’; the latter is a part of UK.

In recent years, Ireland has emerged as a rising star in education for international students due to its welcoming policy changes, academic excellence and safe environment. In the academic year 2023-24, Irish universities saw over 40,000 international students enroll, 15% over the previous year. While data for 2025-2026 are not out yet, it is expected that this number will be significantly higher. Indian students have become the largest group of international students in Ireland for reasons like ease of getting visa, affordable tuition and living expenses and permission to stay in Ireland post UG studies.

Ireland is home to many prestigious universities such as Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, Dublin City University and University of Galway, all of which are known for their innovation, industry collaboration and strong research. Irish degrees are recognized across the world including US, UK and EU, and are used as a gateway for a graduate degree in these countries.

General degrees are for 3 years and Honours are for 4, making these universities a cost-effective option for international students, particularly from India. UG students in Ireland can stay and work for one year after graduation and this is a great opportunity as Ireland is the European Headquarters of major organizations like Google, Meta, Pfizer and Apple. Since Ireland is a part of EU, students of Irish universities have access to jobs even across the EU and not just Ireland, which too explains why the country is a preferred destination.

Considered to be one of the safest and friendliest countries in Europe, UG applicants to Ireland’s universities seek courses largely in the STEM subjects, Law, Business & Finance, Computer Science & Data Analytics, Hospitality & Tourism and Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology.

UG Admission Trends in France

France is one of the friendliest nations for international students and even more so for Indian students. In 2024, the number of Indian students heading to France was around 9000. The country has set an ambitious target of hosting 30,000 Indian students by 2030. This target is specific to India and is not extended to any other nations as was confirmed by the French Ambassador himself. With programs in top universities being taught in English, quick visa processing for Indian students, specific scholarships like Charpak and Eiffel Excellence for Indians and affordable education, it is clear that France is wooing students from India, and so this is the best time to take advantage of these facilities and look for options in France for your UG studies. Moreover, France offers a 1-year academic foundation program for Indian students applying for UG programs. Here, you will get intensive training in French and will attend introductory courses in your chosen subjects. There is also a unique apprenticeship model offered in French universities where you can get work experience with stipends even as you are studying.

While management and business-related degrees are the most popular disciplines for UG applicants, France’s recent heavy investment in AI has resulted in more students applying for engineering courses this year. Environmental Engineering in particular has gained immense popularity in recent times because of the rising concerns about climate change and pollution, government regulations leaning more towards green technologies and experts in this field being required across sectors. The other most popular UG courses in France include Fashion & Design, Political Science & International Relations, Marketing, Economics & Finance, Liberal Arts & Humanities (Philosophy, History, Literature, etc.), and Computer Science & Data Analytics. However, Medicine & Allied Health Sciences though well recognized, are taught only in French. Considered synonymous with fashion, France also draws UG students to programs in Fashion Design, Fine Arts and Illustration, Photography and Multimedia Arts, and Interior and Product Design. Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management are also hugely popular programs for UG aspirants in this country.

Universities like Sciences Po, ESSEC, HEC, EDHEC and SKEMA are highly ranked for their UG programs in these disciplines and have multiple campuses across the country.

Post your studies you can stay on for 12 months on a Temporary Resident Permit, or APS (for “Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour”) to look for jobs. You can even get jobs in India in French companies as there are 800 French companies operating in India currently.

With exclusive academic programs and opportunities, strong career prospects and faster visas, France in welcoming Indians like never before and this seems the perfect time to explore French universities for your UG.

UG Admission Trends in Germany

Germany has also experienced a rise in student numbers from India, increasing from 20,000 in 2022 to almost 35,000 in 2024. Indian students form the biggest international student community in Germany. Its low-cost education, strong technical programs, and English taught bachelor’s degrees make Germany a top contender for international students. Public universities, which includes some of their top schools, are funded by the German government, and offer free education to all students irrespective of their country of origin. You will have to pay only a small sum for administrative expenses and cover your living costs, which too is very affordable. The curriculum integrates practical training through internships and is designed to focus on employability. So, if your goal is to study in a research-heavy, low cost globally ranked program then look for public universities. You may have to pursue a German foundation year called ‘Studienkolleg’ though.

Private universities in Germany offer niche programs like AI, fintech, and sustainability, and will appeal to those looking for entrepreneurial ecosystems, though these will come at comparatively high costs. There are several scholarships like DAAD, Deutschlandstipendium, Heinrich Böll Foundation, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung and Friedrich Ebert Foundation, for international students of all programs.

As a global hub for engineering, and having strong ties with automobile manufacturers like BMW, Siemens, Volkswagen and Bosch, Germany has always been at the forefront of specializations like Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Renewable Energy Engineering and Civil Engineering. Booming tech ecosystems in the country are attracting aspirants for bachelor’s degrees in Computer Science / IT with specialization in Data Science, AI, Cybersecurity, Software Engineering, and Environment. Business & Economics is another popular course as are the Natural Sciences (like Physics and Chemistry), Architecture, and FinTech. German universities are global leaders in environmental science, clean energy research, and green engineering, which aligns well with the future-focused ambitions of today’s UG applicants from India. Medicine though widely recognized, is taught only in German at the UG level. Some of their most popular universities for UG programs are Technical University of Munich (TUM), RWTH Aachen University, TU Berlin, University of Stuttgart, Heidelberg University and LMU Munich. Germany’s strong industrial base and research infrastructure are major factors for the country’s appeal to UG aspirants. Cities like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg are tech and finance hubs, and thus offer good job prospects.

UG Admission Trends in Australia

For 2025, Australia is prepared for an intake of a maximum of 270,000 international students, and UG applicants will be forming a major chunk of this number. The country is attractive for its academic quality, excellent lifestyle and safe environment for international students. Moreover, it is home to universities like University of Melbourne, ANU, UNSW, University of Sydney, and Monash that consistently rank among the top 100 globally. The more popular courses are Business & Management, Engineering & IT, Health and Biomedical Sciences, Environmental Science, and Law & International Relations. Many universities allow students to pursue double degrees across disciplines like IT + Business or Law + Arts.

However, it must be noted that, in recent times, Australia has tightened its visa regulations, increased scrutiny of applicants’ credentials, their SOPs and LORs to ensure that the student does not intend to stay back in Australia post graduation. This, however, does not detract from the fact that several Australian universities rank among the best globally.

Emerging Study Destinations

Apart from the above countries, recent years have seen the emergence of many more affordable alternatives for preferred study destinations. Countries such as New Zealand, Spain, Portugal, Austria and Malta are gaining popularity among Indian students because of their lower tuition fees, manageable living costs, and post-study work opportunities. With tightening visa regulations in traditionally popular academic hubs, these countries have become a boon for those seeking an international education. They also have English taught programs, which increases their appeal. Singapore has always been a very attractive destination, and this year is no different. However, due to the highly competitive nature of the programs here not many students used to apply to the universities here. That has changed. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in applications to universities in Singapore. Also due to its proximity to India, and its geo-political stability, it is a convenient and strategically attractive option for UG students seeking robust academics.

Beyond Traditional Majors: New-Age Courses in Demand

Another change in admissions trend has been with regard to majors. Traditional favorites have always been the core engineering courses like Mechanical and Electrical (in Germany), Computer Science and IT (in US), Law and Medicine (in UK and Europe). But now, new programs are being offered and students are increasingly gravitating towards them.

Interdisciplinary tech fields are gaining popularity as today’s world demands multifaceted solutions for the complex problems arising each day. Climate change, cybersecurity, health care innovation etc., are no more confined to one single domain but often require knowledge across disciplines beyond their core. For example, cybersecurity issues require expertise as much in computer science and networks as in psychology. Healthcare innovation can happen only with a combination of AI, Biology and Ethics. Sustainable energy problems can be addressed only through joint efforts of experts in environmental science, public policy and mechanical engineering. Thus, it is safe to say that these new fields of study align very well with new job market dynamics. Now there are specializations being offered in BioTech, FinTech and EdTech. Universities are offering project-based learning akin to real-world interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure students graduate with skills in multiple areas. Interdisciplinary graduates are seen to be more employable and future ready.

Another area that is in the spotlight is Entrepreneurship. Business has come to be seen as a powerful avenue for students wanting to leverage their creativity, leadership and problem-solving skills. The startup culture has been a major factor in this change. Universities across the globe are responding to this shift by offering interdisciplinary modules that blend technology, business, and design, mentorship programs, and incubators.

Students are also shifting towards creative fields like Game Design and UX/UI Design that blend creativity with technology/digital environments. With the rise of the gaming industry, virtual reality, and user-centric digital platforms, these fields offer exciting career opportunities that are both innovative and impactful.

Another fast-rising discipline of interest for UG students is Sustainability, be it in engineering, environmental sciences or management. Governments and industries around the world are setting ambitious sustainability goals, and universities are responding by offering interdisciplinary programs that combine environmental science, policy, economics, and technology, equipping students with the skills to address real-world challenges and appealing to their desire for purpose-driven careers.

Countries like Netherlands, Austria, Spain, France and Germany are quickly pivoting to address these changes in students’ aspirations, by offering majors in a wide range of disciplines and cross-disciplines like Health Sciences, Education, Sustainability and Environmental Studies, and Technology and AI.

In the context of emerging destinations, Netherlands needs special mention. The country has become extremely popular in recent years for its focus on environment, sustainability and usage of tech for designing sustainable solutions across sectors, including Architecture. In fact, the country’s TU Delft is one of the world’s top schools for Architecture. Dutch universities are respected for their high academic standards. Many programs are taught in English, and 70% of the population can speak the language making communication easy for international students. Universities are sensitive to student needs and offer comprehensive support services like housing assistance, academic counselling and cultural integration. Life in cities like Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Delft can offer a rich cultural experience, with a wide range of activities and amenities.

There are several job options as Netherlands is home to multinational giants like Shell, Unilever, ING, KLM, Philips and Heineken. Overall, Netherlands is fast emerging as a very attractive option for Indian students.

As an aspiring international student, choosing the right course, university, and country requires careful research and an open mind. UG Admission trends, policies, and job markets evolve; what worked for the 2025 intake may not work for 2026. Factors like tuition, living costs, safety, and post-study opportunities must all be weighed. Remember, your undergraduate journey lays the foundation for your future, and making informed choices now can shape your professional and personal success.