India's investment in overseas education reached $3.71 billion in 2025, reflecting a 31% increase from $2.83 billion in 2018, according to the Henley Education Report 2026. However, the number of Indian students studying abroad has decreased by 15% in 2024, dropping to 760,000 from a peak of 893,000 in 2023. This decline is attributed to tighter visa regulations in the USA and Canada, two of the most popular destinations for Indian students. The emergence of international branch campuses (IBCs) in India, allowed by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, is reshaping the landscape of global education. These campuses offer a more affordable option, costing up to 50% less than studying abroad, while still providing access to global degrees. Starting in August 2026, at least 18 foreign universities, primarily from the UK and Australia, are set to establish IBCs in India, creating a hybrid model of education that allows students to begin their studies locally and potentially move abroad later. This shift may broaden access to education, especially for female students who face challenges studying overseas due to safety concerns. Overall, the changing dynamics of student mobility indicate a growing demand for international education, even as traditional pathways face challenges.