As the Russia-Ukraine war enters its fourth year, Georgia has quietly emerged as a new nerve centre for Indian medical aspirants, drawing students once bound for Ukrainian universities. According to data from the Reserve Bank of India’s Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), Indians spent $50.25 million on education in Georgia in 2024-25 — nearly five times more than the $10.33 million recorded in 2018-19.

The boom, data shows, has come largely at Ukraine’s expense. Indian remittances for education in Ukraine plunged from $14.8 million in 2018-19 to just $2.4 million in 2024-25, a staggering collapse after the Russian invasion upended academic continuity and security in the region.

Before the war, Ukraine was among the top 10 global destinations for Indian students, with remittances peaking at $39.12 million in 2020-21. By contrast, Georgia — once 21st on India’s education remittance list — climbed to 14th position in 2022-23 and 12th in 2024-25.

Surge in Indian enrolments

Government data submitted in Parliament reveals that the number of Indians travelling to Georgia for education rose from 4,148 in 2019 to 10,470 in 2023. Much of this spike, education consultants say, came after thousands of Indian students either abandoned plans to study in Ukraine or sought university transfers following the outbreak of war.

“Georgia was already known for affordable medical and paramedical education, but after the war, it became the go-to destination for safety, cost-effectiveness, and easy residency options,” said Pratibha Jain, CEO of Eduabroad Consulting. “Students see Georgia as a stable gateway to Europe with simple post-study stay laws.”

Even as overall Indian remittances for education abroad dipped in 2024-25, Georgia bucked the trend with a 19% year-on-year increase, up from $42.38 million in 2023-24.

Russia still draws students, despite war

While Ukraine’s loss has been Georgia’s gain, Russia has not been entirely sidelined. LRS data shows that Indian spending on education in Russia jumped 200% in 2024-25 to $69.94 million, up from $22.48 million the previous year. Despite proximity to conflict zones, Russia’s rank among preferred study destinations improved from 23rd in 2018-19 to 11th in 2024-25.

“Many Indian students still opt for Russia,” Jain noted, “though they often choose cities far from the border.”

Global shifts in Indian education spending

Among traditional destinations, Canada, the USA, the UK, Australia, and Germany remained the top five countries for Indian students in 2024-25. However, patterns are shifting:

·        USA: 10% decline in education remittances

·        Canada: sharp 43% drop

·        Australia: 5% decline

·        UK: 12% rise

·        Germany: dramatic 70% surge

The RBI’s Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) allows Indian residents to send up to $250,000 abroad per financial year for education and other purposes.

As the war in Ukraine continues to reshape student mobility, Georgia’s ascent signals a reordering of global education routes — one driven not just by opportunity, but by safety and stability.