Lucknow: A shift in study abroad preferences is being seen among students in the city, with Ireland, Germany, Japan, France and Australia emerging as top choices for higher education. Students and parents are moving away from traditional destinations like the UK, USA and Canada, citing safety concerns and recent anti-India protests reported in these countries.Education consultant Suresh Katti said, “There has been a clear rise in applications to Ireland, Germany, France, Australia and Asian countries over the traditional countries such as the USA, UK and Canada. Students are choosing destinations that offer stable environments, affordable education and better post-study opportunities. Courses in engineering, management, hospitality and technology remain the most preferred among applicants. Due to anti-India protests, parents and students are avoiding risks of USA, UK and Canada.”Ritika Bahl, a resident of Gomti Nagar, has secured admission in a bachelor’s programme in data science in Ireland.“I chose Ireland after comparing multiple countries. It offers strong academic support and good job prospects after graduation. My family was concerned about safety in the USA due to recent anti-India protests, so we decided to avoid it and focus on safer options,” she said.Aryaansh Arora, who will pursue mechanical engineering in Germany, said that his decision was influenced by low tuition fees, strong industry exposure and the importance his family placed on long-term stability and safety before finalising the country.Ananya Kapoor, who will study business analytics in Australia, said, “Australia offers a balanced mix of quality education, work opportunities and a structured system for international students. My parents preferred it because they felt it was a more stable and predictable option compared to the USA and Canada in the current situation.”Neeraj Sharma, whose son Rahul Sharma is going to Japan to study robotics, said that Japan was chosen for its discipline and safety standards, while concerns over recent protests led the family to rule out the UK and Canada.Pooja Mishra, whose daughter Prithika Sharma will study business management in France, said, “Safety and a secure environment were our main priorities. That is why we did not consider the USA, though it is best for business management.”
