As we move into 2025, Bengaluru stands at the crossroads of aspiration and opportunity in global education. Long recognised as India’s tech and innovation capital, the city’s universities, research institutions, and thriving startup ecosystem have cultivated a talent pool that is both ambitious and globally competitive.
For decades, this strong academic foundation, combined with a culture of tech-first innovation, has made destinations such as the US, UK, Canada, and Australia natural choices for students seeking international exposure.
Karnataka, home to one of India’s most concentrated higher-education ecosystems, is experiencing a parallel evolution. With 66 colleges per 1,00,000 eligible residents, more than double the national average, and over 1,000 colleges in Bengaluru urban areas alone, the state’s education sector plays a crucial role in preparing students for higher education and global academic pursuits.
Bengaluru alone contributes approximately 9% of all Indian students studying overseas, a statistic that underscores the city’s prominence in India’s outbound mobility landscape.
But today, the equation is changing. Rising global tuition fees, tightening visa norms, and shifting immigration priorities are prompting students, particularly in Bengaluru and across Karnataka, to approach study-abroad decisions with sharper pragmatism.
Students here are not choosing destinations solely by brand name or ranking alone, they are increasingly applying a ‘return on investment’ lens, balancing tuition fees and living costs against long-term career pathways, post-study work rights, and immigration stability.
Bengaluru’s ecosystem advantage & student outcomes
Bengaluru’s educational ecosystem, from top engineering and management schools to vibrant tech incubators, gives students a unique launchpad for STEM and business-focused study-abroad plans.
Those targeting Germany’s tuition-free universities, Ireland’s thriving recruiter ecosystem (with companies like Google, Meta, and Medtronic), or New Zealand’s student-first policies are combining these advantages with strong TOEFL scores to stand out in competitive admissions cycles.
High scores not only ease university entry but also support better classroom performance, smoother cultural adaptation, and stronger post-study career outcomes.
Study-abroad patterns from Bengaluru & Karnataka
In Bengaluru and across Karnataka, postgraduate programmes in Data Science, AI & Machine Learning, Business Analytics, Digital Marketing, and other STEM fields are leading the way, disciplines that align closely with both domestic industry needs and global workforce demand.
These fields account for nearly 70% of outbound student preferences, mirroring campus-level strengths in engineering, computer science, and analytics-focused bootcamps.
Global enrollment data reinforces this movement. ICT programmes in Ireland, for example, saw a 65% surge, while overall Indian student numbers grew by nearly 50% year-on-year, making India the largest source country.
Notably, female participation is climbing rapidly, over 60% growth in Indian women pursuing higher education in Ireland in 2024, pointing to a more inclusive, diverse outbound student community.
Two patterns stand out for Karnataka: A clear broadening of destination preferences from the “Big 4” to a diversified “Big 10.” and a steady rise in female participation in STEM, business, and analytics programmes across Europe and Asia, reshaping classroom demographics.
The challenge: Language readiness & genuine intent
As competition intensifies, both universities and visa authorities are prioritising students who demonstrate not only academic merit but also language readiness to thrive in an English-speaking academic environment. For Bengaluru students, meeting this standard is essential to securing admissions, scholarships, and visas.
TOEFL as an enabler, not just an exam
This is where the TOEFL iBT® becomes a key differentiator. Accepted by over 13,000 institutions across 160+ countries, TOEFL is globally recognised as a reliable academic benchmark and an indicator of genuine student intent.
In Karnataka, and particularly in Bengaluru, participation has risen steadily, with FY 2023 average scores surpassing national levels (Reading 27.2, Listening 26.8, Speaking 25.2). While the FY 2025 average dipped slightly to 93, it still reflects a strong pipeline of globally prepared learners.
What’s important is that TOEFL is more than a test; it’s a suite of resources designed to support every stage of preparation. From official ETS guides, AI-adaptive practice modules, and online mock tests to local coaching options and accessible test centres across Bengaluru, the infrastructure is in place to make preparation seamless.
[By Omar Chihane, Global General Manager, TOEFL]
