The Kerala Migrant Survey (KMS) 2023 had revealed that the number of student emigrants from the state has doubled in just five years. The results were published in June 2024 and the trend has only persisted. The trend of student migration will continue for the next 15 years due to demographic changes and rising aspirations, says S. Irudayarajan, Chairman of the International Institute of Migration and Development.
The number of students emigrating from Kerala has increased from 1.3 lakh in 2018 to 2.5 lakh in 2023. Students now constitute 11.3% of these numbers with younger individuals choosing to emigrate as early as 17. As educational opportunities abroad become an increasingly attractive option for younger individuals, a large number of seats in higher education institutes in the states remain unfilled.
Data from 2023-24 shows that nearly 90,000 degree seats remain unfilled across the State’s universities. Some institutions have as many as 30,000 seats vacant.
The Kerala University has 16,974 vacant seats out of 38,821, while the M.G. University has a staggering 30,352 unfilled seats out of 55,644. The Calicut University has 32,566 vacant seats out of 92,501, and the Kannur University has 8,660 unfilled seats out of 23,149. State-wide, there are 2,10,115 total degree seats, with 42% remaining vacant.
The KMS 2018 survey reveals that student migrants are predominantly from Hindu and Christian communities, with a notable presence of female students from Christian communities. The primary reason for migration is to attain professional degrees, and most student migrants are in the age group of 20-24 years.
The majority of student migrants which is 52.4% of males and 36.3% of females are in the age group of 20-24 years. The KMS 2018 shows that among Hindus, Nair (40.9%) and Ezhava (34.3%) communities have the highest out-migration, while among Christians, the Syrian Malabar Catholic community (50%) has the highest out-migration.
According to S. Irudayarajan, Chairman of the International Institute of Migration and Development, the trend of student migration will continue for the next 15 years, partly due to both demographic change and the growth of the middle class. No other State in India conducts similar types of Kerala migration surveys in their states and there should be at least one migration survey in all States and Union Territories. “During the Russia-Ukraine war, we noted that students from several States were stranded in those places. Special flights were arranged to bring close to 25,000 students from the war zone”, Dr. Irudayarajan says.
Complexities of student migration and the need for regulations
Professor Praveena Kodoth, Centre for Developing Studies (CDS), Thiruvananthapuram, who specialises in migration studies, says the recent surge in student migration from Kerala has significant implications for the aspirations, expectations, and strategies for social mobility of young people from the state. She says that student migration may have the potential to bring about positive change, particularly in terms of promoting more gender-equal ideas and challenging traditional social norms. Migrant students, especially girls, may be exposed to new perspectives and opportunities that can help them make choices that were previously unavailable to them.
Prof Praveena, however, added that it’s essential to approach this trend with a nuanced perspective, recognising that student migration is not without its challenges. Many students may face difficulties in finding employment that matches their skills and education and may be forced to take up jobs that are not commensurate with their qualifications.
Prof Praveena said to address these challenges, there is a need for regulation and support, particularly for students from marginalised communities who may be more vulnerable to exploitation. There is a need for greater awareness and publicity about scholarship and loan schemes for overseas education, as well as investment in Kerala to attract young, well-qualified, and progressive individuals.
Drivers of student migration
Professor Vinoj Abraham, CDS, who studies student migration, says the term student migration is misleading since many of them may simply be seeking employment opportunities, whether part-time or full-time, in their destination countries. The European labour market, in particular, is a key target for these individuals, despite its restrictive and selective nature.
Prof Vinoj added the recent study they conducted on this phenomenon suggests that the motivations behind student migration from Kerala are multifaceted. Rather than being driven solely by a desire for education or skilling, many aspiring students are seeking a better quality of life, the ability to earn while studying, and improved economic prospects.
According to Ginu Zacharia Oomen, a renowned demographer and expert on international migration, the younger generation from Kerala is leaving the country in droves, driven by a singular goal: securing permanent residence abroad. Unlike their predecessors who migrated to the Middle East, this new wave of migrants is unlikely to return, instead opting to invest their resources and skills in foreign lands.
Crisis for Kerala?
Of the total student migrants from Kerala, many settle for second or third-tier educational institutions despite paying exorbitant fees. Dr. Oomen identifies multiple factors fueling this migration. This includes the declining appeal of Kerala’s higher education institutions and the current state of student politics.
According to Professor, Nissim Mannathukkaren, International Development Studies Department, Dalhousie University, Canada, Kerala’s pressing concern is the alarming rate of educated female unemployment, which is starkly reflected in the state’s migration trends. A significant 71% of female migrants hold degree-level qualifications, compared to 35% of their male counterparts. Notably, many of these women are seeking permanent residency in western countries, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
He says that the human development-driven model, which has been the cornerstone of Kerala’s growth, has failed to generate sufficient employment opportunities within the State. This issue is not unique to Kerala, as the larger Indian space also grapples with similar challenges, albeit to a lesser extent.
Rethinking development strategies
Professor Mannathukaren says that given the limitations of industry-led development and the fragility of the ecological sphere, Kerala must adopt a new approach. The state should focus on fostering small and medium industries, as well as service sector areas where it holds a competitive advantage. This shift can help create more job opportunities and stem the brain drain.
Prof Mannathukaren says that to build world-class institutions, Kerala’s public sector needs a radical overhaul of its higher education system. This involves granting substantial autonomy to these institutions and shielding them from political interference. While Kerala has excelled in school education, its higher education sector has fallen short, leading to a significant exodus of talent.
Why arts students flock for international education
Catherine Mariam John, a Political Science graduate, University College Thiruvananthapuram, says pursuing arts abroad in subjects like Political Science offers unparalleled opportunities that Kerala’s education system can’t match. While Kerala’s academic foundation is strong, it frequently falls short in providing global exposure and structured pathways necessary for a career in international policymaking and governance.
Catherine would like to enroll at the University of California, Berkeley in the U.S. and pursue Master’s in Public Administration and a PhD in Public Administration or International Relations. “One of the significant advantages of studying abroad is the emphasis on practical knowledge”, says Ms. Catherine.
Ms. Catherine says that international institutions prioritise hands-on learning through case studies, policy simulations, and internships, allowing students to apply theoretical concepts in real-world settings. This approach equips students with essential problem-solving and analytical skills, making them more competitive in careers like diplomacy, governance, and public policy.
Catherine says that foreign universities offer state-of-the-art research facilities, interdisciplinary programmes, and innovative teaching methodologies that often lack in Kerala’s education system. These institutions provide capstone programs that encourage students to work on real-world projects, bridging the gap between theory and practice.
Catherine says that studying abroad exposes students to diverse governance models and international political frameworks, fostering a broader outlook and enhancing their ability to analyze global challenges effectively.
Published – April 01, 2025 08:00 pm IST