Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 1: A recent study by the Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR) sheds light on the migration trends of Kerala youths heading to popular international destinations for studies. Despite assumptions that overseas education is reserved for the wealthy, the study reveals that 60% of these students come from families earning less than Rs 5 lakh annually.
The migration of Kerala students has seen a significant surge, with a majority aspiring to pursue higher education and career opportunities abroad. Financial barriers are not a significant hindrance, thanks to accessible bank loans and support from travel agencies. Notably, a travel agency in Kochi facilitated visas for 7,236 students heading to Canada in a single intake in July 2023.
The study portrays a diverse spectrum of student migrants, ranging from those aspiring to secure positions at top-tier universities to those opting for shorter courses focusing on obtaining permanent residency. Of the respondents, 59% are aged between 23 and 25, predominantly from central Kerala.
While the 2018 Kerala Migration Survey reported women’s participation in migration at 15.8%, the study reveals that females represent 32% of the respondents, suggesting an increasing trend of women from Kerala pursuing overseas education.
The study also explores the distribution of migrant students among general and other backward caste (OBC) categories, with minimal representation from Scheduled Castes (SC/ST) and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS). The findings highlight the diversity among migrants based on academic and financial backgrounds, with 38% scoring below 75% in their previous degree courses.
The trend reflects a paradigm shift in Kerala’s youth, emphasizing the changing dynamics of education and migration preferences, irrespective of financial backgrounds.
