India’s New Study Abroad Trend: The Rise of Small-Town Aspirants

For years, studying overseas was the prerogative of students from big metros — Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore — with high resources and elite education. But that is rapidly changing. According to a recent report, UpGrad’s Transnational Education Report 2024-25, for the first time more than 57% of Indian students going overseas are from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, as opposed to 47% last year.
This change is not merely numerical; it’s about change. Students from small townships and first-generation learners — and often even from State Boards where English is a subject, not a medium — are now stepping with confidence onto the world stage. They are leveraging digital tools, online mentoring, mentorship, and more accessible information to level the playing field.
Here’s what the report says, why it’s important, and how CLBS is ideally positioned to assist students from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities grab this opportunity.

What the Report Says

1. Most are now from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities

More than 57% of outbound students are now from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. These are the kinds of cities where traditionally studying abroad was not so prevalent.

2. Increased State Board students

Approximately 56% of study-abroad candidates today are from State Boards (compared to ~32% from CBSE and ~12% from ICSE/IB) — indicating it’s no longer only elite or private/English medium schools.

3. First-generation learners

Most students are first-generation learners in their own families. They’re breaking through barriers with respect to access to information, money, and unfamiliar processes.

4. Digital empowerment

Online learning, webinars, virtual coaching, mentoring networks — these are evening out the playing field. Geography is less of an issue nowadays. A student in a small town can have access to the same information as somebody in the metro.

5. Diversified pathways

Instead of just pursuing full degree programs in costly universities, students are looking at more affordable options, pathway programs, work-study possibilities, and even vocational or integrated programs.

6. Challenges remain

The report also identifies challenges: visa processes, expensive fees, no family background of supporting study abroad, poor local advice at times or uncertainty over processes.

Why This Matters to Students from Tier-2 & Tier-3 Cities

1. Opportunity & Social Mobility

For younger people from smaller towns, going abroad to study is rarely simply to get a degree — it’s about raising their whole family. International education provides access to well-paying employment, worldwide career exposure, and the ability to settle or work overseas. Long-term economic security and upward social mobility result, which may not always be available with restricted local prospects.

2. Access to Information & Technology

Until recently, students in non-metro areas had a knowledge deficit: no counseling, fewer career exhibitions, and lesser opportunities to access global opportunities. But today, digital platforms, online webinars, virtual test preparation, and government portals are filling that gap. Students in small towns can now compare colleges, learn about visa regulations, or take coaching classes just with a smartphone and internet.

3. Reducing Barriers for State Board Students

Most of today’s students traveling abroad are from State Boards, hence establishing that international education is no longer reserved for CBSE or IB schools. Of course, many suffer from English fluency or confidence levels, but these issues are simply overcome with proper training (IELTS, TOEFL, communication skills). This paradigm shift indicates that academic background does not become an issue with the right guidance at pocket-friendly, structured costs.

4. Confidence to Explore New Destinations

Listening to success stories of friends from comparable cities generates faith that studying abroad is possible. Students no longer are limiting themselves to “trendy” nations like the US or UK. They’re looking into budget-friendly and career-oriented destinations like New Zealand, Germany, Ireland, and Canada, where post-study work opportunities justify the investment.

5. Financial Planning & Scholarships

Study abroad may appear costly, but a large number of Tier-2 & 3 students are finding scholarships, education loans, and part-time jobs that make it feasible. New Zealand recently raised the number of part-time working hours (from 20 to 25 weeks), affording students greater financial flexibility. Families who previously believed global education was “beyond reach” are now able to make it work.

6. Shattering First-Generation Barriers

For most, studying abroad is a whole new experience — usually the student is the first in the family to have ever studied away from India. It takes some bravery, mentorship, and direction. With organized guidance from the likes of CLBS, first-generation learners are not only studying overseas but acing it.

How CLBS Supports Students from Tier-2 & Tier-3 Cities

At CLBS, we know the special realities and dreams of students from smaller towns. Here’s how we guide you every step along the way:

1.Holistic Test-Prep

We provide coaching in DSAT / Digital SAT, GRE, GMAT, IELTS UKVI, and TOEFL — whichever exam your preferred overseas university demands.
Classes designed to fit varying levels of beginnings (most State Board students will require more solid English basics), with frequent mock tests and individualized feedback.

2. Online/Hybrid Learning

For students who cannot make the trip to large cities, CLBS offers virtual classes and mentorship so distance is not a barrier.
Digital resource access, recorded lectures, doubt-clearing sessions at their convenience.

3. Application & Documentation Support

data assistance in choosing the appropriate universities/course(s) matching budget and career aspirations.
width of writing effective Statements of Purpose (SOPs), Letters of Recommendation (LORs), creating resumes.
walkthrough of visa processes, scholarship opportunities, budget planning.

4. Mentorship & Peer Support

pairing with seniors or alumni who have gone through this process themselves, preferably from the same cities/boards.
sharing case studies and success stories — this enables students to see what possibilities look like.

5. Cost-Effective Planning

CLBS enables you to discover cheaper destinations, scholarship schemes, and means-tested alternatives reducing costs.
Publicly disclosed fees, open advice to help prevent covert charges or traps.

6. Motivation & Confidence Building

At CLBS, there is motivation in each step of the way. Most students from State Boards or students who are the first generation in their family to pursue studies abroad will be apprehensive in the start. Our mentors encourage students persistently, guide them patiently and keep reminding them of their potential. This consistent support makes students confident, determined, and prepared for the challenges of studying abroad.

What Students Can Do to Get the Most

• Start early: Research universities, tests, visas ahead of time.
• Go digital: Online webinars, forums, and coaching can bridge information gaps.
• Learn test-taking techniques and English even if school is not English-medium.
• Get advice: Consult with advisors or consultancies who know small-town realities.
• Plan the money: Scholarships, education loans, part-time work possibilities.

Final Thoughts

The boom in study abroad is no longer exclusive to big cities. Tier-2 and Tier-3 students are changing the script with determination, digital resources, and drive. But drive without direction isn’t enough — you need clear information, tried methods, and trustworthy guidance.

That’s where CLBS helps. Whether you’re from Indore, Patna, Ranchi, or anywhere in between, CLBS provides you with the roadmap — for tests, applications, visas, and your abroad experience.

If you’re ready to make your dream a reality, CLBS is here to guide you each step of the way. Because the world isn’t just for metro students — it’s for dreamers everywhere.