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Migration StudiesArticle 11 · Vol. 1, Issue 4, June 2026 · pp. 99–107
Transcending Borders: Insights into the International Student Migration from Kerala
Olivia Tresa A.A
Junior Research Fellow, Department of Sociology, CMS College Kottayam (Autonomous), India
Dr. Lekshmi S. Kaimal
Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, CMS College Kottayam (Autonomous), India
Abstract
Kerala, a state in southern India, has a rich history of migration, with Malayalis (people from Kerala) living all over the world. Recently, more students from Kerala are pursuing higher education in countries like Canada, the UK, and Australia. This paper explores the drivers of this trend, the underlying theories, and the implications for both students and host countries. It examines why Keralite students choose to study abroad, considering personal, family, and academic factors, as well as the role of migration networks and individual preferences. Key findings suggest that the internationalization of higher education, the rise of India’s middle class, and the appeal of long-term residency options in countries such as Canada are major influences. Although Kerala has high development indices, the state still struggles to retain its youth population. This paper provides an overall understanding of this contradiction by offering an in-depth look at international student migration from Kerala.
Keywords:
KeralaInternational student migrationDriving factorsImplicationsTrends in migration
How to Cite
Olivia Tresa A.A, Dr. Lekshmi S. Kaimal (2026). Transcending Borders: Insights into the International Student Migration from Kerala. Veritas: A Multidisciplinary Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 1(4), 99–107.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21194989
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