Multiple education consultancies in Kerala are shutting down or significantly scaling back their operations, citing a sharp decline in demand for overseas education services. Industry representatives attribute the slowdown to stricter visa policies in key destination countries like Canada and the UK, coupled with rising living costs abroad and a more cautious approach from students and their families.
This trend marks a reversal from the post-pandemic boom, where consultancies experienced high growth. The Kerala Overseas Recruitment Consultants Association (KORCA) has noted a wave of closures and downsizing among its members. The downturn is impacting jobs within the consultancy sector itself and affecting related service industries.
Experts suggest the market is undergoing a correction, with a shift towards more sustainable and ethical practices. The future of the sector may depend on diversification and adapting to the changing policies of host countries and the evolving priorities of Indian students seeking education abroad.
