Indian Students Eye New Study Abroad Destinations as Cost and Career Drive Choices – INTO Survey Reveals

Students are looking for a solid return on their investment with affordability and job prospects influencing their decision

Students are exploring academic opportunities across continents and are applying to more universities and destinations than ever before, a global survey of education counsellors by INTO University Partnerships has revealed. A total of 1,240 recruitment agents from 66 countries, including 213 from India, took part in the survey, conducted in March 2024.

The survey shows an intensely competitive landscape for universities looking to recruit overseas students with over 14% of Indian education agents confirming they submitted applications to 100+ universities last year. More than 9 out of 10 Indian agents (93%) said that international students were applying to more universities overall than before, with 91% saying that students were also applying to more destination countries than the previous year.

Key Findings	Percentage
Indian agents submitting applications to 100+ universities last year	14%
Indian agents noting an increase in applications to more universities overall	93%
Indian agents noting an increase in applications to more destination countries	91%
Indian agents focusing on cost as a key consideration	90%
Indian agents highlighting career opportunities as very important	65%

Findings of the survey show the increasing attractiveness of destinations outside the ‘Big Four’ English-speaking destinations of Australia, Canada, the UK, and the USA. In particular, INTO’s research indicates some key regional pivots in demand. Europe was most frequently cited as an emerging study destination by agents from South Asia, with destinations such as Germany and Ireland mentioned the most frequently.

"Indian students are increasingly broadening their horizons for studying abroad. Our survey reveals that a variety of factors, including affordability, changes in visa regulations, and post-study work opportunities, are encouraging students to explore a wider range of destinations that align with their academic and professional goals," said Diwakar Chandiok, INTO’s Vice President of Recruitment for South Asia.

The cost associated with attending university abroad was highlighted as an influential factor across all markets, with 90% of agents in India agreeing that study abroad discussions are increasingly focused on cost when selecting study destinations over the last 12 months. The survey also revealed that career opportunities remain a vital consideration for Indian students, with 65% of Indian agents highlighting it as a very important factor.

“The decisions about studying abroad now strongly weigh affordability and career prospects as major factors, with parents and students being interested in an appropriate return on their investment more than ever. INTO and its university partners in the UK, US, and Australia are committed to providing an outstanding learning experience for our students, supporting them to succeed academically and professionally,” said Chandiok.

As more students look for post-study work opportunities, INTO’s Return & Connect initiative is bridging the gap between education and employment worldwide. The digital platform and physical service is aimed at empowering international students with enhanced career opportunities. The platform is designed to support international students returning to their home countries after completing their studies overseas. It connects them with employer and alumni networks for in-market work experience and post-study work placements both during and after their study overseas.

The Return & Connect service will initially roll out in Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Mainland China in summer 2024 and will expand to other key international student markets, including South Asia, in a phased approach.

“INTO’s survey signals a major shift in student behavior and the emergence of new study-abroad destinations. As a result, the competition for universities in top study-abroad markets to attract overseas talent has become even tougher,” said Tom Hands, Chief Recruitment Officer of INTO University Partnerships.

"It is crucial for universities to clearly differentiate their offerings to meet new enrollment challenges. The survey underscores the need for strategic positioning and adaptive solutions to navigate this intensifying environment," he added. INTO University Partnerships connects ambitious international students with leading universities in the US, UK, and Australia. Since its inception in 2005, INTO has helped over 150,000 students from more than 180 countries achieve their dream of obtaining a degree from a world-class institution.