Indian 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.
The survey shows an intensely competitive landscape for universities looking to recruit overseas students with over 14 percent of Indian education agents confirming they submitted applications to more than 100 universities last year. More than nine out of 10 Indian agents, or about 93 percent, said that international students were applying to more universities overall than before, with 91 percent saying that students were also applying to more destination countries than the previous year.
A total of 1,240 recruitment agents from 66 countries, including 213 from India, took part in the survey, conducted in March 2024.
Findings of the survey show the increasing attractiveness of destinations outside the ‘Big Four’ English-speaking destinations of Australia, Canada the UK and the US. 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 percent 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 percent 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,” Chandiok said.
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