Indian Students Prioritise Career Outcomes and Affordability in Study Abroad Choices: IDP Report

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Indian students are increasingly prioritising career outcomes, affordability, and visa certainty while selecting overseas education destinations, according to a new report released by IDP Education titled Emerging Futures.

The report highlights a growing shift among Indian students toward outcome-driven decision-making, with employability, return on investment, and post-study opportunities emerging as key factors influencing international education choices.

Business and Technology Courses Remain Most Popular

The report revealed that Business and Administrative Studies continue to be the most preferred field globally, with 24 per cent of students choosing business-related programmes.

Engineering and Technology followed closely with 20 per cent preference, while Health and Medicine programmes attracted 18 per cent of respondents.

Computer and Mathematical Sciences accounted for 15 per cent of student interest, reflecting the continued global demand for technology-focused careers.

Indian Students Prefer Globally Ranked Universities

According to the report, nearly 65 per cent of respondents preferred globally ranked universities over other higher education institutions.

In comparison:

• 12 per cent preferred polytechnics or community colleges

• 11 per cent selected unranked universities

• 6 per cent opted for vocational and trade institutions

• Only 3 per cent showed interest in pathway or foundation providers

The findings indicate that institutional reputation and global rankings continue to play a major role in student decision-making.

Career Outcomes Top Priority for Indian Students

The report showed that students increasingly evaluate overseas education based on employability and career success after graduation.

Globally, 32 per cent of respondents identified career outcomes as the most important measure of value for money. High-quality teaching and academic support followed at 28 per cent, while 22 per cent prioritised industry-aligned skills and knowledge.

Among Indian students, career outcomes emerged as an even stronger priority.

According to the data:

• 41 per cent of Indian students considered career outcomes the top indicator of value

• 31 per cent prioritised teaching quality

• 27 per cent focused on industry-relevant learning

The report noted that Indian students continue to associate overseas education with international career mobility, global exposure, and stronger long-term returns.

UK Emerges as Most Trusted Study Destination

Among major international education destinations, the United Kingdom emerged as the most trusted country for skill development and career preparation.

Around 85 per cent of students expressed confidence in the UK’s ability to prepare them for future careers.

Other leading destinations included:

• Canada at 84 per cent confidence

• Australia at 83 per cent

• United States at 82 per cent

• New Zealand at 82 per cent

Confidence levels were lower for emerging destinations such as Germany, China, and France.

The United Arab Emirates recorded the lowest confidence level among listed destinations at 47 per cent.

Destination Preferences Based on Career Benefits

The report also identified specific strengths associated with major study destinations.

Indian students linked the UK with high-quality teaching and academic support, while Australia was strongly associated with industry-aligned education and strong graduate employability.

Canada, the United States, and New Zealand were viewed favourably for post-study work opportunities and career networking.

Canada was especially associated with course-related work opportunities, while the US was recognised for professional networking potential.

New Zealand stood out for post-study work rights and graduate employment outcomes.

Rising Costs and Visa Challenges Impact Student Decisions

Despite continued interest in overseas education, affordability concerns are significantly influencing student choices.

Globally:

• 50 per cent of students who dropped overseas education plans cited unaffordable tuition fees

• 35 per cent pointed to rising living costs

• 27 per cent considered visa expenses too high

• 26 per cent said obtaining a student visa had become increasingly difficult

Among Indian students specifically:

• 43 per cent cited tuition fees as unaffordable

• 32 per cent highlighted rising living expenses

• 28 per cent identified visa difficulties as a major challenge

The report suggests that financial pressures and stricter immigration systems are reshaping international education trends.

Indian Students Making Faster and More Focused Decisions

Another key trend identified in the report is that Indian students are becoming more decisive earlier in the admission process.

The proportion of students considering only one destination country increased from 19 per cent to 22 per cent, indicating sharper and more focused planning.

Traditional study destinations continue to dominate student preferences, with Australia, the UK, Canada, and the US remaining the most popular choices globally.

Australia emerged as the first-choice destination for 41 per cent of Indian respondents due to its strong employability outcomes, established international education system, and global reputation.

Study Abroad Trends Continue to Evolve

The report concludes that countries and institutions capable of offering strong employability outcomes, transparent visa systems, and better financial accessibility are likely to remain competitive in the changing global education landscape.

As Indian students become more outcome-oriented, universities worldwide may increasingly focus on career support, industry integration, and affordability to attract international applicants.

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