Over 75% Of Gen Z Indian Students Looking To Study Abroad: Reports

Almost 8 in 10 Indian Gen Z students (76 per cent) looking to study abroad plan to work and settle overseas after completing their international degree, a survey by INTO University Partnerships reveals.

A total of 1044 Indian students participated in the study commissioned by INTO to track the changing aspirations of Gen Z post the Covid-19 pandemic.

As the world emerges from the shadows of the pandemic, Indian students are leading a strong resurgence in demand for international education and opportunities to live and work abroad are at the top of their minds. According to the survey, one third are choosing their study abroad destinations based on post study work opportunities and quality of education.

The survey also shows that a significant proportion of Indian students (41 per cent) would still prefer studying overseas even if the same quality of education was offered by Indian universities. 

Experience of living in another country, higher quality education and better job prospects at home and overseas with an international degree are the top three motivations for Indian Gen Z students to study abroad. Alongside the majority, who want to live and work abroad, 11 per cent of Gen Z Indian students want to gain critical skills and knowledge abroad and apply them back home in India to help the country advance and prosper.

According to UNESCO, India has seen a steady increase in the outflow of students pursuing higher education abroad — from 257,000 in 2015 rising to over 460,000 in 2019. As the borders open after the worst of the pandemic, the trend is likely to gain further momentum.

However, the pandemic has left 8 out of 10 Indian students feeling that their study abroad process has been impacted. 40 per cent believe the pandemic is simply making travelling too difficult and 31 per cent say that student visas to many study abroad countries have become much harder to obtain.