Indian Students Prioritize Career Growth in Global Education Choices, Says IDP Survey

A new survey by IDP Education underscores that career advancement is the leading motivator for Indian students choosing to study abroad. According to the findings, 77% of Indian respondents pursue international education to boost employability and secure higher salaries. Access to internships and strong job placement outcomes significantly shape their choice of institutions. Notably, Australia has now overtaken the United States as the top destination for Indian students.

Career-focused aspirations are driving Indian students to seek international education, reveals the March 2025 edition of IDP Education’s Emerging Futures Seven – Voice of the International Student survey. Drawing insights from over 6,000 students across 106 countries, including nearly 1,400 from India, the survey found that 77% of Indian students are primarily motivated by the promise of better job prospects and higher earnings abroad.

The report highlights that 70% of Indian students identify access to work placements as the most influential academic factor in choosing an institution, while 69% prioritize job outcomes—a non-academic consideration—when deciding where to study. Both figures are notably higher than the global average.

“International students, including those from India, are increasingly making decisions based on how well their education can prepare them for the job market,” said Simon Emmett, Chief Partner Officer at IDP Education. “Access to post-study work visas is a major driver, aligning closely with their career goals.”

In line with this trend, nearly 45% of current Indian students and 43% of prospective or applied students reported their intent to work in their host country after graduation, suggesting a strong link between study destinations and future employment.

However, the findings also spotlight growing financial concerns. Rising tuition fees and living expenses are the top deterrents for Indian students considering studying abroad. Over 55% of respondents said scholarship availability could influence their destination choice, and 54% pointed to part-time work opportunities as a deciding factor.

According to Piyush Kumar, Regional Director for South Asia, Canada, and Latin America at IDP Education, “Financial constraints are reshaping how Indian students approach international education. Institutions and governments will need to adapt if they want to remain attractive to this ambitious demographic.”

In a significant shift, Australia has now surpassed the United States as the most preferred study destination for Indian students, followed closely by the United Kingdom, marking a change in global education dynamics influenced by job-market alignment and affordability.