Indian students prioritise career prospects when choosing study destinations, new research finds

New research reveals that career advancement is the primary motivation for Indian students choosing to study abroad. According to a study by international educationspecialist IDP Education, conducted in March 2025, 77 per cent of Indian students pursue global education with the goal of improving employability and securing higher earnings.This trend underlines the increasing importance ofcareer-focused education in the decisions of students from India.The research, part of IDP’s “Emerging Futures Seven – Voice of the International Student” report, involved over 6,000 students from 106 countries, including nearly 1,400 Indian students. It highlights a shift in international student priorities, with career development emerging as a dominant factor in their educational journeys.Career prospects and work placements matter mostAmong the findings, 70 per cent of Indian students ranked access to work placements as the key academic factor when selecting a study destination. This is a clear indication that students prioritise institutions that provide opportunities to enhance their career prospects. With this in mind, educational institutions looking to attract and retain Indian talent need to align their program offerings and student support services to meet these expectations.Job outcomes also play a significant role in the decision-making process. The research shows that 69 per cent of Indian international students consider ‘job outcomes from the institution’ as the top non-academic factor when choosing a university. This is nine per cent higher than the global average, reinforcing the importance of career-focused services and post-graduation employment opportunities.Financial challenges and changing destination preferencesWhile career ambitions are a major driving force, financial considerations remain a significant barrier. The study found that the rising cost of tuition and living expenses are key reasons why some Indian students choose not to pursue international education. More than half of the students (55 per cent) stated that their choice of study destination would be influenced by the availability of scholarships, while 54 per cent consider part-time work opportunities essential.In terms of preferred study destinations, Australia has overtaken the United States as the most popular choice for Indian students. This shift reflects Australia’s efforts to align post-study work rights with skill shortages and its increasing affordability in comparison to other major destinations. The United Kingdom remains a strong contender, ranking second in popularity among Indian students.The real-world impact of international educationSunny Singh, a former Indian international student now working as an engineer in Australia, highlighted the significant impact of global education. He shared how his experience not only helped him secure a rewarding career but also allowed him to contribute to solving critical skills shortages in his field."Indian students come to countries like Australia to invest in their future," said Singh. "We want to make a positive impact on both our communities and the workforce during our time abroad."The research underscores the vital role international students play in addressing workforce gaps and building long-lasting diplomatic ties between their home and host countries.