Australia Becomes Most Popular Study Abroad Destination Among Indian Students: IDP

Alongwith Australia, US, UK, Canada and New Zealand are other popular study anroad choices. (Representative image/ Source: ChatGPT AI)

In a shift from previous findings, Australia has overtaken the United States (US) as the number one destination for Indian students, followed by the United Kingdom (UK). This change reflects Australia’s efforts to align post-study work rights with skills shortages and its increasing affordability compared to other major destinations.

This list was released by IDP Education — study abroad consultants — in ‘Emerging Futures Seven – Voice of the International Student’ research, which collected responses from more than 6,000 students from over 106 countries, including nearly 1,400 students from India, found that 77 per cent of Indian students pursue international education for career advancement, including better employability and higher earnings.

Table of Contents

Who’s most popular?

In the IDP survey, Australia led the list of most popular countries among Indians aiming to study abroad. While Australia led with 28 per cent, US and UK closely followed with 22 and 21 per cent respectively. Fourth most popular country was Canada with 13 per cent, followed by New Zealand at 5 per cent.

Australia and New Zealand were the only countries that saw an increase this year — Australia registering an increase of 5 per cent, and New Zealand observing a 1 per cent increase. Other countries, which had been known as the top three study abroad destinations for Indians till now, observed a decrease. While US and UK registered a small dip of 2 and 1 per cent respectively, it was Canada that faced the biggest hit with a decline of 6 per cent.

What makes a country popular?

Interestingly, moving away from the glitter and glam of studying abroad, the reality of this long-term investment is now setting in.

Due to this changed mindset and a reality check in the past few years, jobs after graduation, employment and career outcomes have emerged as the top factors in choosing a destination, choosing an institution and even why to study internationally at all. Employability is a critical priority, underscoring the need for institutions to strengthen career support and industry connections to enhance students’ international study experience.

Cost and finances are the biggest concern for students by a wide margin, i.e. 66 per cent. Closely following cost is the visa challenges (47 per cent), career plans (44 per cent), housing (43 per cent), and the ease of being able to balance work and studies (39 per cent).

In terms of the non- academic factors in choosing an institution, job outcomes after graduation are the most important factor (58 per cent) The second most influential factor is the range of scholarship available in the country for international students (53 per cent).

Interestingly, students are now also concerned about the easy access to part-time work opportunities (52 per cent), which is followed by Student visa support services (46 per cent), and location within the destination

country (37 per cent).

US leads in quality of education

The survey has shown that international students are career focused with an eye on return on their investment, as career development and quality education are deemed as the most important reason to study for an international qualification (67 per cent). Other factors include acquiring global knowledge (56 per cent), Reputable qualifications (50 per cent), and Education options (47 per cent).

Additionally, post-graduation employment is the top factor in understanding if an institution provides ‘high quality education’, and is followed by institute ranking, facilities available for students, quality of academic staff, and cost of tuition fees.

As per the surveyed students, US still ranks highest as per them in quality of education and value for money. However, the recent changes in policies made by the US President Donald Trump have made US the least popular in terms of visa policies related to post-study work visa and international students. On the other hand, USA and Australia are perceived as leaders in overall education quality and job opportunities, and UK stands out specifically for its international student policies.

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