US Tops Indian Students’ Study Abroad Wishlist!

Key Highlights:

• Indian students prefer the US for higher education, followed by the UK (54%), Canada (43%), and Australia (27%)
• The trend reflects a global pattern of students seeking prestigious universities.
• 45% of students cited quality of education, and 42% emphasised the reputation of universities as a vital factor in choosing the US.

According to the second edition of Oxford International's Student Global Mobility Index (SGMI) report, Indian students aspiring to pursue education abroad overwhelmingly prefer the United States, with a significant majority of 69% expressing interest in studying there. This preference for the US surpasses other popular choices, such as the UK (54%), Canada (43%), and Australia (27%), despite concerns about affordability, safety, and security, highlights the study abroad news.

The report, released on Monday, sheds light on the evolving trends in student migration, particularly among Indians seeking higher education abroad. The primary driving force behind Indian students’ decision to study in these four popular overseas destinations - the UK, the US, Canada, and Australia - is the prestigious reputation of the universities in these countries. This is a trend consistent with students from other nations, highlights the study abroad news. 

As per the study abroad news, 45% of students cited the quality of education, and 42% emphasized the reputation of universities as a crucial factor for choosing the US. In comparison, for the UK, 59% of students prioritized the quality of education, while 61% focused on the reputation of universities. However, for Canada, the ability to combine work and study is the most frequently mentioned motivating factor. Mohit Gambit, Managing Director of Oxford International Education Services, remarked, “As aspirations intertwined with opportunity, the narrative of global student mobility continues to evolve. This reflects a mosaic of motivations and influencers shaping the educational journey.”

The survey interviewed prospective undergraduate and post-graduate students from India, Nigeria, and Vietnam who were interested in studying abroad. Approximately 71% of students from India identified parents or guardians as the primary influencers, a trend also observed in Nigeria (72%), Pakistan (71%), and Vietnam (62%). Additionally, 44% of Indians stated that their closest friends were the second most influential factor.

The strong preference for the US among Indian students highlights the country’s enduring appeal as a top destination for higher education. Stay updated on more such news with amber news.