By Diwakar Chandiok
As the world emerges from the pandemic, the global trend of student mobility is on the upswing, offering Gen Z students the perfect avenue to fulfill their higher education and career ambitions. And Indian students are at the forefront of leading this trend.
Indian students are increasingly seeking education abroad to unlock their full potential. In the UK, 45% of 820,310 postgraduate students in 2021/22 were international students – a 10% jump from 2017/18, according to the UK’s Higher Education Statistics Agency.
Students from India (101,765) outnumbered those from China (88,755) becoming the single largest group of overseas students enrolled at UK universities. Similarly, the US mission in India issued a record number of over 90,000 student visas this summer from July through to August.
Almost one in four US student visas worldwide was issued in India. Other major study-abroad destinations – Canada and Australia are also witnessing a surge in demand from Indian students.
The latest INTO recruitment partner survey reveals that international student mobility is becoming more diverse and accessible than ever before. When advising students on their study abroad choices, education agents emphasize university and course rankings, program costs, and entry requirements as crucial factors. International students, driven by their passion for personal and professional growth, have diverse motivations to study abroad.
Let’s delve into the key considerations driving these ambitious students:
Quality Education and Employment Prospects
Students aspire to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for meaningful work opportunities after completing their higher education degrees. They are not just looking for quality education, they want a solid return on their investment in the form of critical skills and opportunities to navigate the competitive job market. Different forms of post-study work arrangements in study-abroad destinations have emerged as a key consideration for aspiring students.
Students can explore employment opportunities using the Post Study Work (PSW) option in the UK and Curriculum Practical Training (CPT) & Optional Practical Training (OPT) options in the US, which are extremely popular amongst international students.
Gaining an International Perspective
Students seek a global outlook that enriches their experiences and transforms them into well-rounded, confident individuals. Living in a foreign country, surrounded by fellow students from across the globe, exposes them to diverse experiences, fostering cultural exchanges and expanding their horizons.
Course Selection: Many foreign universities offer a wide range of subjects, attracting Gen Z students looking beyond traditional courses. Emerging fields such as AI and Robotics are in high demand due to their growing and indispensable relevance in today’s world.
Course Fees and Scholarships: Financial considerations are pivotal for price-sensitive students. A vast number of students embark on overseas education with the support of education loans and scholarships, and many rely on part-time jobs during the course of their study to sustain themselves.
Visa Policies: Streamlined visa policies that make study permits easily obtainable are a significant draw for international students. Efforts to expedite visa issuance, such as the US issuing a record of student visas in India this summer, enhance the whole study abroad experience for students making the process easier and more welcoming.
Studying abroad is a life-changing experience with numerous fantastic benefits, offering young students immense personal and professional growth. In a world where global education continues to evolve rapidly, it is crucial for the leaders of tomorrow to make informed decisions and turn their dreams into reality.
(Author is Vice President (Recruitment) for South Asia, INTO University Partnerships)