A recent study titled ‘India Gen Z Outlook 2026’ by Emeritus indicates a significant decline in interest among young Indians for pursuing education overseas. The research, which surveyed Gen Z respondents aged 15-28 across major Indian metropolitan areas, highlights a pivotal shift in educational aspirations.
Reasons Behind the Declining Appeal
The report found that 48% of respondents who were previously interested in international education have seen their enthusiasm wane over the past year. The United States, a traditionally popular destination, has notably suffered the biggest hit in appeal.
Several factors contribute to this trend:
- Rising Costs: A substantial 40% of those still considering studying abroad cited cost as the primary barrier. Among those whose interest has already declined, 37% attributed it to escalating expenses.
- Visa & Immigration Policies: Visa uncertainties and complex immigration policies were a concern for 32% of prospective students and 26% of those whose interest has diminished.
- Family & Safety: Concerns about being away from family (31%) and worries about safety and political instability abroad (24%) also played a role.
Rise of India-Based International Programs
In response to these challenges, international education programs based in India are gaining significant traction. Approximately 87% of pre-college respondents and 92% of transitioning students expressed high likelihood in pursuing programs offered by internationally ranked universities within India.
These India-based options are particularly appealing to transitioning students, with 69% preferring them over going abroad to avoid visa uncertainties. Furthermore, while on-campus education remains preferred, hybrid programs combining India-based study with partial exposure to foreign universities or semester exchanges are growing in popularity, with preference increasing from 27% among pre-college students to 39% among transitioning students.
“It took 30 years to build a predictable outward migration path. The reversal is happening much faster,” said Ashwin Damera, co-founder and CEO of Emeritus, underscoring the rapid change in student preferences.
Broader Gen Z Career Trends
The Emeritus report also sheds light on broader shifts in young Indians' approach to skills and careers. A significant 82% of Gen Z individuals now use AI or GenAI tools weekly for learning and skill development. Moreover, 65% of early-career respondents believe a degree alone is no longer sufficient for job market success.
Work-life balance is increasingly prioritized, with 74% valuing it over traditional leadership titles. While 60% feel burnt out by the pressure to constantly upskill, 75% acknowledge that acquiring the right skills is crucial for competitiveness in today's job market.