As Indian students weigh costs, career outcomes, and technological relevance, destinations offering strong post-study work options and integrated AI education are becoming top choices, reshaping the global student mobility landscape
Affordability and post-study work opportunities are increasingly shaping the decisions of Indian students looking to study abroad, according to a recent report by Leap Scholar. The study, which analyzed interactions with over three million students, highlights how visa regulations, global economic trends, and career prospects are influencing preferences for international education.
The findings reveal a sharp rise in interest across several destinations for the 2024–25 academic cycle. Germany, with its 18-month post-study work visa, saw a 377% year-on-year increase in student interest, up from 219% the previous year. New Zealand recorded an even more dramatic surge, jumping 2,900% as international graduates can live and work there for up to three years. The United Arab Emirates also attracted significant attention, with applications rising 5,400%, thanks to lower tuition costs and simpler access compared to Western universities.
Arnav Kumar, co-founder of Leap Scholar, emphasized the shift in student priorities.
“It’s no longer a question of affordability only; it’s also about what the return is after the degree. Students are making calculated decisions based on Return on Investment (ROI), not just prestige.”
— Arnav Kumar
Course selection trends are also evolving. Around 40.4% of students are opting for specialised master’s programmes in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, or data science, while 59.6% prefer broader master’s degrees that incorporate AI modules alongside traditional fields like business, engineering, or healthcare.
Financial considerations now outweigh institutional prestige among students pursuing AI studies. The report found that 75% of respondents prioritized programme cost, 70% considered scholarships, 58% focused on career advancement, 49% on graduate salary potential, and 40% on faculty expertise and research opportunities. Notably, university rankings did not make the top five considerations.
The report also highlighted progress toward gender balance. Male students currently represent 58% of applicants, while female students make up 42%. Applications from women to STEM programmes, particularly in AI and data science, are on the rise, signaling a narrowing gender gap in fields traditionally dominated by men.
