Majority of Indian study-abroad aspirants plan to return home after graduation

A significant majority of Indian students aspiring to study abroad plan to return home after completing their education, according to new research from Oxford International. The findings suggest that international degrees are increasingly viewed as a temporary academic and professional experience rather than a pathway to permanent migration. ## Return intentions and evolving motivations The third Student Global Mobility Index (SGMI) found that 81% of surveyed applicants intended to return to India after their studies, while 15% planned to apply for jobs-though it remains unclear whether they would seek employment domestically or abroad. The survey, which included nearly 20,000 responses, indicates a changing outlook among Indian students, who now see overseas education as a period of exposure rather than a lifelong move. A notable shift is also evident in decision-making dynamics. Self-motivated applicants rose from 29% in 2023/24 to 49% in 2025/26, while family influence declined from 59% to 36% over the same period. Older students and those from northern and southern India were more likely to make independent decisions, whereas family influence remained stronger in western and central regions. ## Academic preferences and information sources Nearly nine in 10 respondents would be the first in their family to study overseas, underscoring the first-generation nature of India’s outbound education demand. Postgraduate courses dominated interest, with 70% of applicants targeting advanced degrees. Business and management were the most popular subjects (75%), followed by health and medicine (8%), sciences (2%), and engineering (1%). Digital platforms played a crucial role in decision-making, with Google (39%) and education agents (35%) being the top sources for discovering institutions. Google was also the most trusted source (56%), followed by university events (20%), Instagram (9%), AI tools (6%), and YouTube (5%). ## Concerns and emerging trends Despite financial and political pressures, 51% of students reported no concerns about studying abroad. The most common worries were weather (27%), homesickness (26%), and cultural adaptation (23%). Accommodation and food (20% each) followed, while fewer students cited fees (6%), part-time work (4%), safety (3%), or currency conversion (2%). Women and younger applicants expressed greater apprehensions than men and older students. The findings come amid a broader decline in Indian outbound mobility, with overseas enrollments dropping by 5.7% in 2025 to 1.254 million students after three years of growth. Rising costs, a weaker rupee, and stricter immigration policies have made students more focused on employability and post-study work rights. There is also growing interest in alternative destinations, with Europe, East Asia, and Southeast Asia gaining traction. Search data shows increased interest in studying in India (up 94%) and declining interest in the US (down 37%) and Australia (down 42%). ## Domestic alternatives and industry insights Policymakers and sector leaders are exploring "internationalisation at home" as a way to retain more students, with over 15 international universities expected to offer degrees in India by 2026. This could provide domestic access to global education while reducing costs and immigration uncertainties. Mohit Gambir, managing director of Oxford International India, noted that students now prioritize academic quality and teaching methods. He emphasized the need for institutions to support students beyond admissions, addressing challenges like cultural adaptation to ensure a rewarding experience. The evolving landscape suggests that while international education remains valuable, students are increasingly weighing domestic and global options based on academic and financial considerations.