Post-study jobs are the biggest factor shaping Indian students’ overseas education choices, says IDP report

Indian students continue to consider overseas education despite changing visa rules and immigration policies, but employment opportunities after graduation are increasingly influencing their choice of destination, according to a new report by IDP Education.

The October 2026 edition of Emerging Futures – Voice of the International Student found that post-study employment opportunities were the biggest factor affecting Indian students’ confidence in a study destination, cited by 22 per cent of respondents.

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Globally, the cost of living was the leading factor affecting students’ confidence, at 23 per cent, highlighting a difference in the priorities of Indian students, who appear to place greater emphasis on the potential career benefits of an international degree.

India accounted for 21 per cent of the survey respondents, representing 994 students and making it the largest source market. This was up from 17 per cent in the previous edition released in March 2026.

Indian students continue to consider overseas education

The report found that many Indian students were aware of changes to visa policies and other immigration requirements but had not changed their study plans.

Across the policy changes examined, 32 per cent to 41 per cent of Indian students said they were aware of the changes but had not altered their plans. The corresponding global figures ranged from 24 per cent to 31 per cent.

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However, 74 per cent of Indian prospective students were considering multiple destinations, compared with 83 per cent globally, suggesting that students are exploring alternatives as they assess their options.

The report also found that some students were reconsidering international education. Indian students accounted for 22 per cent of respondents who had decided not to pursue overseas education, representing 7 per cent of the total survey sample.

Globally, the share of students no longer considering international study increased from 11 per cent in March 2026 to 16 per cent in October 2026.

AI skills influence students’ career plans

Technology skills are also becoming an important consideration for Indian students planning their careers.

According to the report, 47 per cent of Indian students identified artificial intelligence (AI) and technology skills, including the ability to use, develop and work with AI tools, as among the most important skills for future job success. The global figure was 42 per cent.

A further 25 per cent of Indian students said AI-related job opportunities had increased their interest in particular subjects, indicating that emerging technologies are influencing both course selection and career planning.

Students rely on counsellors and AI tools

Indian students are combining professional guidance with digital tools when researching overseas education options.

Half of the Indian respondents, or 50 per cent, said they used counsellors or professional advisers to research international study options, compared with the global average of 37 per cent.

Meanwhile, 44 per cent of Indian students reported using generative AI during their research and decision-making, against 41 per cent globally.

Among Indian students using AI, 62 per cent said it helped validate an existing decision, while 22 per cent said it changed their decision.

An IDP Education spokesperson said, “Indian students continue to demonstrate a strong commitment to international education, even as changing visa policies and immigration requirements introduce greater uncertainty into their decision-making. What is becoming increasingly clear is that students are taking a more considered approach to their choices, with post-study employment opportunities and long-term career outcomes playing a central role in how they evaluate destinations. For students, the priority remains making informed decisions that align their academic aspirations with their career goals and long-term value.”

The October 2026 report is based on responses from more than 4,800 students across 106 countries and regions. The survey was conducted between August 18 and September 16, 2026, and included prospective students, applicants, current and former international students, as well as people who had decided not to pursue overseas education.